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Chapter 6
Tiana
Swallowing the last bit of coffee from his mug, Jesse washed the coffee cup and set it in the dish drain. I finished my own cup, mirroring his actions. He explained the plan, but I didn’t like it one bit. Being trapped in a stranger’s home worried me. No, that wasn’t quite true since Dane and Tanner weren’t exactly strangers, but it had been a while since we were close. I was more worried about becoming a burden to them.
“You can’t force me to go anywhere, Jesse.” I bit down on my lip. “You know that, right?”
“We are not going through this again. If you want me to drop you at a safe house where you are monitored twenty-four seven by a police officer, I can.”
“Wouldyoube the one watching me? I didn’t know you were into that.”
“Don’t get smart, Tiana.”
“Fine.” I was stuck in between a rock and a hard place and I didn’t like it. “What are my options right now?”
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” He tilted his head to the side. “I don’t have a preference, but you should.”
I had a funny feeling that I would not like either outcome, but I didn’t want to be placed under surveillance, even if it was for my protection. Also, the easy way would likely not involve Jesse thrashing my bottom before our trip. I eyed the bandages on his arms. “Ishould.”
“Don’t push for me to react because you’re overwhelmed. Tate hit the nail on the head and I agree.”
“I hear what you’re saying,” I agreed. “But I don’t like it.”
“You need a release, buttercup. Let me do that for you.”
I stepped to his feet, pretending to be brave, but my lip trembled. I fought to keep my face neutral and failed as tears pooled in my eyes. If he was going to put me over his knee, he would have already done it without talking about it so much. My plan of action changed. I was going to taunt, throwing out a desperate attempt to secure a reaction. “No, you don’t have to. I’ll be okay.”
“I think you’re full of guilt over not keeping in touch with everyone.” He slowly slid his left foot in between my feet, a subtle move that made me think he was going to prevent me from running, which is exactly what I intended. I glanced at my peripheral checking how far we were from the stairs.
“Maybe.” I nodded, wanting him to think I was listening but stepped backward.
“The way you came back home is bothering you.” Jesse crossed the distance in one step as if I hadn’t moved at all. He was so clever.
“Uh, yeah.” I took another step.
“I bet you also have a gross feeling in your stomach from the way you treated Tate.” Jesse followed as if we were dancing to a song without any music.
“If you think you can make all the gunk in my head disappear, you’re going to have to catch me first.” Instead of asking for Jesse to take care of me in that way, I pushed the self-destruct button. He reached for me but I retreated, sprinting out of the kitchen.
“Damn it, Tia!”
I heard his growled exclamation, but I took off running. Reaching the steps to the second floor, I took them two at a time. Jesse towered over my smaller frame and could easily bridge the gap. I heard his handcuffs clanking against his belt as he chased me, and I had to do something. Secure on the platform, I jumped onto the throw rug like we were kids again sliding it all the way to my bedroom door.
“I should have seen that coming,” he grumbled, but he was too late.
A huge burst of adrenaline filled me, and I flung myself inside my bedroom. Shutting my door in his face, I locked it before he could open it again. Breathing heavily, I braced against it.
Jesse had enacted repercussions in college but he hadn’t dished out physical correction. Once he got his hands on me, he absolutely would make good on his threats. Once again, I’d issued a challenge instead of accepting his help and sincere offer to give me a release spanking. From our long standing history and the way he’d always cared about me, I was sure he’d be a good choice. But all of that was moot. I was in trouble.
He knocked once. “Open the door.”
“There’s no…no way…in…in hell that I’m opening this door,” I panted, catching my breath.
“Pack the stuff you need. I’m going to borrow your father’s tools and take your door off its hinges.”
“And then what?” I was too stubborn to cave, not after I’d thrown down such a challenge.
“That depends entirely on how you respond, buttercup. I’ll be right back.”
