I roll my eyes, but I can’t suppress the grin tugging at my lips. “First of all, I don’t own a car. Second, you’re paying for this, so you’re getting the deluxe package.”

He laughs, the sound sending a warmth through me I can’t ignore. “Looking forward to it.”

I peel my yoga pants down and step out of them, tossing them onto the hood of Karc’s McLaren. The cool breeze brushes against my bare legs, and I tug my t-shirt off next, revealing the tiny bikini underneath. Karc’s eyes lock onto me, and I swear I see his pupils dilate. Good. Let him squirm.

“You know,” I say, bending over to grab the sponge from the ground, making sure to take my time, “you could’ve just asked me to wash your car. You didn’t have to buy the whole day.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” he replies, his voice a little rougher than usual. I glance over my shoulder and catch him staring. Got him.

I wet the sponge and start scrubbing the hood, working the soap into a lather. Karc leans back against the car, arms crossed, trying to look casual. But I can see the way his jaw tightens, the way his eyes track every move I make. I smirk and drag the sponge slowly along the windshield, making sure to arch my back just a little.

“You’re enjoying this,” he says, his tone accusing but with a hint of amusement.

“Me? Never,” I say, grinning as I squeeze water from the sponge down my body. I glide the hose between my legs, mimicking the crotch rope he’d tied me in last night. The water trails down my skin, and I shiver, not just from the cold. Karc’s eyes darken, and I swear I see his claws flex.

“You’re asking for more punishment, little bird,” he growls.

“Oh, am I?” I turn to face him, leaning back against the car. “I thought we were just washing your car. Or is there something else you’d like me to do, Mr. Stevens?”

Karc takes a step closer, and for a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me right here, in front of everyone. But he stops just short, his golden eyes blazing. “You’re teasing me,” he says.

“And you don’t like it?” I tilt my head, feigning innocence.

“I like it too much,” he admits, his gaze dropping to my lips. “But don’t think for a second I won’t return the favor.”

“Promises, promises,” I murmur, pressing the sponge into his chest. He grabs my wrist, his grip firm but not painful, and for a moment, we’re locked in a silent battle of wills. The tension between us is electric, and I can feel my pulse racing. I’m playing with fire, and I know it, but I can’t stop. Something about this man—this alien—makes me want to push him, to see how far I can go before he snaps.

And then, in the middle of it all, it hits me like a thunderbolt. This isn’t just a game. It’s not just teasing or revenge for last night. I’m falling for him. Hard. The thought terrifies me, but it’s undeniable.

“Shit,” I mutter under my breath, pulling my hand free and turning back to the car. My heart’s pounding, and my knees feel weak. I can’t do this. I can’t let him in. But as I glance at him over my shoulder, the look in his eyes tells me it’s already too late. I’m in deep, whether I like it or not.

CHAPTER 12

KARC

Iwrap the towel around Raven's dripping form, unable to resist trailing my fingers along her skin. Her flesh pebbles under my touch. The scent of her arousal mingles with the soap and water, driving my Vakutan senses wild.

My lips crash against hers, claiming her mouth in a deep kiss that makes her moan. Breaking away, I growl, "Get in the car."

"Where are we going?"

The defiant sparkle in her eyes demands a response. My hand connects with her barely-covered ass in a firm spank. The sound echoes across the parking lot.

Her squeal of delight shoots straight to my groin. "Get in the car, little bird."

"Okay." Her voice comes out soft, submissive. Not good enough.

"SayYes Sir." The commanding tone comes naturally after centuries of military service.

"Yes, Sir." Her voice drips like honey, smoky and seductive. By the Precursors, no human has ever affected me this way.

I open the passenger door of my Tesla, watching as she slides into the leather seat. Her wet bikini clings to every curve. Myhands grip the door frame, claws threatening to emerge and shred the metal.

The line between reality and fantasy blurs. Is she playing a role, or does she truly submit to me? Right now, with desire clouding my thoughts, I cannot bring myself to care.

“We’ve been invited to Giscard’s Hellfire Club tonight,” I say, leaning against the car as Raven adjusts her towel. The fabric clings to her damp skin, and I force my eyes to stay on hers. Barely.

“In a towel?” she asks, raising an eyebrow. Her tone is dry, but the corner of her mouth twitches like she’s holding back a laugh.