Page 65 of Shield

“Punishment, kitten. You come when I say you come,” he growls, but he still doesn’t move, staying balls deep inside of me.

“Then what are you doing?” I snap. My tailbone is grinding into the granite countertop and I’m starting to lose feeling in my legs and feet.

“Doing my part to bring the next generation of cursed souls into the world.”

I roll my eyes. We both know I have an implant, so pregnancy is not happening.

“Great. Don’t move,” I say, rocking my hips back and forth as much as I can, trying to get the friction I need to do this myself.

He dips his head down, dropping a kiss on my forehead, and pulls out. “Can’t be late, kitten.”

29

Siena

Idouble-check the buttons on my silky blouse as Matti and I weave through the crowded lobby of One Pearl Park Plaza.

The blouse fits well, tailored to my frame, but I still worry that my ample chest will stretch the fabric too far, causing a gap or, God forbid, a button to pop. But this isn’t some off-the-rack piece from Target or a thrift store; it’s tailor-made specifically for me, and it fits fabulously.

I love the sound of my new six-inch Louboutins clicking against the marble floor, but my pencil skirt is restricting the length of my stride, and I struggle to keep up with Matti’s pace.

He looks fucking incredible in one of his $5,000 suits, the kind he exclusively wore when we first met. After a week of lounging in jeans—or nothing at all—at his penthouse, seeing him like this again has me in awe that he is mine.

I’m not the only one mesmerized by him. The crowd parts instinctively, making a path for him and, by default, me, but the women see nothing but him.

I get it. I’m not a jealous person, but I sneak glances to see if he notices their stares. If he does, he gives no indication. His entire focus is on me. He slows to match my pace, taking my hand and winking.

People pour out of the elevator when the doors open, and Matti and I are alone when we step in and the doors close.

I can feel him watching me as I stand in the corner, eyeing the numbers that light up as we slowly ascend.

Matti reaches out, taking my hand and pulling me toward him. “We’re an engaged couple shopping for a ring, kitten. Act like you like me.”

“No,” I say emphatically. “We are not.”

We’re dressed expensively because the store is a fancy, by-appointment-only type of jeweler, but despite the fact that I’m wrapped in a $800 blouse and $1200 skirt, I worry I don’t look like I belong at Matti’s side. That no one will believe a man like him would want someone like me.

“Are you still mad about your punishment earlier? After all the times you’ve come this week, a little orgasm denial won’t hurt you,” Matti grins, pulling me into him. When I don’t respond, he pulls back, looking down at me in concern. “Kitten?”

“I just… I don’t want to mess this up.”

His thumb traces along my cheek, down my jaw, and to my lips before tilting my head up so our eyes meet.

“Listen to me. You are my beautiful fiancee who deserves the finest ring available. You don’t have to play a part. Thatiswho you are. It’s impossible for you to mess this up.”

I sigh. “I’m not your fiancee.”

He frowns. “Siena, you will be my wife. That makes you my fiancee.”

“You never asked me,” I say softly, trying to avoid his penetrating stare.

He catches my chin, forcing my gaze back to his. “Is that where the attitude came from earlier?”

I don’t answer, but I don’t have to. He sighs and presses a soft kiss to my lips just as the elevator doors open.

We step into a grand foyer where a receptionist sits behind a sleek glass counter, dressed impeccably in a high-necked, long-sleeved dress that barely covers her ass. Her long, toned legs are encased in sheer stockings, and her high heels gleam under the lights. Her updo is meticulous, everything about her outfit chosen to showcase the stunning diamonds adorning her neck, ears, and fingers.

This is the kind of woman who belongs in a place like this with Matti. Not me, the Jersey girl who belongs on the other side of the tunnel. I’m not even wearing jewelry.

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