Beautifully Twisted by Jennifer Domenico Page A

me?”
    “Shut up.”
    “You know I don’t like it when you talk to me that way.”
    “I don’t give a damn. I’ve grown up, Scotty. I can fend for myself, in case you didn’t notice.”
    “No, I didn’t notice. Seems to me you’re the same girl you always were. At least you were last night, bent over my knee.”
    She folds her arms in silence. They’ve driven out of the way to her place, his attempt at keeping her longer. She knows exactly what she can do right now to regain control of this situation.
    “Take me home. I have a date to prepare for.”
    Scott turns his head to glare at her. He reaches over and digs his fingers into the flesh of her thigh. “You’ll be sorry if you fuck him.”
    “Maybe I’ll be sorry if I don’t. He’s an attractive man. Maybe he has something I need.”
    “Nobody has what you need but me.”
    She laughs and pushes his hand off of her leg. “How will I know if I don’t try?”
    “I’m serious, Lexi.”
    “I don’t give a fuck.”
    “Yes you do or you wouldn’t be here.”
    “You sent my driver away.”
    “Talk your game, baby girl. You and I both know we’re going to be together.”
    “Is that so?”
    “I don’t know why you’re trying to piss me off but I’ll make you pay for it.”
    Alexa’s skin tingles at the mere suggestion of his revenge. She absolutely must fuck Brett if she really wants to get under his skin. Or at least, make Scott believe she did.
    “Poor Scotty, you just can’t stand that you don’t have as much power over me as you used to. It’s killing you, isn’t it?”
    “I have plenty of control. Do you want me to show you? You’ll never make it to your date tonight.”
    Alexa says nothing and stares out the window. Finally, Scott pulls up in front of her building. That detour costs her precious time. There’s no time to shower, that’s for sure. She goes to open the door but he grabs her arm, pulling her close to him.
    “Kiss me.”
    “You’re fucked up, you know that, Scotty?”
    “I am. Because of you. Kiss me and I’ll let you leave.”
    “Fine,” she says, knowing she wants the kiss too.
    She leans across the seat and presses her lips to his, slowly opening her mouth to allow him in. It’s a slow, yearning kiss–months, maybe years, of unspoken words between them. She would kiss him forever if she didn’t think it would kill her. Scott Patrick is bad for her, and he is sucking her back in.
    She pulls away slightly. “I have to go, Scotty.”
    “I know. Please call me later. Don’t make me show you what I’ll do if you don’t.” His words sound more like a plea than a threat.
    “I’ll call.”
    Scott smiles and releases his hold on Alexa’s arm. She lets herself out and walks briskly to her apartment, not turning to look back. Hearing his car speed off, she finally exhales.
    Alexa rushes to her apartment to get ready. Once inside, she chooses a black, cocktail dress. It’s form fitting with leather details and she loves it. It makes her feel powerful. She selects some patent leather platform pumps and decides to put her hair up. She doesn’t want to look soft and feminine tonight. She wants to look like the hard ass business woman that she knows she is.
    Her intercom buzzes and she looks at her watch. Seven on the dot. She presses the call button. “I’ll be right down, Brett.”
    “Perfect,” he responds with his lovely Scottish accent.
    Grabbing her coat and clutch, she heads down.
    “You look lovely this evening, Miss Drake,” Brett greets her as she steps off the elevator.
    “Thank you. Call me Alexa, please.”
    “Certainly. Ready?” He puts his arm out for her to take.
    They walk out front and James holds the door, winking at her. Alexa can only imagine what he’s thinking seeing her with two different men on back to back nights. She doesn’t go out for ages, and now all of a sudden she has a social life.
    Brett opens the car door for her. “I hope you like French food, Alexa. I got us a