The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 328

As he shouted, his grip tightened involuntarily. The veins pulsed at his temples and the thick cords of his neck stood out in stark relief.

Suzie winced in pain, a choked gasp escaping her lips. Between her lingering concussion and the grueling exhaustion of the long day, her entire body felt weak and battered.

A sudden fit of coughing wracked her chest.

Jamie froze. Realizing he was hurting her, he instantly released his hold.

He watched her closely, hesitation flickering in his dark eyes. Carefully, he reached out to soothe her back. But the moment his fingertips brushed her blouse—

Smack!

A sharp, ringing slap echoed through the car as her palm connected with his cheek. Chest heaving, she glared at him with unapologetic fury.

He stayed perfectly still for a few seconds. Then, his large hands clamped down on her shoulders. "You hate me?" His voice was a ragged whisper. "If you hate me, you can hit me. You can fight me, scream at me, cry... but why did you leave? Why did you walk away?"

By the end, his voice had dropped so low it carried the unmistakable edge of a man on the verge of breaking.

Slowly, deliberately, Suzie pushed his hands off her shoulders. Maintaining direct eye contact, she brought the back of her hand to her mouth, wiping away the lingering trace of his forceful kiss.

The gesture made his expression instantly darken.

Satisfied, she lowered her hand. "Unlock the door."

Jamie tugged at his collar, popping the top button as he leaned back against the leather seat. "You aren't going anywhere until you give me an answer," he replied, his tone chillingly calm.

He tipped his head back against the headrest, staring up at the roof. His Adam's apple jumped as he swallowed hard.

Suzie swallowed dryly. She knew him well enough to realize he meant exactly what he said.

She dropped her hostile tone, opting for a softer approach. "Just let me go first."

He hesitated, but didn't release her.

Instead, he grabbed her with both hands and firmly shifted her back onto his lap.

"Talk from right here," he commanded in a low, gravelly whisper.

Suzie didn't dare squirm. Straddling his thighs, there was no mistaking the hardening evidence of his arousal pressing against her.

The sudden realization sent a rush of heat straight to her cheeks.

Desperate to hide her flustered state, she forced her voice to remain completely stoic.