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  In between his words, Rafe’s tongue traced the edge of her ear; his hand moved up her arm to her shoulder and then began a downward motion. As soon as he finished speaking, he bit down on the lobe of her ear and his hand squeezed the soft swell of her breast, her nipple hardening in his palm.

  She wanted him — but she hated herself for it, and she spoke with contempt both for herself and for him.

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  “Fine. You’ve easily proved that you make me want you. None of that matters, though. This is business — that’s all. When it comes to an end, I’ll walk away without ever looking back,” she almost panted out, her back arching.

  Rafe laughed as he moved his lips across her cheek, then traced her jaw before moving to her mouth. She had the most delectable pink lips — he could play with them all day. He sucked her bottom lip into his mouth, then ran his tongue along the smooth surface before she opened up to him.

  Her legs spread apart as he slid to the edge of the chair, Rafe’s frustration mounting when he couldn’t press against her. He tried telling himself that wasn’t what this was about, but in devouring her mouth he was quickly becoming lost in her essence.

  Steadily pursuing a single goal, his hand moved to her leg and slipped under her skirt, his fingers gliding along her smooth thighs as he reached inexorably for her heat. Her small wisp of lace didn’t stop him as he reached inside her panties and touched her hot core.

  Ari groaned into his mouth and twisted in her chair, trying desperately to get closer to him. Rafe slid two fingers inside her heat and began pumping his fingers while his thumb moved in a circular motion over her swollen pink bud.

  It took only a few short minutes for her to shatter, her cries swallowed by his hungry mouth. With supreme effort, Rafe pulled his hand from her still quivering body and leaned back to look. Ari’s flushed face and shocked expression almost made up for the fact that he was now rock-hard and hurting.

  “You may hate me, but you fall apart in my arms,” he whispered as he brought his finger to his lips and licked the taste of her from his hand. Her eyes widened, making his erection jump with unfulfilled desire.

  He’d been planning to prove something to her, but his lesson had royally backfired on him. He needed a minute to pull himself together. Just as she got her clothing straightened out, the flight attendant entered their cabin, and Ari jumped. He knew she was mortified at how close the two of them had come to getting caught with her half-naked. Her face heated as Rafe stood up.

  Ari was offered a drink and something to eat, but she didn’t seem able to speak as his efficient staff member waited patiently. Rafe sent the middle-aged woman off to start their meal before throwing one more scorching look Ari’s way. When she refused to meet his gaze, he turned around.

  Without saying another word, he walked to the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. After about five minutes he was calm enough to join Ari again, but he knew if he didn’t take her that night, he might suffer permanent damage to his nether regions.

  As Rafe leaned back in his chair, Ari’s gaze strayed to his, fear and excitement mingled in her eyes. He knew she was unsure of what was to come, and that was a good thing. It was best to keep her slightly out of control.

  The less time he gave her to dwell on their situation, the more likely they both got something they wanted from each other. She needed him — he just had to make her realize that.

  For the next fifteen minutes, the cabin remained uncomfortably silent as Rafe pulled out his laptop and checked through his e-mail. Ari’s gaze didn’t stray from the window, and as their meals were brought out, he had had enough.

  “Why do you continue blaming yourself over your mother’s accident?” He wasn’t accusing her of anything; he truly didn’t understand it. For a moment, he thought she was going to refuse to answer him, but then he saw a sigh escape as she turned in his direction while picking up her fork and toying with the food in front of her.

  “I was the one who called her out that night. She never would have left the house if it wasn’t for me. ”

  “You didn’t cause the accident. You didn’t cause her cancer. She had many unfortunate incidents occur in a row that were no one’s fault. As for selling the property, you had little choice. The medical bills had to be paid. ”

  “I would think you of all people would understand this, Rafe. You may despise women, but you obviously adore your parents and siblings. It doesn’t matter how much you or my mother or anyone else tells me that it’s not my fault, I still feel responsible. I can’t seem to make that feeling go away. ”

  “Would you be here now if you didn’t feel responsible?” He held his breath as he waited for her answer. She looked at him as if truly considering her words.

  “Yes. I’m not here because I feel guilt over causing the wreck. I’m here because whether it was my fault or not, I have the chance to make my mother’s life a little bit better. She always sacrificed everything for me, and now it’s my turn to do the same for her. This has nothing to do with whether I’m responsible or not; this is about making my mom’s life a little bit better. ”

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  “And if I tell you I want your total submission?” He felt himself holding his breath as he waited for her response. When a genuine smile flitted across her face, he fought not to join her with his own grin.

  “Then I’d tell you that you’ll be sorely disappointed. ”

  Ari took a few bites of her meal, but when his attendant came back, she gave her the tray, then leaned against the seat and looked back out the window. It didn’t take her long to fall asleep, her features relaxing as she involuntarily let down her guard.

  Rafe found that he could gaze at her for limitless amounts of time and be perfectly content. Frustrated with himself, he opened his laptop back up and forced himself not to think about Ari for the next couple of hours. He had her where he wanted her — now he needed to focus on other priorities in his life.

  It was easier said than done.

  Chapter Three

  “Ari, we’re here. Ari?”

