Page 14 of Tangled Temptation

“Just what I said. Close the drawer and come out of the room. I’ll lock the door so you aren’t tempted.”

She huffed, closed the drawer, and marched over to him. He gestured for her to leave the room. That meant brushing by his hard body.Two can play at this game.As she passed him, her fingers grazed over his chest, lingering on his nipples. Once she was in the hall, he shut the door and locked it.

“You know I don’t have to have a vibrator to masturbate.”

“But you won’t.” His hands cupped her shoulders. “Anticipation. Think how sweet it will be tomorrow if you’re sexually unfulfilled today.”

“I guess you won’t be taking your pleasure either.” She lightly stroked his impressive bulge.

“I won’t.” He grasped her questing fingers and kissed each digit. “Oh, and I forgot to tell you. When I had your things moved, I kidnapped your battery-operated boyfriend.” He dropped her hand and left.

“Bastard,” she whispered, but she smiled. Jared was going to be a hard case to figure out, but she would. She liked puzzles.

Now to survive until tomorrow.

Chapter Four

Thenextday,Jaredworked through the morning without a break, anticipating his afternoon with Angie. She hadn’t been happy with him leaving her without satisfaction, but he wanted her on edge. He wanted Angie to learn she couldn’t manipulate him any way she wanted, because he suspected she was used to easily dominating men.

He wasn’t one she could do that to. Never before had a woman stimulated him both physically and mentally. And he liked it. Jared went up the stairs to the third floor and into his special room. It was empty.

Disappointment hit him hard in the stomach. It wasn’t the first time a woman couldn’t handle his needs, but he’d had high hopes that Angie was different. She’d been so aroused yesterday. He hadn’t read her wrong, he was sure of it.

Her increased breathing, flushing of the skin, the flash of desire and need in her eyes. He shook his head. It seemed in the cold light of day she couldn’t handle him. He made his way across the room to close up the cabinets when she came flying into the room. She skidded to a stop when she saw him.

He took in the rumpled T-shirt, the messy hair, along with a pair of shorts and flip-flops. “You’re late.” He kept his tone level, even cold, but his heart unclenched with relief.

“I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t fall asleep until early this morning and woke up five minutes ago.”

Jared frowned. “Have you eaten?”

She shook her head.

“Let’s go.” He took her by the arm and led her downstairs to the kitchen. “Sit.” Jared gestured to the small table and opened the fridge. He quickly assembled a sandwich for her, along with some cheese and fruit. “Eat.”

She picked up the turkey sandwich and took a bite, then another one. Within a few minutes, the sandwich was gone, and she started in on the cheese and fruit. Jared grabbed a bottle of water and twisted the cap loose before he sat it in front of her.

Angie took a long drink, then polished off her food. Jared picked up the empty plate and set it in the sink; he could deal with it later. “Bring your water.” He gestured for her to proceed him. Once back on the third floor, she stood in the middle of the room, staring at him.

“What time did you fall asleep?” he asked.

“Around five this morning.”

“Why?”

“Why what?” She placed her water bottle on the small table and wrapped her arms around herself.

“What caused you to fall asleep so late?”

“Are you kidding me?”

The outrage in her voice almost made him smile. “Tell me, Angie.”

“I was frustrated, okay? You left me hanging, yet again, and there was nothing I could do about it.”

“You didn’t masturbate?”

“You told me not to.”

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