Chapter 38

Whatever. By tomorrow they’d both know the truth. He’d know he was wrong. She nodded.

“We need a safe word,” Jack said.

“All right.” She didn’t pretend to misunderstand. She’d read enough to know what it meant. “If I say the word…swamp, you’ll stop everything.”

He nodded, dark hair skimming his wide forehead. “You say swamp, and we’re done. But before you use the word, be certain you’re in actual pain beyond your bearing. Mild discomfort isn’t good enough. Either physical or mental. I’m going to challenge your traditional notions about sex. I will dare you to give more of yourself than you ever have. There’s no place to hide here, Morgan. I want to be totally clear. Are you ready for that?”

No. “Ready to show you that you’re wrong about me? Sure.”

Jack fought a smile tugging at his mouth. “Good.”

With that, he stood and tore off his shirt. His rippling shoulders straightened. Expression dissolved from his face. An air of authority, impenetrable and intim