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

by Alta Hensley

“I think I’m being courted by a potential serial killer,” I say when Chloe answers. “Ooh, fun! Wait, what?”

“Worried you’re a serial killer with excellent taste in jewelry.”

“And you protect your assets.” I meet his gaze. “Is that what I am? Another precious stone to keep under lock and key?”

“You know, you’re surprisingly difficult to read.” “I could say the same about you.” She raises an eyebrow. “Me? I’m an open book.” “With half the pages torn out,” I counter, and she laughs, though it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

Or maybe they were doomed the moment I signed that contract, agreeing to live in his tower like some kind of jewelry-making Rapunzel.

I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want Cole Asher at this moment.

He’s been watching me, studying me . . . and I hate that I love it. That I crave his attention like it’s oxygen. That some part of me wants to belong to him, even when I know I shouldn’t.

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

I don’t know what I’ve gotten myself into with Cole Asher, and in this moment, I don’t care. All I know is that I’m completely, irrevocably his. And I’ve never wanted anything more.

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

gilded cage, Cole.”

“I don’t need to be perfect,” I tell her honestly. “I just need you.”

“That’s good,” she says, threading our fingers together, “because all I need is you too.”