Page 42 of Cruel Dynasty

But the truth was that I’d laid in bed, heart racing, and pictured all the ways Holden could exact payment for his silence. I’d given myself freely to Spencer. He’d shown me gentle attention and taken me roughly. I wasn’t exactly wanting in the sexlife department. But there was something entirely different about what I’d agreed to with Holden.

I’d given him control. I’d agreed to his rules—whatever they might be—and that didn’t frighten me, it electrified me.

Despite that I chose the most boring undergarments I’d brought on the trip. Given my decision to wear only sexy lingerie, they were hardly modest. But the nude lace bra and knickers were tame compared to some of the other sets I’d packed. Still, I found myself turning in the full length mirror to assess how I looked.

I stared at the woman reflecting back at me.

“Dirty girl,” I accused harshly. She didn’t even blink.

Knowing that Holden usually kept things casual, I opted for a pair of loose, faded jeans and a cream-colored, cashmere sweater with a wide neck that hung loosely off one shoulder. I’d long since foregone Kerrigan’s habit of picking shoes first. Today, I didn't know what shoes to pick. Would we stay here? Would we leave? I gave up trying to guess and shuffled downstairs in a pair of socks.

I froze on the stairs when I spotted Holden standing in the foyer.

“What?” he called up. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I just assumed you would be having breakfast like usual.” I shook off my surprise and continued down the staircase.

A slow smile spread across his face as if this somehow pleased him. It widened as he looked me up and down, only falling away when he reached my feet. “You look beautiful, but where are your shoes?”

“Do I need shoes?” I challenged him.

“They’re generally recommended for walking.”

“So, we’re going somewhere.” I waited for him to tell me more, but he simply nodded. “Where?”

“It’s a surprise,” he hedged.

“How will I know what shoes to wear?”

“We’re in Yorkshire,” he answered in a dry tone, “so skip anything with a heel. Boots or laces, dirty girl.”

I heaved a frustrated sigh, hoping I sounded appropriately put out and raced back upstairs. I’d only brought one pair of boots, since Spencer had mentioned the possibility of horseback riding. They were made of buttery leather that rose nearly to my knees. It took me a moment to tug them on. Then, I headed back down to meet Holden.

As soon as we were out the door, he headed toward his SUV.

“So we’re driving somewhere?” I asked as he opened the passenger door and held it for me.

“Yes, Nancy Drew. Stop looking for clues and just go with it.”

“But—” I started.

He cut me off. “My rules, remember?”

I slouched into the seat, only moving to buckle up when he started the engine. As soon as my belt was fastened, I turned my attention out the window.

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re cute when you pout?”

“No shame—”

“My rules.” He tskked. “And I say all the shameless flirting, especially from you.”

“You think I’m going to flirt with you?” I laughed.

“I don’t think so. I know.”

I groaned and twisted as far as I could in the seat. We rode in silence for a few minutes. Finally, Holden cleared his throat.

“You’re really going to give me the cold shoulder all day?” he asked.