My eyes drift over her face, once again realizing just how exquisite she is. It’s as if every time I look at her, there’s something new to admire.
It also makes me realize she must be popular with men, and it has me asking, “Are you a virgin?”
Tess’ lips part in a gasp, her eyes widening on me before they begin to burn with anger. “How dare you ask me that?”
“I need to know for your future husband, koritsáki.”
“Don’t call me little girl,” she bites out as she yanks her body out of my hold. “And you can go to hell.”
I watch her rush out of the hall with her head held high, then the need to see just how hard I can push her has me going after her.
Chapter 7
Tess
I’m offended, well past the point of upset, and so damn anxious my muscles are starting to ache from all the trembling.
This is madness. Pure freaking madness.
Fleeing to the guest restroom, I’m just about to shut the door behind me when a hand slams against it. Nikolas steps inside, using his body to force me back before closing the door.
Shit. Not again.
He’s like a dog with a bone today, determined to drive it home that I’m practically his bitch to do with whatever he wants.
Knowing I can’t handle another confrontation and I’ve reached my limit, I resort to pleading, “Can you just give me a minute before taking another swing at me?”
The restroom is small, and it doesn’t give me much space to move when Nikolas takes a threatening step closer to me. His unnerving gaze burns on me, his jaw locked so tight it makes him look intimidating as hell.
Reaching behind me, I feel for the wall, then another step forward from Nikolas has my back pressing against the light peach tiles.
He doesn’t stop until his chest brushes against mine, and I’m forced to turn my face to the side in an attempt to avoid him. He lifts a hand and slowly twirls my hair around his finger.
The trembling in my body grows, and I pinch my eyes shut as the new fear that he might want more than just control over my life grows at a rapid pace. I might find the man physically attractive, but I hate everything he stands for, and it leaves me unsure of how to handle him.
He leans down until I’m engulfed by him, his breath warming my skin. Nervous energy rushes through my veins, accompanied by something else I’ve never felt before and can’t quite place.
“Should I sample you so I can tell your future husband exactly what he’ll be getting?” The threat is so low it vibrates in the air and right through my body.
I start to shake my head, but then his other hand flies up, and gripping my jaw tightly, he forces me to look at him. “Then answer my fucking question.”
“I’m not,” the words burst from me.
He tilts his head, his eyes narrowing, my answer clearly angering him. “How many men?”
For real? This is absolutely insane!
I lick my lips nervously, then instantly regret it when his eyes flick down to my mouth. When they stay locked on my lips, flaming up with something close to desire, I blurt out, “One. Only one!”
Nikolas brings his gaze back to mine then a deadly smirk forms on his features. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?” His grip lessens on my jaw, and just like earlier, he brushes a finger over my lips, leaving a rush of tingles behind I’m not comfortable feeling.
Suddenly he leans down until I feel his breath on my mouth. My breathing stalls, my heart lurches to my throat, and as my eyes snap shut, my hands fly up, pressing hard against his chest.
I become overly aware of the manliness radiating from his body and the feel of his solid muscle beneath my palms. I’ve interacted with my fair share of men but never had to deal with a man so powerful, and it leaves me defenseless and stunned out of my mind.
Before I can protest, he whispers darkly, “I’m starting to enjoy this, Theresa.” His nose skims my cheek, and when he speaks again, his lips brush against mine. It’s so soft, but it packs one hell of a punch, sending an explosion of tingles flooding my body. “I love a good fight. Keep it up, and I might want to find out if you’re just as feisty in bed.”
Grabbing at the only thing I have in my arsenal, I say, “You’re my stepbrother. We’re family.”
His fingers find my chin again, then he snaps, “Open your fucking eyes.”
They snap open, and I’m met with an up-close and way too personal view of Nikolas. His attractive features are so tense it looks like his self-control is a second away from snapping.