  Startled awake, Ari opened her eyes to find Rafe peering down at her. Darn, his little foreplay on the jet had zapped every ounce of her energy. She moved her neck, then winced as she felt the pinch. Sleeping while sitting up in a seat — even a chair as comfortable as the one on Rafe’s jet — was murder on the muscles.

  “We’re in New York?”

  “Yes, we’re pulling up to the hangar now. It’s seven, so I thought we’d grab a bite to eat before reaching the hotel. ”

  Ari’s nerves twisted into a tight coil when he mentioned the hotel. She knew what he expected, and it wasn’t a cold night in their room. What in particular was on the horizon? She had a suspicion that her obedience training would begin without delay.

  Excitement wasn’t what she expected to feel coursing through her, but that’s exactly what it was. Rafe had a way of turning her body to jelly; say what she would, being with him wasn’t the end of the world.

  Ari’s biggest fear in these precious last moments of freedom was of falling in love with him. He’d been more than honest in setting forth his feelings about their relationship. It was about sex and only sex for him — nothing more. Yes, she’d be a fool to fall for him. If he continued acting like an irredeemable jerk, it would be much easier for her to despise him. It was the moments of kindness he exhibited that scared her. She couldn’t resist his tenderness.

  “I’m going to use your bathroom for a minute,” she said as she stiffly rose to her feet, grabbing her clutch before making her way to the back of the jet. As the large aircraft cruised to a stop, she had to hold on to the counters as she moved. She was thankful the jet stopped as she closed the bathroom door. She understood now why you weren’t supposed to leave your seat until the aircraft had come to a complete stop — it was difficult to remain standing.

  Taking her time, Ari knew Rafe was probably glancing at his watch every fifteen seconds, but she didn’t care. She needed to pull herself together, so she washed her face and reapplied her makeup before choosing to join him again.

  As she made her way out front, she was impressed that he didn’t seem irritated. The jet’s door was already open and he waited there at the top to escort her down. She could refuse the arm he was holding out to her, but that seemed petty, so she accepted it and walked down the steps, feeling the warmth of his side so close to hers.

  Immediately, the biting wind of New York sneaked up her skirt and sent shivers through her body. It was much colder in the Big Apple than back home. She was wishing she’d packed warmer clothing, but she’d been given no time before leaving to check the weather on the East Coast. How could she be expected to know what it would be like? She’d never been out of California. She hated nylons and never wore them, but as the wind continued whipping, she regretted not wearing a pair to protect her na**d legs.

  Rafe escorted her to the waiting limo, and then quickly followed her inside the large car. She scooted down the seat, unsure of how she was supposed to act. When the newness of the situation was over, this would doubtless be a lot easier.

  “Come here, Ari. ” It wasn’t a request. The low timbre of his voice made her stomach quiver, though the soft command irritated her. She thought about ignoring him, pretending she hadn’t heard, but she needed to pick her battles.

  To scoot or not to scoot closer to him in a car? That wasn’t a match worth fighting. Much larger skirmishes loomed on the horizon, she was sure. Moving more slowly than usual, just to prove a point, she wriggled toward him.

  When she was within easy reach, Rafe gripped her underneath her arms and hauled her onto his lap. Before she had a chance to catch her breath, he pulled her face to his and kissed what little air she had left in her lungs right out of her.

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  His unique smell invaded her senses — an intoxicating mixture of hot spices and clean sweat. She’d never taken time to appreciate a man’s smell before, but with Rafe, she could find him by scent alone. It was raw power — the embodiment of masculinity — and pure seduction.

  She whimpered into his mouth as his hands traveled up and down her spine. Pushing his tongue forward, he demanded a response from her and she could resist him no longer.

  Each time she was with Rafe, he owned another piece of her, possessed her body just a little more. She knew she should care, but as his tongue swirled around the contours of her mouth, she couldn’t find the will to protest.

  With total submission, she melted against him, their bodies almost one. His hand moved to push her skirt further up, exposing her thighs and making it easier for her to spread her legs and settle more fully against his stiffening erection.

  When his teeth grazed across her bottom lip before sucking it inside, then nipping it, she shuddered in his arms. He pulled back to look into her half-closed eyes as he raised his h*ps and pushed his hardness against her heat. Ari pulled back, the emotions coursing through her too much for her to handle.

  “Quit trying to pull back from me. When we’re together, I want to touch you, run my hands along the silky skin of your thighs, feel the curve of your br**sts against my arm, and take your lips with mine and know they’re swollen from our kisses. You are mine now, Ari. I’ll prove that to you over and over again,” he whispered, making her body throb.

  “Tell me you understand. ” This he said as his fingers moved her skirt fully out of his way, exposing her barely covered bottom to his hands. He squeezed her behind and pulled her more firmly against his erection.

  “I understand,” she groaned as she moved her hips, seeking relief. How could she have any desire to come again when she had a very few hours ago? Never had she imagined having such an appetite for sex. But hey, since she had no choice but to be in this messed-up game with Rafe, she might as well quit complaining and enjoy the sexual delicacies he offered.

