“No!” I replied, drawing myself up to my full 5’4” height, still almost a foot shorter than him. I needed to start wearing heels. Today I just had on my sneakers, good for baking and protesting. Not so good for standing toe-to-toe with big, intimidating men.
“Don’t worry.” He leaned in to whisper to me again. “Next time I’ll use silk restraints. Much easier on your soft skin.”
I pulled away, mouth open in shock. What nerve! But also, kind of hot. I turned away, feeling like he could read me all too well. He seemed to know exactly what effect he was having on me, and he was enjoying every minute of it. I needed to watch myself around him. Winning this battle wouldn’t be easy. Good thing I was tough as nails.
“Can we talk this through?” he asked, his voice low and seductive as velvet. “Let me buy you a drink.” He rested his hand lightly on my lower back, moving his thumb ever so slightly along my curve.
What was that I had just been thinking? Flushed, looking up at him, I couldn’t remember. But then I did. Tough. As. Nails.
“No!” I yelled, proud of myself for how tough I sounded.
I’d known battling this powerful man would be hard. I just hadn’t known how hard. I hadn’t counted on having to fight myself at the same time.