35

Aurora My spine jerks upright at Jonathan’s now very recognisable voice. It doesn’t matter how much I hear it or how much time I spend in his company. It will always hold a frightening edge that’s meant to be obeyed. Worshipped even. Despite my earlier retorts, I admit taking refuge in the public setting. Now that we’re all alone, I have absolutely no defence against my tyrant. I scramble to my feet, realising the position I’m in — on my knees with my arse in his full view. The moment I stand up, a scorching warmth appears at my back like a volcano nearing an eruption. I don’t even get to turn around as Jonathan grabs both my wrists and pins them with one hand at the small of my back. My breathing shortens and that now-familiar heat shoots through my limbs and settles between my legs. “Do you think it’s okay to defy me, Aurora?” His voice lowers as his lips graze the shell of my ear. “Is that it?” “I…I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Oh, but you do. That’s why you’re doing it o