  “See, Ari, it’s not so hard to be agreeable now, is it?” he asked as his lips nuzzled her throat. How she wished she could feel nothing.

  “It will always cause me displeasure to agree so readily to anything you ask,” she said, her insult not having nearly the impact with her voice so low and breathy. To her surprise, instead of being offended, Rafe laughed.

  “Your words and your body say two different things to me, Ari. Even though you protest with your mouth, your eyes beg me to take you. ”

  “Believe what you want,” she said through gritted teeth as she fought the heat building inside her. She thought for a moment that she’d won their little argument as he pulled back. Then he spoke.

  “We’re here now, so we’ll have to continue this tonight — and, Ari, it will be a great night. ”

  Rafe removed her from his lap, and she angrily straightened her skirt. She was in a world of hurt. The only consolation was knowing he was in the same state as she was.

  “There won’t be any interruptions once I get you into our room,” Rafe promised as the door opened and he stepped from the limo, then held his hand out to her.

  With his voice echoing in her head, Ari grasped his hand and exited the car. As much as she’d protested to Rafe, she couldn’t wait for their meal to end and for them to arrive at the hotel.

  The next hour crept by as only Ari nibbled, too nervous to force much of the delicious meal into her mouth. She couldn’t say what she’d eaten or if it was any good, but after enough time passed, she needed to take a moment to herself.

  “Excuse me. ” Rafe stood as Ari rose and walked from the table. Making sure to keep her pace steady, she weaved around the other diners and walked to the bathroom.

  Looking in the mirror, Ari hardly recognized herself. Her cheeks were glowing a slight pink, her eyes were glazed, and her skin felt as if it were on fire. A few glances, stolen touches, and some indecent acts and her body was going through a total transformation.

  She’d gone into this situation thinking she would hate every minute of it, but the emotions she felt right at this moment were anything but hate. She felt passion — need — excitement. She felt…alive.

  Was it so bad being with Rafe, really? What was he asking of her? Sure, he wanted control over every aspect of her life — but he wasn’t enforcing that. He’d made a lot of demands of her, but then he’d backed down when she refused to settle.

  She was too tired and too confused to think much more about it right at the moment, but she wished she had more time before their night ended in the way it inevitably would. Rafe was going to have sex with her — and she wanted him to. She would only have liked to have had more warning, more time to strengthen the armor around her heart. With him in her life, she knew time wouldn’t be something she’d get a lot of.

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  When Rafe made a decision, it was set in stone — at least in his eyes. All she could do at this point was try her best to keep up with him instead of being dragged along behind.

  *****

  As Ari walked back toward the table, Rafe stood, as good manners and her beauty demanded. She took his breath away. Even after a day of traveling and dealing with a less-than-pleasant situation, she held her head up high, and her face glowed.

  He pulled out her chair, then leaned down, trailing his fingers along the bare skin of her neck as he whispered in her ear.

  “I sometimes forget to breathe when you enter a room. ”

  Ari tensed in his arms, but then her shoulders went limp and she leaned back against him. This is what Rafe wanted. He needed her to trust him — allow him to show her he wasn’t the monster she believed him to be. He would take care of her — she just had to allow him to do so.

  Walking back to his seat, their eyes connected, and the passion blazing in her expression made his decision. Dinner was over. It was time to show her what their time together would be like over the next few months.

  “Check!” he called to the waiter. Anticipation burned as he stood again and took her arm. Suddenly, the hotel seemed all too far away.

  Chapter Four

  Shane

  “This had better be good!”

  “Shane? Is that you?”

  Apprehension filled Shane as he sat up in bed, instantly awake upon hearing the fear in Lia’s voice. He glanced over at his clock, noting that it was three in the morning. Something had to be terribly wrong.

  “Lia! What’s going on? Where are you?” he asked as he slid na**d from his bed and strode to his walk-in closet to grab the first set of clothes he came to.

  “My car broke down at this rave party way out of town in an abandoned barn. Things got…well, it just got scary and I don’t know who else to call. Rafe’s in New York and Rachel will kill me if she finds out…”

  “Give me the address. I’m on my way. ” Shane finished dressing in a pair of jeans and his favorite sweatshirt, then grabbed his wallet and keys as he made his way down the stairs.

  “I don’t know the address, but I have directions. You take the old mill highway out of town about ten miles and then turn onto a gravel road. There will be an orange spray-painted keg letting you know where to turn. Follow that out another ten miles and you’ll be able to find me. ”

  “Okay, I’ll be there in less than twenty,” Shane said as he jumped in his car and revved the engine. If he drove a hundred miles an hour, he might make it there that quickly. He’d certainly give it his best effort.

  “Don’t hang up!”

  Lia’s panicked voice made Shane gun the gas as he pulled from his garage and out onto the deserted streets. He didn’t like the thought of her being at some ecstasy party in the middle of nowhere.

  “What in the hell were you thinking, Lia? Do you know the kind of crap that goes on at those parties?”

  “I’ve never been to one. I just wanted to do something fun. ”

  “Lia, you aren’t a teenager anymore. You’re a twenty-six-year-old woman with a family that cares about you. You can’t do stupid things like this,” he lectured.

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