Chapter 6 Want Me To Take It Off For You

Sabrina's plan to provoke Vernon backfired the moment her palm met the solid ridge of Theo's muscles, sending a rush of heat through her veins.

Theo's body was infuriatingly perfect, and her fingers lingered far longer than she intended.

But before she could push her luck, his larger palm engulfing her smaller one.

"That's enough," he said, his voice low and rough, the huskiness curling through her chest and making her knees weaken.

The sound of his voice rippled through her, sending her heart racing.

Before she could steady herself, his arm tightened around her waist and swept her off the floor.

Thrown off balance, she instinctively clung to his neck, her face brushing against his throat, the contact sending her heartbeat into a frantic rhythm.

Cradled effortlessly in his hold, she looked up to see his gaze drop to her. His words came slow and deliberate. "Save your hands for when we're alone."

Sabrina's breath caught, eyes widening.

This couldn't be the same Theo she had always known-the distant, untouchable man who never let anyone close.

Theo didn't spare her another glance. His eyes, sharp and glacial, shifted to Vernon instead. "This is your final warning," he said, his tone like steel. "Cross the line again, and you'll be out of the family estate."

Without waiting for a reply, he swept Sabrina into his arms and carried her straight to a sleek, custom Rolls-Royce worth millions.

The engine started, and as the car pulled away, dust whipped up and sprayed across Vernon's face, leaving him coughing and humiliated.

He stood frozen, his gaze locked on the retreating vehicle, hatred simmering in his eyes.

Even if Sabrina really married his uncle, what difference could it make? Theo couldn't produce an heir. Sooner or later, Vernon figured, the family fortune would still fall into his hands.

Inside the luxurious back seat, Theo's arm circled Sabrina's waist, holding her firmly on his lap, making it clear he had no intention of letting her slip away.

His voice came low and magnetic, brushing against her ear like velvet. "Where do you want to shop?"

With the partition raised, Sabrina tilted her head, studying his chiseled features. She knew she couldn't waste this chance.

If she was going to ally herself with him, she needed to close the gap between them, to strengthen their bond if they were to crush Vernon together.

Her arms slid around his neck, her tone playful and teasing. "Take me to buy clothes at the priciest mall in the city."

"Fine," Theo answered smoothly, without a moment's pause. His gaze never left her as he leaned forward slightly, his order firm and quiet. "Head to Plaza Galleria."

Sabrina found herself savoring Theo's easy generosity. Her fingers toyed with the silk of his tie as she looked up at him, her gaze smoldering with playful intent.

"So tell me," she teased, voice low and coaxing, "what kind of nightgowns do you prefer? Since we're getting married, shouldn't I adjust my style to suit your taste, my husband-to-be?"

Theo's brow creased, the slightest furrow breaking his calm composure. "That isn't necessary."

"Why not?"

In that instant, the vicious rumors about his supposed impotence flashed through her mind, and she worried she had crossed a line. She was about to backtrack, but his voice came steady, deep, and certain. "Just stay as you are. However you choose to be, I'd still want you."

The words slipped under her skin, sending her pulse racing. A man usually so controlled letting such tenderness show-it was dangerously intoxicating.

Her heart hammered wildly as his gaze locked onto hers, so intent that heat flushed her cheeks and made her breath uneven.

She began to release his tie, but Theo moved first. His hand rose with deliberate grace, each finger long and perfectly sculpted, the tips a healthy pink that stood out against the dark fabric of his shirt. With two fingers, he hooked the knot of the tie and tugged, loosening it with practiced ease.

The silk fell open a fraction, offering a fleeting glimpse of his sharp collarbone-an unintentional revelation that left her utterly undone.

Theo's voice dropped low, almost teasing. "Want me to take it off for you?"

Sabrina blinked, caught completely off guard. Her words stumbled out in a daze. "Take off... what?"

A faint smile tugged at his lips, subtle yet disarming. "Didn't I make myself clear? If the fabric's in your way, I'll remove it for you."

Her breath hitched as the meaning sank in, her mind flashing back to his earlier words about waiting until they were alone to touch him.

He wasn't talking about the tie at all. He was daring her to put her hands on his abs.