Just a Bit Ruthless (Straight Guys, #6)

by Alessandra Hazard

“Newsflash, kotyonok: what gets you off says nothing about your character. I know a man who gets off on being pissed on by women. He’s one of the most assertive, confident men I’ve ever met.”

“You asked who the real Luke Whitford is,” he said quietly. “The thing is, I’m not sure. I’m a people-pleaser. I try to fit in every room I enter. In hindsight, maybe I did try to please my mother and be something she wanted, the same way I later tried to please my father and be the tough, manly heir he wanted—I don’t know. I guess I’ve always just wanted to be enough.” But never was. I wish I could find someone who would love me the way I am and wouldn’t want to change me.

“Don’t be embarrassed, it’s nothing I haven’t heard before. A lot of the time, people’s fantasies lie outside the boundaries of what they believe they should feel, outside of what they think is normal. Rape fantasy or forced seduction fantasy is actually one of the most common sexual fantasies among both men and women. As long as both parties have given their consent and use safewords, there’s nothing wrong with such roleplaying.”

He’s everything I don’t want. My father was just like him: always busy, distant, cold-hearted, and manipulative. He never had time for my mother or me. We were basically strangers to each other. I don’t want that for my kids. I want love. I want a loving, attentive husband who will put me first. Someone who will take care of me.”

And maybe it’s selfish of me, but I’m sick of getting crumbs of someone’s attention and affections. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. I think I deserve better. Everyone does. You, too.”

“I’m not a magician. I can’t help you if you don’t make an effort yourself. Your attitude isn’t that different of a woman who chooses to have unprotected sex only because she can take a ‘morning-after’ pill. It is, in fact, worse, because there’s no such pill for you.”

If you’re smart, you’ll tell me to get out of your life, Curly.” Chuckling, he brushed Luke’s temple with his thumb. “Do it now while you still can. Because once you’re mine, you’re mine.” He inhaled and exhaled slowly. “I already think of you as mine, but I think—I think I can still stop and leave you alone.” Maybe. “But if you choose to be mine, that’s it. Even if your perfect nice man ever shows up, you won’t stop being mine.” I’ll fucking kill him, and it’s not an exaggeration. “So think carefully. It’s your call, not mine.”

“I feel fucking cherished when I’m with him. Like I’m something precious. And that means more to me than any sweet words.”

“I love you, too, you silly boy,” Roman said, his voice gruff. When Luke’s eyes widened, Roman’s lips twisted. “I wish I didn’t. They say love brings out the worst in a man. I’m almost scared of what I’m capable of if anyone tries to take you away from me.” He stroked Luke’s cheek with his knuckles, holding Luke’s unblinking, misty-eyed gaze. “You should have told me to leave while you still could, sweetheart. I’m not a good man. Not good enough for someone like you.”