Tiger Lily: Part Three Read Online Free PDF Page A

acceptable payment. I won’t force you, but that’s what I want,” he said.
    I huffed, feeling thoroughly ambushed. I wanted to whine that I should get a week to process, but there was no reasoning with the man that had taken me to my doctor’s office immediately upon seeing me just a day before. This was the one thing he asked of me, and I had said I would try. “Fine, but I don’t have to like it. I had a bad experience after my parents died. The counselor gave me a few brochures to read after…after I poured my whole heart out to her. It was useless. But I will try therapy again, for you. I still want to do something else, though.”
    “I’ll think of something.” He leaned over and kissed the back of my neck.
    “Sex,” I said, like it was a dirty word. He stopped.
    “I wanted to find and explore what we have together without sex. We can’t do that now,” he said.
    “Why not?” I asked coyly.
    He reached over and placed his hand over my sex possessively. “Because I’m not going without sex. I don’t go without,” he said bluntly.
    My mouth dropped open and I looked past him. “I don’t want you to go without. I just didn’t want to share you. But there is something that concerns me.” I paused and he waited for me to continue. “Melissa mentioned there are things you enjoy that I don’t…or we haven’t…”
    He pressed his lips together. “Melissa again.” I could hear the exasperation in his voice, but he took a soothing breath and then returned to me. “We had a different relationship together. I was different, too. You already know some of my kinks, but the main thing right now is you staying here with me.”
    I put all my feelings into my gaze. “I meant what I said, Jonas. I’m staying, but I want you to tell me what’s going on and for us to discuss it, and for you to compromise instead of taking over.”
    He grinned at me. “Feisty and full of negotiations. Who are you?” He moved out of the bed and changed back into his clothes.
    My cheeks warmed. I shrugged.
    He kissed me. “I like it, but you’ll find I’m not easily swayed. You won’t get your way all the time, especially if I think my way is for your betterment.”
    I sighed. “Yes, I’m well aware that you’re bossy and pushy.”
    “I’m not perfect, but you love me,” Jonas said. His voice went up at the end, a rare hint of uncertainty.
    Of course that hit me right in the chest and I answered without hesitation. “Yes, I do. That, I’m certain of.”
    Jonas cupped the side of my face and we stared at each other as electricity sparked between us. His thumb reached over and traced the outline of my lips.
    The doorbell sounded. Grrr!
    Leaning in to kiss me, he said, “That’s the trainer. We’ll talk more soon.” He climbed off the bed and headed for the door.
    “Jonas?” I called out.
    He turned in the doorway. “Yes?”
    My pulse sprinted as his eyes bore into mine. “The way you are with me makes me feel like…I’m special to you.”
    Jonas walked back over and kissed me tenderly on the lips. “That, I’m certain of,” he whispered.
    My heart swelled and I leaned forward, deepening our kiss.
    The bell sounded again and we parted.
    “Now, get some rest. I’ll check on you later.” That assurance was all I needed as I gave myself to sleep and dreams.

 
     
    I RUBBED MY EYES against the light coming from the table lamp. My body felt rested, though my jaw was sore from grinding my teeth. My heart sank as dread washed over me. Had I been having a nightmare?
    I sifted through my thoughts as I took in my surroundings, narrowing in on a phone next to the lamp, along with a handwritten number scrawled across a piece of paper.
    This is your new phone and number—Jonas
    My stomach lurched at the thought of what might have appeared on my phone after giving it to Jonas.
    Would Declan call to gloat? What would happen if Jonas answered?
    The pain in my jaw flared again as I gritted my teeth. My mind raced