Lizetta watched in silent panic as the dark silk tie slid through his long, elegant fingers, wrapping tautly around his knuckles. The heavy, dangerous shadow settling over his features made her swallow hard.

Now she knew exactly where Fiona's theatrical flair came from. Remington's current performance was far more intense and terrifyingly realistic than his grandmother's.

"I... I was just joking! I... Ah!"

Scrambling backward on the mattress, she desperately tried to scoot her way to the safety of the headboard.

Before she could get away, he lunged. His large hand clamped securely around her ankle, giving it a swift, forceful tug.

She let out a gasp as she was dragged flat on her back, pulled right to the edge of the bed where he stood.

The sudden movement hiked up the loose fabric of her hospital pajamas. The hem of her top bunched up near her chest, exposing a stunning, slender stretch of her waist.

Her pant legs rolled up as well, baring her delicate, sculpted ankles. In the sunlight, her luminous skin caught the light.

Remington's gaze darkened significantly. Leaning over, he caught both of her ankles in his hands, his thumbs tracing the sensitive skin before he lifted his predatory gaze to hers.

"Joking? Too late for that. Did you really think that was a joke you could just throw around casually?"

"I was wrong, I..."

She frantically tried to tug her shirt down, but her apologies died in her throat as he flashed a wicked, dangerous smirk that sent a shiver straight down her spine.

In that moment, he truly looked like a ruthless, unhinged mob boss entirely capable of tearing someone apart.

Goosebumps erupted from her ankles and spread upward. Catching sight of her reaction, Remington's smirk deepened, though his voice dropped to a seductive, velvety whisper.

"I thought you liked this? Since you're being so stubborn, how exactly should I punish you, sweetheart?"

Lizetta couldn't find her voice.

Before she could process his threat, the black silk tie was already wrapping securely around her delicate ankles, looping them tightly toward the metal railing of the bed frame.

Was he serious?

Was he actually tying her to the bed?

What the hell was he planning to do?!

Panic finally set in. She thrashed her legs, her voice trembling as she begged.

"I was wrong! I swear I'll never make a joke like that again! Remington, have mercy!

I don't want anyone else but you!"

Feeling the unmistakable tension of the silk binding her ankles, she squeezed her eyes shut, ready to cry.

If she could rewind time by two minutes, she would have absolutely kept her mouth shut about wanting a psycho.

She had literally asked for a golden retriever type too-why couldn't he have roleplayed that one instead?

Just as her thoughts spiraled into pure panic, a heavy shadow fell over her.

Her eyes snapped open. The oppressive grip on her ankles was gone, and he was hovering directly above her.

The dark, violent edge in his eyes had completely vanished, replaced by a clear, overwhelming tenderness.

His deep gaze was as soothing as a spring breeze over a quiet lake. One look into those eyes, and she felt like

she was drowning in warmth, metting completely to his

affection.

Her heart, which had barely recovered from the terror, started hammering away at

an entirely different, frantic rhythm.

The smile gracing his lips was warm and devastatingly handsome,

perfectly embodying the gentlem

flawless romantic she had joked

about earlier.

It was like looking at a completely different man.

If it weren't for the lingering sensation of the silk securely binding her ankles together, she would have assumed the terrifying display moments prior had been a complete hallucination.

"You..."

She started to speak in absolute disbelief, but he gently cupped her face before she

could finish.

"Good girl. Now, say what you just said one more time."

Utterly mesmerized by him, her face flushed crimson, her eyes turning soft and liquid.

"I don't want anyone else. Just you. No one could ever compare to you."