Chapter 41

She sounded so near tears that Tyson decided to give her a little space, if that's what she needed. He eased up and let her slide off his lap, onto the floor. She kneeled in front of him with her skirt hiked up to her waist, and glared at him through wet, spiked lashes. Black mascara smudged under her eyes and ran down her cheeks. He reached out to wipe the black streak off her face. She jerked away from him, but he caught her arm and pulled her closer, between his spread knees.

Pressing his thumb against the skin of her cheek, he wiped the mark from her face. His hungry gaze took in her disheveled state. "So fucking beautiful. I have to have you in my bed tonight."

She stared at him, her eyes huge. "What if I say no?"

"Not an option."

Anger made the green of her eyes sparkle. "Or what? You'll toss me out onto the street where Franco Delgado can get me? Is that the alternative you're threatening me with?"

Tyson tightened his fingers on her arm, starting to weary of her consta