Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica signed with exasperation, her gestures sharp and impatient. "If you want to sleep, do it in the bed."

Timothy's eyes darkened, a sly, almost wicked smile curving at his lips.

"You're right," he replied, his voice smooth. "Let's sleep in the bed."

He stood, scooping Jessica up into his arms despite her resistance, and carried her straight into the bedroom.

He ignored her struggles completely.

With a swift motion, he set her down on the bed and leaned over her, pinning her gently but firmly.

Jessica couldn't sign now-her hands were trapped-so all she could do was twist in protest, her beautiful eyes full of defiance.

Timothy held her tightly, his chiseled lips brushing her ear as he spoke in a low, husky voice. "Don't move. Not another inch."

He nipped lightly at her earlobe. "If you do, I'll make sure you won't be able to move at all."

Jessica knew exactly what he meant. Her body went still in an instant.

Timothy released her, then knelt at the edge of the bed, carefully slipping off her shoes.

Then he reached for her jacket, as if intending to undress her further.

shrugged off her own outer layer and yanked the covers over herself, settling into bed

turned away, facing the wall, not

heard the soft rustle

the blanket and slipped in beside her, pulling her

his solid chest, warmth radiating from him-heat she'd once craved,

only wished she could shake the feeling, afraid that when the

her tightly. She tried to wriggle free,

his lips were gentle, almost tender, as if trying to soothe the

was trapped, unable to do anything but accept his

his intentions growing unmistakable as he

in the bed had been

away, keeping as much space between them as she could,

"No."

but her hands barely

again, voice rough as he

she kept signing, her gestures soft