Stop

"Stop," he snapped.

I sank to my knees on the carpeted floor, breathing hard. I could run to the ends of the earth and I still wouldn't be able to escape the fact that Corinne Giroux had to be better for James than I was. 

She was calm and cool, a soothing presence even to me – the person freaking out over the unwelcome fact of her existence. My worst nightmare.

His hand twisted into my loose hair, restraining me. His spread legs surrounded mine, his grip tightening so that my head was pulled back gently to touch his shoulder. 

"I'm going to give you what we both need, Emmy. And you're not going to worry about Corinne, because while she's inside the ballroom."

"Yes," I whispered, licking dry lips.

"You forget who submits, Emmy," he said gruffly. "I've given up control for you. I've bent and adjusted for you. I'll do anything to keep you and make you happy. 

But I can't be tamed or topped. Don't mistake indulgence for weakness."