Those Three Words: A Single Dad, Billionaire Boss Romance(45)

“Don’t fucking tease me, Margot. I told you. Unless you want to be punished. If you think that hurt, then trust me, you’ll be begging for mercy if I really work you over.”

He stares at my eyes in the reflection of the mirror. “Do you understand me?”

I nod my head and he releases his hand from my mouth, dropping it back down to my throat. He squeezes it tight as he presses his body against mine, his mouth at my ear.

“Good. Now, be a good girl and take a shower and go to bed. And next time you think about playing with me, just remember tonight, okay? Remember all the places I’ll take it out on you. I’m not interested in being teased by you anymore. Next time, I’ll take it and I won’t go easy on you.”

And with that, he turns, leaving me alone in my room, completely and utterly ruined for any other man.





I sleep in well past my normal alarm. I made sure to turn it off last night since today is Sunday. I don’t tend to sleep past nine a.m., even on the weekends, but my body was begging for a few extra hours today.

I stretch my arms overhead, arching my back. My body feels like I went to the gym, which I haven’t done in about six months. I make a mental note to get back to working out, especially if things between Graham and I progress.

That thought brings an instant unease to my belly. The warning from Miss Perry the other night comes back to me.

I huff and pull the sheet over my head. I have no idea what kind of situation I’m getting myself into by going down this road with Graham, but my gut is telling me it won’t end the way I want it to.

I sit up, my head slightly pounding, but it’s not bad considering I forgot to take any Advil before bed. Thank goodness Graham forced me to drink several glasses of water.

I walk to the bathroom, flick on the light, and start the shower. I know I took one just twelve hours ago, but I need the water to wake me up. I pull my nightshirt over my head, and my mouth falls open when I catch a glimpse of my naked reflection.

“What the…”

I trail my fingers over the marks on my body.

A perfect teeth imprint on my right breast.

Another on my shoulder.

The bruised outline of Graham’s fingertips on my hip.

It’s exciting, exhilarating. I contemplate grabbing my phone and sending him a photo, but I decide against it. I’m not sure what kind of mood he’s in today, if he woke up this morning regretting last night. It wouldn’t surprise me, especially after how distant and cold he became after our date at the charity event.

“You’re innocent…” His words from last night echo in my brain and I realize now what he meant. At the time I thought he assumed I’d never been with a man before, but this is what he was referring to. He’s right. I’ve never been with a man who wanted me so unapologetically.

A man who isn’t afraid to scare me.

A man who demands things from me I didn’t even know I could give.

I step into the shower, letting the hot water ease my muscles.

After my shower I take the time to dry my hair, applying some makeup and making sure I pick out an outfit that will cover the bite marks and bruises. I settle for a pair of high-waisted jeans and a long-sleeved crop top.

My phone buzzes. I pick it up and see a message from Shelly.

Shelly: Change of plans. I’m finishing my shift at noon. Tell me you’re free so we can hang out.

I smile, then I remember the conversation I had last night with Hank. Shit. Hank! I check my messages and see he texted me, asking me if I was okay and made it home safe.

Me: Hey. Yeah, of course. Just got ready. I can be in the city in an hour.

Shelly: No need. I’ll come out to the suburbs, see this fancy-schmancy place you’re being held captive in… and maybe get a glimpse of the beast while I’m there. ;)

I panic briefly. I don’t think Mr. Hayes would mind me bringing a friend over, but I also know Shelly, and if she gets a chance, she’ll say something inappropriate in front of him. Against my better judgment, I tell her to come over.

Me: Okay, but PLEASE be on your best behavior… I know how you are.

I send her the address, then open the message from Hank.

Me: Hey, not even sure where to start. Yes, I made it home safely, but I was a little tipsy and slept it off this morning. I’m sorry about last night.

Honestly, I don’t remember what all happened, but I know that Mr. Hayes showed up and you left. Please don’t hate me.

P.S. Shelly is coming over today. I’ll see what I can find out.

I don’t hear back from Hank. I’m not surprised. He’s always busy on the weekend either playing baseball, umping it, or working for his uncle’s painting business.

Shelly messages me back.

Shelly: It’s Sunday, Margot, the Lord’s day… Of course I’ll behave.

I want to believe her, but her text is followed by the devil smiling emoji.

I give up.

I head downstairs to the kitchen in desperate need of coffee and carbs. I glance around. There’s no sight of Mr. Hayes or Eleanor anywhere.

“They’re not here.” Miss Perry’s nasal voice makes me jump.

“Where’d they head off to?” I ask, trying to sound nonchalant as I pick out which espresso pod I want.

“Mr. Hayes is playing golf and Eleanor is with her grandmother.” I’m surprised she actually answered me instead of making some snooty remark.