Page 43 of Monster

He chuckled as he tossed the outfit at me. “You can put it on, or I’ll put it on for you.”

I caught the fabric scraps in my hands. “This isn’t even enough coverage to be considered a bikini.”

He kicked the bag toward me. “Good thing it comes with a little robe to tie around your waist.”

I scoffed. “You mean that useless little sheer wrap-up thing in there? You’ll still be able to see everything.”

He grinned devilishly. “And what do you think is the point, Miss Pettigrew?”

* * *

I needed to send someone to check on that fucking ransom progress. I hadn’t had an update in almost forty-eight hours and it was making me anxious. Keeping me on edge. And damn it, I needed a way to relieve the tension pooling in the back of my mind. I made a mental note to send someone to check on the status of that ransom and the plan that came with it. But, I also tried to keep my cool.

Because Miss Pettigrew was more astute than I gave her credit for.

Still, she refused to put on the outfit for me, and that simply wouldn’t do. I mean, the second I saw that royal blue and silver number in the window a couple of days ago, I knew I had to get it in her size. She might’ve felt that something like this was above her station in life, but no woman was too good for expensive lingerie. I knew she’d feel like a million bucks the second she stepped into it, and my eyes would get a nice teaser of what was to come if I played my cards right.

But, if she didn’t want to play nice… “I told you what would happen if you didn’t want to put this on yourself.”

She quirked an eyebrow. “You’re going to dress me? You were serious about that?”

I nodded. “Quite.”

She held her arms out. “Take your best shot.”

I shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

I took the outfit in my hands and made my way for her. And very quickly, she dropped down onto the bed. She sprawled out, her entire naked body mine for the taking, but little did she know that I had access to everything I needed. I crouched down and took one of her delicate feet in my hands, massaging it softly as she breathed a sigh of relief. Any woman could be forced into an outfit. But, not every woman could be eased into one. I wanted to ease her into this outfit without her realizing it, just so she understood how easily even she could be manipulated.

After all, it was good for people to know their weaknesses.

“Oh, that feels good,” she moaned.

Typical. “Wonderful.”

I slowly worked my way up her calf, feeling her leg relax the higher my hands moved. She spread her legs even more for me, giving me a prime look at those damp, delectable pussy lips. It took all the willpower I had not to face-plant into the decadent scent pouring from between her legs. It took every last droplet of energy I had saved up after last night to restrain myself enough to prove my point. But, I did. I held back what I wanted and, instead, slipped that thong all the way up her legs.

I even got Charlotte to lift her hips for me just so I could settle it into place.

Charlotte’s eyes widened. “Hey, wait a sec—”

I placed my finger against her lips. “You can either fight with me, or you can stand and I can finish dressing you. Either way, you don’t win. Accept that now.”

I didn’t think it would work. I honestly didn’t think that would be the statement to break her down. But, when I saw that helpless look drift over her eyes, I knew I had her. She held out her hand for me and I eased her off the bed, watching as her breasts fell in a glorious teardrop fashion against her chest. I slid the bra up her arms before I walked around behind her and clasped it into place. Then, I took the liberty of sliding the sheer robe up her arms.

Before tying a little bow around her waist to close it all up.

I grinned. “You really should see yourself in this.”

Charlotte’s face didn’t budge. “I’m sure.”

I slid my hands into my pockets. “No worries, you’ll get used to it. I expect you to be in that little number for our lunch date, though.”

She paused. “Huh?”

I grinned. “You’ll be wearing this for lunch in a couple of hours. We’ll eat it on the back patio so we can watch the waves.”

She blinked. “We’re not eating down here?”

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