“Sorry, pal, but you don’t control me.”

Reaching over, he grips my chin. “Read my lips. You’re not going back to that shithole. I don’t want you working there.”

I hold his lethal stare. “I’m not quitting my job for someone who isn’t my boyfriend.” He opens his mouth, but I’m not done talking yet. “And no, I’m not trying to twist your arm or give you an ultimatum. I’m just saying that there’s no reason for me to take your feelings about me stripping into consideration and leave the club when we’re just friends.”

His nostrils flare on an indrawn breath as he ponders this. “Okay, I won’t fuck anyone else then. Happy?”

Far from it. He’s acting like being with me is a fucking chore.

“Spare me.” Exasperated, I shove the cash back into the bag. “I don’t want someone who doesn’t want me, Knox.”

Now he’s the one who looks annoyed. “I just said I wanted to fuck—”

“And I want more than that,” I yell. “I want someone who actually wants to be in a relationship with me. Not because he’s jealous and wants me to quit my job, or because I won’t let him fuck me anymore. But because he actually wants me.”

And Knox has already made it perfectly clear he’s not that guy.

I’m about to leave, but Knox reaches for my wrist and gives it a tug. Without saying a word, he flicks off the light.

When I curl up next to him, he drapes his arm over me, pinning my back against his chest.

I swear if his hands start roaming inappropriately, I will deck him.

But the only thing he does is draw little circles up and down my torso, lulling me to sleep.

I’m dozing off when I hear him grunt, “Fine.”

I stir as sleep claims my body and I fall into a slumber. “Huh?”

His lips find the shell of my ear, causing little shivers to run up and down my spine. “I want you.”

After shutting the beeping timer off, I bend down and open the oven door. A quick check with a toothpick tells me they’re done, so I take the tray out.

They smell heavenly.

Humming to myself, I place them on the cooling rack and focus my attention on piping the cheesecake frosting over the chocolate ones that have already cooled.

I also baked a carrot cake and apple pie for Knox to try, but I really want him to taste the cupcakes I’m making.

It seriously bothers me that he wasn’t allowed to have sweets growing up.

Not only is it strange…it’s unfair.

Every kid deserves to know what it’s like to sink their teeth into something moist and yummy and catch a sugar rush right after.

I’m topping my now frosted cupcakes with some chocolate chips when I hear footsteps enter the kitchen.

When I glance up, Knox is looking at me, his expression inscrutable.

“How long have you been up?”

I shrug, suddenly aware that the only thing I’m wearing is his t-shirt. “Since six a.m.”

Given I don’t have a car to go to the store myself, I ordered groceries online.

He moves behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist before kissing the crook of my neck. “You’ve been busy.”

“I wanted you to have a little of everything. I would have made more, but…”

“But what?”

“They’ll be home in two days and I’m not sure you’d be able to finish it all.”

At that, his lips twitch against my skin. “What makes you think I’ll eat any of it to begin with?”

His words make me deflate like a balloon. “You don’t have to—” I shake my head, annoyance climbing up my spine. “You know what? Fuck you. You might not have asked me to, but I wanted to do something nice for you because I ca—”

Reaching in front of me, he takes a cupcake from the cooling rack.

“It’s fun getting you all riled up.”

Smirking, he bites into the cupcake. Then his eyes close, as if he’s savoring the flavor.

As usual, I don’t know what to make of his expression.

“Well?” I say after another minute passes.

“Best cupcake I’ve ever had.”

I start to smile, but then I remember it’s the only cupcake he’s ever had. Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

Nevertheless, it’s a compliment, and God knows Knox isn’t the type to dish those out.

“I’m glad you finally got to experience it.”

Sidestepping me, he reaches for the knife and cuts into the carrot cake next. “Why do you like to bake, Stray?”

“Well, my dad bought me an Easy-Bak—”

“I didn’t ask why or when you started, I want to know why you like doing it.”

I bristle because no one has ever asked me that before.

He brings a fork full of cake to his mouth as I give him my answer.

“Well, most people think baking is simple, because you can follow a recipe. But there’s actually a lot of creativity involved. The chance to mix in various ingredients and make it your own, turn it into something new and enjoyable.” I close my eyes. “The smell and look is what lures you in first…attracts you. But the taste is what you’re really after. And the moment it hits your lips and the flavor coats your tongue…you get to indulge your hunger. Give into your temptation.” My tongue darts out to lick my lower lip. “I guess I like being responsible for someone’s pleasure.”

I squeal in surprise when Knox’s hands find my hips and he hoists me up onto the island.

Some of the baked goods fall to the floor, but I’m too distracted by the dark carnal look in his eyes as he tugs my underwear down my legs.

“What—”

His teeth sink into my inner thigh and I tremble in response.

“I haven’t showered today,” I blurt out as he buries his head between my legs, his stubble scratching my sensitive skin.

His nose skims the length of me and he inhales deeply, his long fingers tightening around my hips. “I don’t give a fuck.”

He proves his point by licking and kissing my pussy the same ravenous way he does my mouth.

The vulgar sounds of him eating me fill the kitchen, causing my skin to tingle and my head to spin as he continues drawing incredible sensations from my body.

I place my hand on his head, keeping him right where I need him as he stabs his tongue between my legs. He makes tiny circles, causing the metal from the barbell to graze my inner muscles.