Black Romance Chapter 22

"That's because it is . " Adjusting the cuff on my sleeve, I tugged it down . "I'm not confusing . I've been pretty clear with you about what I want . " Stroking my jaw, I slouched into the seat . "I might like games, but I haven't played any with you . . . " Pausing, I let the air dangle between us until I could see her body tense, waiting for me to continue . "Yet . "

"Is that what you think?" she asked, narrowing her eyes . "I think you've done nothing but play games with me . "

"Please, humor me with why . "

"Well," she said, spreading her legs wide open as she rocked with the beat . "The first night you seemed guarded, the second night you refused to listen to me when I told you to leave, the third you warned me about how dangerous you are, and tonight you just seem settled, as if you own the seat you're sitting in . " Popping her ass, she rode the pole back up . "I'd call that playing games . "

This woman takes notes . She pays attention .

But she's wrong .

"Was I clear about what I wanted every time I was here?"
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"Yes . " Nodding her head, her fingers clenched the pole as she twirled .

"Then how I act doesn't matter . If I want to sit and watch, I will . If I want to get up and walk around, I fucking will . If I decide I want you to do a fucking headstand and sing for me . . . " My lip twitched, head angling into my shoulder . "You will . "

"What the hell is the point you're trying to make? That you're in charge? Because I'm pretty sure I made that clear the first day . "

"The point is, you'll know what I want from you, but what I do or how I act is irrelevant . It's that simple . "

"Is it really that simple?" she asked, snapping out her hip as she stood still, her body stiff and rigid .

Pushing my hands into the arm of the chair, I stood myself up and walked to the edge of the stage . Using the very tips of my fingers, I tickled her ankle, gently running my fingers up and down her calf .

"Tell me your name," I said, tracing the muscle in her calf, circling her ankle and riding the muscle back up .

"I told you already, it's Ash . "

"No," I said, shaking my head . "Your real name . " My hand kept sweeping up and down her leg, feeling her silky smooth skin .

Her eyes steadied in the sockets as the question drew out an uncomfortable shudder . Taking a step back, she pulled her leg away . "I can't do that . "

"Yes you can . "

Curling her arms over her chest, I watched her trying to protect herself . "I can't do that, it's against the rules . "

"I make the rules in here, no one else . You told me that, you said the word no doesn't exist in here . So, give me what I want, tell me your name . "

"Why don't you tell me yours first?"

"Fine," I said, holding out my arms as if I was an open book . Biting my bottom lip, I arched my brows, letting my eyes scan her face . "Bentley, there, now it's your turn . "

"I thought you said it was Salt?"

Smirking, I leaned over the stage and took her hand, pulling her back into reach . "It is, that's what other people call me . But I want your real name, so I'm willing to trade, mine for yours . "

"Well, I can't, I'm sorry . "

"You can and you will . " Veering my stare, I tilted my head . "You said before I can have anything I want in here, that's what I want, I want your real name . "

Tearing her hand free from mine, her brows dipped into the bridge of her nose . "I told you I can't . " Her voice was low as she spoke through clenched teeth . "I can do anything else for you, but I can't give you my real name . "

You're going to give me what I want .

Climbing onto the stage, Ash started to back up more, her eyes huge and surprised . Stalking forward, I trapped her against the wall . Cupping her chin, I lifted her face, forcing her eyes onto mine .

"Are you really telling me no?" She didn't answer, she just stared up at me, her skin washing white with concern . "Because bad things happen when people tell me no . "

A shiver ran over her body, the tremble so fierce I felt it zip through the pads of my fingers . Swallowing hard, Ash crooked her jaw, glaring at me with razor sharp eyes .

"Is that a threat?" she asked, her words cold and abrasive .

She's not afraid me .

What have you been through, my flower?

"It's a promise . " Leaning in, I kissed her forehead as my thumb drew small circles over her chin . "And I always keep my promises . "

Chapter end