The Four Leaf

by Lee Jacquot

He takes a small step closer, forcing me to lift my chin to keep our gazes connected. “I need you to know something, Bambi. I’ve waited a long time for this. I won’t be sweet, soft, or anything remotely close to gentle. This will be years of pent-up desire, unleashed in a way that will leave you a fucking mess. Are you sure this is what you want?”

My nerves prickle. “You plan to hurt me.” He nods once. “In the best ways. And not more than you can handle.” A tremor runs through my spine at his promise. At the possibilities of what he could mean. “Okay.” “I’ll count to thirty, Bambi. Then I’m coming for you.”