Nerdy. Boring. Unavailable. 18-year-old Jaike Hepburn is happiest when those words are used to describe her. But then a billionaire playboy comes along, and it becomes impossible to deny her secretly submissive self.
Charming. Friendly. Perfect. This is what 21-year-old Derek Christopoulos strives to be for the sake of his parents' legacy. All his life, he's kept his darkness hidden, waiting for that one girl who'd take pleasure in belonging to him.
When Derek and Jaike finally met, they both knew the truth in an instant.
She is his, and he is hers.
"No." It was so, so hard to keep her voice from shaking, and harder not to stare at Derek when he was this close. Hardest of all to ignore was the heat he exuded, enticing her to touch any part of his ruggedly toned body. He was muscled all over, and his tight black shirt and hip-hugging jeans made no secret of it.
He leaned close, his breath fanning her face as he whispered, "Want me to keep you company?"
That look, that voice, those words.
They were the reasons why Jaike hated being around Derek Christopoulos, would rather be anywhere else but near him. He made her feel clumsy and awkward, unable to decide where she should look or what was safe to touch.
"Nothing to say?" Look was such a tame word to describe how Derek's eyes devoured her. There was never an instance he didn't gaze at Jaike as if he possessed her, body and soul, and he was simply biding his time before he claimed ownership.
She needed to get away from Derek. Fast. Before her tumultuous emotions caused her to do something she'd forever regret.
"Get out of my way, Derek." Jaike winced at how weak she sounded.
"Not until you say please."
She bared her teeth. "Please."
Several heartbeats passed before Derek slowly drew back, his arms releasing her from his prison. He gave her a heart-stopping grin. "That was the first time I heard a girl say 'please' like she wanted to kill me."
Jaike scowled, just so she wouldn't accidentally smile.
But he saw through her, and his laugh said as much.