Wicked Ties(20)

“And you force a woman to engage in acts you believe she secretly desires, even though she may not want to acknowledge them.”

“She has to accept them to find true satisfaction. My role is to help her.”

“What’s in it for you? I mean, if you’re always trying to read her mind and persuade her to do new, unusual things…?”

“New things that make her so hot, she’s giving me total control and is begging me to f**k her however and wherever I want. I’m sure you see the obvious benefits.”

Yeah, hard to miss that point. Was it possible to be so aroused that she would beg in such a way? A mental picture of Jack tying her down, feeling her up, as she writhed under his hand exploded across her brain. A blast of heat sizzled her belly…and lower. God knew his aggressive touch earlier today had flooded her with arousal so fast, she’d nearly been dizzy with it. And his kiss had obliterated most thoughts of fear and hesitation, the crowd, and her stalker.

She didn’t doubt he could make a woman beg for anything, everything. If she wasn’t careful, didn’t keep her distance, she could quickly become another notch on his bedpost. Worse, he could open her psyche and expose all the hidden fantasies better left to the dark corners of her mind.

Time for a change of subject. “Thank you for getting me out of Lafayette. I would have panicked and run when the bullets started flying. On my own, I would never have been able to concoct this disguise and…distract him.”

“That’s my job, Morgan.”

“You didn’t have to do it.” Then, recalling the way his hands roamed her body in Alyssa’s bedroom, she shot him a suspicious look. “In fact, I think you did more than your job required.”

“Think what you want.” Jack’s smile told Morgan that her assertion amused him.

“I usually do.” She gritted her teeth, wishing she knew how to wipe that smile off his face. “Where are we going?”

“I’ve got a place. It’s safe. We can hide you there until we figure something out.”

The thought of being anywhere near Jack, even for just a few days rattled her. “Maybe I should rent a car and drive back to Houston. I’ve already imposed—”

“He’ll catch on quick and follow you, Morgan. This guy isn’t stupid. Psycho, but not stupid. You want to be safe or dead? Besides, it’ll be a good opportunity for you to learn about Dominance and submission. I can ensure you’ll sound like an expert on your show.”

“I think I get the picture.”

“Cher, you haven’t even scratched the surface.”

“I don’t need you touching me anymore.”

His smile could have melted butter. “You may not think you need it, but I know better. You need it every bit as much as you want it.”

Morgan’s jaw dropped. “You are one arrogant bastard.”

“You’re submissive, and I’m arrogant. See how well we’re getting to know each other already?”

His quip put her temper in a twist. “I am not— That’s it! Take me back to Lafayette.”

He sent her an amused glance. “Back to your friend’s car, the one your stalker probably has his pretty rifle trained on as we speak?”

She bit her lip. Damn it. Why did he have to be right?

“Or maybe I should drop you off at the police station,” he taunted. “They’re always so much help in stalker cases.”

Clenching her fists, Morgan said nothing, again knowing spoke the truth.

“Or maybe, you could hop a plane back to L.A. How long do you think it would be before he stopped shooting pictures and tried again to shoot you between the eyes? You got a death wish?”

“No.” Her voice vibrated with the anger she felt coursing through her body. “You got an off button for your mouth?”

Jack just smiled. “You’re too smart to want to face a killer more than your sexuality, Morgan. I’ll ask you the same question I asked before your stalker started shooting: What are you afraid of?”

“I’m not having this conversation with you.”

He shrugged, as if he didn’t care about her response one way or the other. “Fine. It’s your life. Am I taking you back to Lafayette or are you going to stay safe with me?”