Page 83 of Worshiping Faith

“What I deserve,” Wilkes murmurs, tilting my chin just a little higher, “And what I demand.” His thumb drags lightly across my jaw. “Are two very different things.”

The intensity in his gaze demands submission. It pulls at something deep inside me, something I don’t understand, something I don’t fight.

I drop my eyes.

“Look at me.” His voice is quiet. Not a shout. Not a growl.

But a command.

I obey.

Wilkes moves closer. Not enough to touch. Not enough to give me anything. Just enough to let me feel the heat of him, the weight of his presence.

His lips part like he’s going to say something, then he waits. Waits for me to fidget. To react. To fail him.

I don’t.

His approval is silent. A slight shift of his head. A breath through his nose.

Then he says, “Things work different with me.”

It’s not a warning. It’s not even a promise.

It’s a law.

My pulse spikes. I shouldn’t lean in, but my body betrays me.

His mouth curves, not quite a smirk, but something dangerous. “Play games with me,” Wilkes murmurs, “And I’ll spank your ass.”

I feel that deep in my core. Liquid heat pools between my legs, and I hate that he sees it, that he knows.

His thumb brushes my jaw, a feather-light tease before he grips my chin, tilting my face up to own my reaction. “We’ll discuss what this is when I have time to make sure you understand what’s expected.”

It’s not a question. Not an offer. It’s a decision.

His.

I think back to the block. To the way I teased him with that playful, sarcastic yes, sir.

And to the way he looked at me when I said it. Like he wanted to break me open and own whatever spilled out.

My stomach flips. My thighs clench. God help me, I want more.

I want time for him to make it clear.

My lips part. The words slip free, soft but unshaken. “Yes, sir.”

Something inside Wilkes snaps.

It’s not loud. Not violent.

It’s complete.

His fingers tighten, just a fraction, just enough for me to feel it. His control is razor-thin, his breath sharp as he exhales through his nose.

Then he steps back.

Cold air rushes between us, my skin instantly missing his heat.

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