Angela must be insane for provoking Gael. She was like poking a hibernating bear despite knowing it would claw her out when it woke from its slumber.

There was something off about him after his conversation with Giovanni. And she could only guess that whatever his uncle came here for must have been something important. But Gael put on a mask as though he didn't want her to see what he'd been thinking. But she had a feeling that he was angry. What, she didn't know.

If it was anything important, he'd tell her, right? He wouldn't keep things from her after what they went through not too long ago. She was already anxious about the whole arranged marriage thing, but she pushed it aside, willing to trust Gael that he'd take care of it.

Then he went to the bedroom, looking closed off. It made her feel uneasy because she didn't like not knowing what's on his mind. So when he asked her casually if she wanted to eat—certain that he only did so to take control of the situation and not let her ask any questions, she couldn't help but throw him a jab for what made her mad when they came up to his apartment.

And what did the bastard say?

'Take your fucking clothes off.'

And what did she do?

She did exactly as he ordered.

Gael flipped things, and the next thing she knew, she'd remove her shirt off at his command. She didn't even realize she did until goosebumps dotted her skin, and her nipples pierced the air, pointing at him. Shit. Angela wanted to smack herself in the head. What did she just do? It was too late. She was already half-naked, and the beast before her darkened his gaze as he took in her topless state.

How could she stop him now when she just willingly gave up her shirt? Did she even want to stop him? Angela stood before him with a straight back and raised chin. It wasn't the first time she stood before him half-naked. There was no reason to feel embarrassed. But the way he looked at her like he was hungry for something he hadn't had for so long caused her heart to race.

His jaw tightened as his eyes roamed over her body, and he took a step towards her.

"Wait—" She held up her hand, wanting to take control. "Not so fast." She swallowed, and his eyes darted to hers, his brow arched in question as though he didn't expect her to stop him. Good.

"Is this what you really want?" she asked. His brows furrowed, not understanding her question. And she added, "You want to take me against the wall? I don't think you earned it, though."

"Earned it?" He sounded incredulous like the question didn't matter. As if it didn't matter if he earned it or not, he would take it.

"Did I stutter? I may have wanted you to do what you promised even if I found your jealousy over the top. But that was before Miss USA."

"What the hell does she have to do with this? She's irrelevant."

Angela gritted her teeth. "Oh, yeah? That's what I thought about Ian too. But you were still jealous even if I didn't know him personally. Unlike you do with friggin' Miss USA."

His left eye twitched as though the mere mention of Ian made him angry. "She's nothing to me. And don't mention another man's name while you're naked."

She furrowed her brows deeply; the image of Yasmin's cocky smile and dirty gaze at Gael flashed in her head. She ignored his second statement. "Then why didn't you say no to her invitation? Your silence meant something."

He took another step towards her, his expression slowly changing as if realization dawned on him. "My silence meant I don't give a fuck about her. Now, are you stripping the rest of your clothes off, or do I have to yank them off you?"

Her heart rammed against her ribcage at the threat. Angela must really be insane. The sensitive flesh between her legs throbbed, and she squeezed her thighs together to relieve the ache. Just the thought of him being rough with her should send her red signals. His harshness should scare her. But no, despite the warning, she was looking forward to it.

Gael must have seen something on her face because the corner of his lips tugged into a smirk. "Don't fuck with me, Angel."

Step.

"Or is that what you're trying to do? Are you challenging me to get a rise out of me, hm?"

Step.

"You're looking forward to getting angry fucked, aren't you?"

Step.

"You like the thought of me being rough with you, don't you, naughty Angel?"

Yes. Angela's chest heaved up and down with every step he took. His words were like foreplay. He hadn't done anything yet, but just the way he spoke sent all the dirty images in her head, a promise of what he'd do to her for challenging him. She really was insane for liking it.

Gael closed the distance between them until their bare chests were flushed against each other. She put her hands on the planes of his chest, her last attempt to put a barrier between them before she could no longer take the anticipation.

She panted. He was so close, his scent invaded her nose and gripped her desires. Hard. Dear God. This man was sex on a stick, and he's dangling in front of her. He wasn't even fully naked yet. Just the feel of his warm skin under the palm of her hands was enough to ignite what's sleeping inside her.

"I'm not stripping for you anymore, Mr. De Luca. If you want me, you'd have to remove them from me."

A glint flashed in his dark grey eyes. Angela didn't have time to protest when he held her nape and smashed his lips to hers. She whimpered at the assault of his tongue inside her mouth. He kissed her like he'd never kissed her before. Suck. Lick. Bite. Rough and soft, all at the same time. It was confusing and mesmerizing. She felt like air had been sucked out of her as she began to feel hazy.

Her hands that were on his chest slid down to the hem of his pants. She started to unbutton his jeans with trembling fingers, but once the button popped, large hands caught her wrists. He backed her up until her back hit the cold wall, and he trapped her hands above her head with one hand—all without breaking their fervent kiss.

"You're not allowed to touch me, Angel. Not unless I tell you so," Gael muttered against her mouth.

Panting, her skin prickled at the hoarseness of his voice. It was sexy and hot and with promise. She was tempted to push his buttons just to see what he'd do to her.

He trailed open-mouth kisses down her neck and sucked on her collarbone. He licked the same spot, and a moan escaped her lips. She felt so hot all over. All she wanted to do was touch him, but his strong hand imprisoned hers, and she couldn't do anything but submit to his ministrations.

His mouth traveled down her throat, his other hand cupping her breast and pinching her aching nipple. She cried out. The need to touch him was driving her crazy. "And what if I don't do as you say?"

Angela felt his smile on her skin just before he nibbled an erect bud. He tugged it between his teeth before swirling his tongue around it. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she stifled another moan by biting her lip.

"Do it and you'll see. But you don't have a choice, babe. My house. My rules," he said just before yanking her shorts down.