Page 180 of The Contract

But I do it.

Hollow my cheeks. Let it settle on my tongue.

Show him I mean every word I’ve said.

Because I do.

Because I have to.

It’s the only move I’ve got left.

To save Mila.

To save myself.

Then he pulls away.

Lifts my chin with a single finger.

Nips at my trembling lip.

His hand slides lower. Cupping my breast like he already owns it. Like it’s his.

Like I’m his.

“She owes you her life, your friend.”

A pause.

“Will you owe me yours?”

I hesitate.

A mistake.

Two fingers clamp down on my nipple, tight and punishing, until I gasp.

“Yes.”

The kiss he takes is all teeth and possession. No softness. No warning.

Just the brutal crush of his mouth, sealing the deal I just gave him. Freely, willingly signing away my soul.

Then, ice-cold steel.

It glides across my collarbone… Drags over my nipple…

Then lower.

Down my stomach.

He presses it along my sex.

My whole body locks up.

Frozen. Trapped in my skin.

I feel it—right at my clit—cold steel and the kind of threat that doesn’t need words.

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