Page 86 of Saddle and Bound

My face immediately heats up because I know exactly which passages he’s hinting at. And I also know that once Alex gets that look in his eye, he won’t back down. I try to glance away, but he won’t let me; he holds my gaze, determined not to let me escape.

With one fluid motion, he slips off my shorts, guiding me to sit on the edge of the couch. He places the laptop beside me, his hands warm and steady.

“Pick a chapter,” he whispers, his voice a blend of authority and desire. “Read it out loud… I’m at your command, princess.”

His confidence, his tone, awakens every nerve in my body. I want to resist, my heart pounding, but the thought of reading the most passionate parts of my novel – just for him – is as thrilling as it is embarrassing. I take a moment and, with fingers trembling slightly, I open the right chapter.

I take a breath and start to read, but my voice shakes, broken by little gasps I can’t hold back. Alex doesn’t move, but his eyes are fixed on me, following every word I utter. Then he leans in, slowly, and I feel the warmth of his breath on my skin. His fingers trace a gentle line along my cheek, encouraging me, before he kneels in front of me, his hands gliding down my legs, softly parting them.

He begins with slow, hungry kisses, punctuated by gentle bites along my inner thighs. My voice grows even shakier, unable to keep up with the rhythm of the words.

When his mouth finally reaches my center, I freeze completely, unable to continue. A shiver runs through me, and he lifts his gaze, provoking me. My eyes meet his, full of desire and a hint of challenge.

“All done, princess? Already finished reading?” he whispers, his tone deep and intense, sending a tremor through me.

“Alex… I… I can’t…” I barely manage to reply, but he insists, not moving an inch.

“Keep reading,” he commands, his voice low and sure. “If you want to come.”

I try to steady myself, to find my voice again, but each word is a struggle against the rising desire. I manage to get out a few lines before he resumes, his movements as intense as before.

I feel the heat of his breath on my most sensitive skin, as he plants a kiss, savoring his interpretation of the words, driving my excitement even higher. A thrill runs through me, and I try to press on with the reading. His tongue begins tracing slow, calculated movements, following every line I utter. He lightly nibbles my clit, his touch gentle but utterly consuming, before beginning to suckle, his pace maddeningly deliberate. I break again, my voice catching for what seems like the hundredth time, and he stops, lifting his gaze with an intensity that leaves me feeling exposed in every possible way. Without pulling back, he gives me a look, one that says everything.

“Keep going,” he orders, his tone brooking no argument.

I have no choice but to obey, as though it’s impossible to break free from his spell. I try to pick up where I left off, but my voice trembles, barely a whisper. Alex watches every move, every hesitation, and continues with precise intent. The tension mounts, nearly unbearable, and every touch brings me closer to that point of no return.

Then he releases me, just before I can lose control, his gaze capturing mine again. “You’re not finished yet, princess,” he murmurs, a dangerous smile on his face.

His mouth returns to me, and at that moment, all resistance dissolves. I keep reading, but now the words mix with my gasps, completely unable to hold back everything he’s making me feel.

We’re caught in a game of control and surrender, where every word, every breath, and every movement forges a connection that goes beyond simple desire. And as I finally let go, giving myself to him with no reservations, I know that this moment will stay with me, like a chapter in the book we’ve just written together.

Chapter 55

Rosie

I wake with a knot of anxiety twisting in my stomach. I immediately check my phone, my heart pounding as I see a new email in my inbox. It's from the marketing firm in Los Angeles.

With trembling hands, I begin to read:

Dear Ms. Rosalie Thorne,

Regarding your letter of resignation, we regret to inform you that we cannot accept such short notice.

As stipulated in your contract, a minimum 60-day notice period is required for the termination of your employment. Your proposal to conclude your duties within two weeks does not comply with this clause.

We urge you to reconsider your decision or, alternatively, to honor the contractual notice period.

Sincerely, Jennifer Patel

Human Resources Director

Anchor Media Group

I drop the phone onto the bed, feeling the air leave my lungs. It's as if the world is crumbling around me. I hadn't considered this possibility, and now I'm completely blindsided.

Without a second thought, I hurry out of the room and rush downstairs, searching for Alex. I find him in the kitchen, focused on preparing breakfast.

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