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"Relax, da into her hips She was certain she’d wear bruises froet fked and it’s up to you whether this is easy or hard"

She cried out, shocked that he’d persist and that Tate had nothing to say And then, as if to punish her for her resistance, James cracked the strap down over her shoulder blades as he thrust more forcefully into her reluctant body

Tears ran down her cheeks and sobs welled froarbled tone

Her safe word God, as it? Her mind was a chaotic mess of fear and pain

"Rain," she croaked out "Rain!"

SEVENTEEN

TATE had just uttered his last coainst his side Out of habit, he glanced down quickly to pull out the phone enough so he could identify the inconore

He swore under his breath before glancing back up to where Jaer This was an important call but it had to co for weeks over whether she was going to transfer her late husband’s portfolio--her inheritance--to Tate’s firm and he was supposed to have a firm commitment from her any moment Apparently she’d chosen now to infor to have to be quick

He yanked up the phone, glanced at Chessy, as facing away from him, and then uttered a crisp hello

"Tate? Where are you? I can’t hear you"

Tabitha’s voice was strident in his ear He wasn’t in the et back totheir e

He walked a few steps away toward the corner where things were a little quieter and he could also keep an eye on Chessy

"Can you hear me now?" he asked

"Yes, much better I called you because I have soet in touch with lately and as et in contact with you at all times"

Tate’s brow furrowed and he turned away froh the wall