Rebel Read Free Page A

silent for a moment. Leaning back
against the wall, she studied him. What was she thinking? Did he
dare scan her again? Each time he touched her mind, the bond
intensified. At some point she would feel him there. It was
inevitable.
    Pushing away from the wall, she stepped
closer to the barrier. She clasped her hands behind her back and
the hint of a smile hovered about her lips. Her voice was low and
caressing as she said, “Take off your clothes.”

Chapter Two
     
    Corry had to pinch the inside of her wrist
to keep from laughing. Ashton’s brows drew together in a confused
frown. His eyes widened and his lips compressed as anger burned
away his confusion. A deep flush crept up along his neck.
    Served him right after the shit he’d pulled
in the tunnel. She should’ve used the motivator on him, but she was
too busy squirming. What was it about this man that kicked her
hormones into hyperdrive?
    VinDerley is the personification of your
wildest dreams. She had to stay on guard. He’d already guessed
she was attracted to him. Clearing her throat, she squared her
shoulders.
    “Did you hear me?” she asked.
    “I heard you.” He made no move to undress.
“There’s a barrier between us now. Why didn’t you have me strip in
the tunnel?”
    “I wasn’t in the mood then. I am now. Get
busy or I’ll make you dance.” She raised the wand, making sure he
understood the threat.
    His expression hardened and his ink-black
stare bore into hers. Another moment passed in tense silence before
he reached for his bowtie.
    She watched him silently as he shrugged off
his jacket and untied the wide satin sash. He kicked off his dress
shoes and went to work on the row of studs on the front of the
crisp white shirt. His gaze never left hers and his cold expression
never changed.
    He was gorgeous. There was simply no way
around it. The shadowy light in the cell made his hair look darker
and accented the sharp angles of his high cheekbones. And those
eyes—she felt captivated and surrounded by his night-black
gaze.
    The bunch and flex of his muscles fascinated
her—the rippling definition of his abdomen, the solid thickness of
his thighs. She wanted to explore the beautiful symmetry with her
hands and her mouth. Heat curled through her body in a tingling
spiral, lodging with demanding intensity between her thighs. Stars
above, he was tempting.
    As he removed each item, he turned to the
bunk and folded them into a neat stack. He mocked her with his
careful movements and his blistering glare. Only his black silk
boxers and socks remained. “Step into the corner.”
    “What? You don’t want the underwear too?” He
slid the boxers low on his hips, drawing her attention to the
unmistakable protrusion of his erect cock. Even through the black
silk it looked enormous.
    He’s manipulating you. This is not about
sex. It’s about control.
    She pointed the wand at the center of his
chest. “ Back. ”
    With an insolent grin, he moved into the
corner. She deactivated the energy barrier, grabbed his clothes,
exited the cell and reactivated the barrier in an unbroken series
of movements.
    “I’ll see if I can find you a blanket for
the bunk,” she muttered.
    “How about a sandwich and some coffee?”
    His playful tone drew her gaze back to his
mostly naked body. Desire slammed through her, literally knocking
the breath from her lungs. The constant turmoil in her life hadn’t
left much time for lovers. Still she’d never encountered anyone who
appealed to her on this elemental level. Ashton reached beyond the
dreary isolation and made her feel alive.
    A vivid image filled her mind. She saw the
gaunt faces and haunted eyes of the children in Shanty Town. Corry
expelled a ragged breath. She was not important. The cause must
take priority over her cravings .
    “You can stare all you like,” he whispered.
“Hell, I’ll even let you touch if you go get me something to
eat.”
    She dragged her gaze away, shame dousing the
last of her