He Knows When You’re Awake: A Naughty or Nice Novel

by Alta Hensley

“You do realize it’s slightly unsettling that you know my exact measurements?” “I know everything.” He pauses. “That sounded less ominous in my head.”

I want to watch the diamonds rest against your throat while you remember who put them there.

“What I want . . .” His teeth graze my collarbone. “Is to take you right here, surrounded by your sketches and scattered gems. To watch you come apart on this table where you create.”

“You’re mine,” he says again, his words threading through the haze of overstimulation. “Mine to claim. Mine to punish. And if you ever try to run out on me again, it won’t be just my finger in your ass.”

If he touches what’s mine, I’ll remind him exactly who he taught me to be.

“I meant what I said, Sloane. You’re mine now. And I take care of what’s mine.”

Two hours later, I’ve learned several important life lessons: Cooking videos make everything look deceptively easy. Setting off the smoke alarm once means Knox will appear in full tactical gear. Setting it off twice means the entire security team will be hovering nervously in the hallway.