"You know that—"
"I don't know shit, and I don't want to know it either," Nicolai stated firmly. "If you want me, then you need to show it to me. I am not your damn toy, Ariana. Do you think that you can treat me how you like and then come back and pick me up from the shelf?"
He rolled his eyes before saying, "Sorry, but that is not happening, princess. If you want to stay, then prove it."
"And what if I refuse?" she asked in a cold voice.
"Then you can get up and get lost," Nicolai mimicked her cold voice and snapped right back. "Remember to close the door behind you when you leave."
She sucked in a breath and clenched her fingers. She pulled and scratched the back of her hands until her skin turned red. He knew that Ariana was facing whatever demons that she was carrying within her heart. Clearly, she desired him, and yet she refused to accept it.
