Page 35 of Midnight Dissonance

“Then why do we need to hide this from my sister? I mean, we’re not besties, she and me, nor do we tell each other everything, but she’s the only family I have that I’m speaking to. If I’m going to keep something from her, then I need to know why.”

“Because I like to keep my work life and my personal life separate. I’d rather not have the office gossips catch wind of our relationship.”

She narrowed her eyes, still not buying it. “Why? Ashamed to be seen with me?”

“Jesus, woman, you are far and away the most contrary woman I’ve ever known.” He got in my face. “I need you to listen because I don’t make a habit of repeating myself. I’m fucking thrilled to be with you. But we’re just starting out and building our relationship. Until we are comfortable allowing other people to know what we are, until we are comfortable and established in our relationship, I would rather keep other people out. Understood?”

Her anger deflated like a popped balloon. “Yes, Sir.”

He quirked a brow.

She blew out a breath. “I’m sorry.”

“Are you always this combative? I should be able to buy you some clothes without getting my head bitten off.”

“I don’t want anyone buying stuff for me.” People used money to manipulate others.

“Too bad. You need clothes. I’ll buy you some. At least until we can get some of your things moved over here.”

She sputtered at the thought of her stuff over here. “Why would I have anything of mine here?”

Josh cupped her face, his gaze serious. “Because I meant what I said. You belong to me. And for the record, I don’t share.”

“I don’t understand you.” She bit her bottom lip.

“What don’t you understand?”

“Why you’re doing this. We had fun together, sure. But you don’t have to go to these lengths for me. I get you don’t spend long with submissives from the club, and I’m cool with it. We can have fun and let this thing run its course.”

“And when are you going to get it into that thick head of yours that I’m not going anywhere? I want you, Lexi, and not just for a few nights.”

And then his mouth was on hers, and all her thoughts scattered. He couldn’t really want to keep her. The playboy of the Eros Pit, settle down?

He kissed her hungrily until she wrapped her arms around his neck and melted against him. He claimed her with his kiss. Telling her what he thought of her refusal to let him buy her stuff.

He couldn’t understand that in her past, money had always come with conditions. It was how her parents had controlled her for years. To her, someone buying her things was a way to control and manipulate her. There was no such thing as a gift without an ulterior motive. At least not to her.

But . . . oh god, he had the most wicked mouth. He shifted angles and took the kiss even deeper. She hadn’t thought it possible. But she kissed him back with equal fervor.

And those hands of his she was coming to adore slid down the sides of her body. Then he hefted her into his arms, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. The move put the hard blade of his shaft against her sex. She rocked her hips against him, moaning into his mouth.

He tore his mouth away. His face was dark with lust. “See, your body already knows I’m its Master.”

“Prove it.”

The look in his eyes went from hungry to downright depraved. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. What’s your safeword?”

“The real one is guitar, not red.”

“Cute.” He ground his cock through her folds and then winced. “Shit. I don’t have a condom with me.”

“You don’t need one. I’m on the pill. I’ve been tested in the last month and haven’t been with anyone in three.”

His gaze went nuclear with lust. “Are you sure? If I take you without protection now, I won’t go back.”

Lexi shivered at the dark lust in his eyes. She didn’t want any barrier between them. And even though she knew it was reckless and that there could be consequences, she didn’t care. She wanted him right here, right now. “I’m sure.”

He notched his shaft and then drove inside her with enough force it would have bowed her back had not been up against the tile wall. She moaned at the sensations bombarding her.

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