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She bristled at his boorish attitude If he expected her to turn into

a ers, he was about to learn, if he hadn’t already, that her small stature didn’t mean she was docile “And if I don’t?” she dared

He slowly set his fork down on his plate as the corner of his mouth curled into a wicked smile that was both a threat and a proly Don’t underesti, Bella Trust me, the burn of my handprint on your smooth, bare ass will be a stark reminder for days of why it’s not in your best interest to defy me”

Gulp Her face flamed and she stared at hi bent over his lap and feeling the sainst her tender flesh actually made her squirm restlessly on the barstool Holy crap, was she one of those woot off on experiencing a little pain with their pleasure? She couldn’t deny the ies in her head definitely aroused her

“Any other issues with my orders?” he asked calmly as he took a bite of his crispy bacon, his too casual attitude belying the undercurrents of lust flowing between them “Or maybe you’d like to sass me one more time and find out what I’d like to do to that ware here?” he challenged

She absently bit her bottoht, probably wasn’t the s at hershe’d oppose him God, what did it say about her that she was tempted to issue a smart-ass remark just because she was curious to knohat it was like to sub herself over to Maddux’s desires made her weak in the knees

She smartly remained quiet, and he took her silence for compliance

Maddux went back to eating his scras, as if he hadn’t just turned her inside out with a sha “So, now that you understand the repercussions of defying me or any ofand the elevator,” he said, putting the credit-card-like piece of plastic next to her on the counter that already had her name on it “When you use the key card, it will notifyand what floors you ht stop on with the elevator Tempest and Hunter live on the two levels below mine, and if they aren’t home or don’t want visitors, they can lock out their floor, as can I”

All Arabella could think about was the fact that this key card essentially had a tracker on it And why not, since MadX-Tech was the king of all things security? “So, basically you’ll be stalking me?” she asked wryly

“No, not stalking,” he replied, unoffended by her co to keep track of you, because you’re an asset and I always protect what’s mine, Bella You’re no exception” Finished with his breakfast, he pushed his empty plate aside

“And what about work?” she asked, feeling h she’d willingly signed up for this “I have a job and I don’t want to give it up” She’d go stark raving mad if she had to sit around in this pristine penthouse castle all day and night

“I wouldn’t expect you to give up your position as a digital data analyst and curator at the university library,” he said, stunning her with the fact that he knew her job description and where she was ened a private security detail ill be with you at all ti, and he’ll make sure you’re dropped off safely at work and picked up when you’re done, as well He’ll report directly to me”

“That is ridiculous and unnecessary,” she said, the irritable words slipping from her before she could censor them

He arched a brow and crossed his ar now “This isn’t a negotiation, sweetheart If you don’t like my rules, you’re free to leave”

Maddux’s comment was casual, but it was the hard look in his eyes that told Arabella that if she walked out, her father’s life would collapse as a result, and she wasn’t ready or willing to take that chance She’d knowingly traded her life for her father’s, and this unsparingsoeance from her father in return