Page 49 of His Dark Purpose

“Where doyouwant it to go, little girl?” He gulped, clearly struggling with the idea of ceding.

She imagined it was difficult for a man like him—a man always used to being in charge—to have to surrender any element of control in his life.

“I don’t love what you’ve told me, sir, but I want to thank you for being honest.”

“You deserve it.” He shifted on the bed, on the back foot, for possibly the first time in his life. “I wished I could have told you sooner, but there never seemed to be a good time.”

Ibet.

When was the opportune time to tell the woman you were bedding that you’d followed her financial demise with personal interest?

She reached for his hand, wanting to console him despite her sardonic monologue. “I can’t be too vexed at you.”

A part of her could hardly believe she was offering him any sort of reprieve, but the truth remained the same—shedidlove him, and she didn’t want to consider a life without him. If the newfound contrition in Kyle was genuine, she intended to make the most of it. “I suppose your callous control has always been one of the things I find so fascinating about you.”

“Callous control?”

His eyebrow arched, sending excited butterflies flying through her belly. Amy knew that gesture well enough to know what it could mean, but with the tables turned, she was prepared to push her luck.

“I’mbeing honest now, sir.” She caught her lower lip between her teeth. “So, I’d appreciate you paying me the same courtesy I paid you.”

“Is that right?” He shook his head at her, his expression brimming with unspoken emotions.

“Thatisright.”

Her heart hammered faster as she watched his responses. Under usual circumstances, she’d have been skating on thin ice with that tone of voice, but at that moment, she had virtual impunity. How could he condemn her after the things he’d confessed? She was finally able to speak her mind.

“Fair enough.” He chuckled, seemingly releasing some of the tension he’d been holding onto. She noticed it fall from his muscular shoulders, wishing his physique wasn’t so damn distracting. “I’ll give you free rein this one time, little girl.”

“Thank you.” Relief emanated at his reply. She might have the moral high ground, but Kyle would always have the ability to dangle the threat of erotic punishment over her. It was one of his great many powers. “Because I have two questions for you, sir.”

That piqued his interest, his back straightening as he squeezed her fingers lightly. “Two?”

“Yes.” She risked a small smile. “And they’re important.”

“Go on then.” He signaled for her to speak with his free hand. “Let’s hear your important questions.”

She took a deep breath. “First, is thereanything elseyou haven’t told me?”

The idea of a new revelation crawling out from its grave in a few months filled her with dread. Better that he told her while they were focused on intimate honesty. As for what had already been said, she would learn to live with his murky confession. Kyle had been devious but had come to her aid, eventually. She couldn’t forget that. Without him—without his love, money, and favor—she feared what would have become of her. He’d had an agenda, but he’d still saved her.

“Nothing else, little girl.” The warmth in his tone spoke of an easy sincerity she hadn’t witnessed when he’d admitted his terrible truths. He was more relaxed, his mesmerizing eyes large as he replied, and instinctively, she knew she could trust the answer. “I swear it. This conversation is me airing all my dirty laundry with you. I’ve put it all out there, and now it’s up to you.”

“Okay, thank you.” She edged closer, unhindered by the cuffs for the first time in what seemed like hours.

“And your second question?” His arm rose to tug her against him, the feel of his strong limb snaking around her as natural as drawing her next breath. For all their complicated conflict, the connection between them was real and impossible to deny. Even if she had fled from Brock Hall, she would never have gotten far. There was no desire for a life without William Kyle—without his love, attention, and twisted punishments.

“I need to know you love me, sir.”

Amy sensed the strength of feeling stirring inside her. She’d been on her own for so long before Kyle—barely surviving—it was hard to entirely let down her guard and believe his affection was real. Even when Graham had been alive, she’d learned to be emotionally detached, understanding that encompassing tenderness had not been the kind of relationship they’d shared. Standing on the precipice of such vulnerability with Kyle, it was suffocating to realize how exposed she truly was.

“And I meanreallylove me.” She closed her eyes, steeling herself. “Because if this is only about sex and kink for you, then…” She exhaled. “Well, I’m not sure it’s enough for me.”

“Amy.” The arm around her tightened, his hand shifting to tug at her hair and gently drawing her head backward.

Her eyes flew open at the change of tack, her heart racing as she twisted to look at him.

“How can you even ask?Of course, I love you.” He leaned closer. “I’m absolutely fucking crazy about you. That’s why I was so afraid of telling you and fucking this up. Losing you would kill me.” His voice broke with emotion as he pulled her onto his lap.

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