5. Amara

Five

Amara

While Joker’s in the bathroom, I gather my clothes, my hands shaking. This was intense, but reality is setting in. I need to get out of here before—

“Stop.”

Joker’s command freezes me in place. I turn, meeting his intense gaze. He crosses the room in two long strides, suddenly looming over me. My breath catches in my throat. He’s so fucking big, so tall, so handsome… Lord, how am I gonna survive going back to not having this man in my life?

“You’re not leaving,” he growls, his large hand cupping my face. His touch is firm and possessive, but tender, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Joker, what—”

His full lips crash into mine, cutting off my words. The kiss is fierce, claiming, leaving me breathless and dizzy. When he pulls back, I can barely think straight. My entire body pulsing from the taste of him, his scent, his heat.

“Listen carefully,” he rumbles, his forehead pressed against mine. “I don’t do this. Ever. But you… you’re different. You’re it for me, Amara. You understand?”

My eyes widen, a mix of incredulity and relief swirling in my chest. “What are you saying, Joker?” I demand to know.

“I’m saying you’re mine, sweetheart. No games. I’m keeping you.”

I swallow hard, my pulse racing under his touch. This is crazy. Reckless. “That’s… insane, Joker. We barely know each other.”

He smirks, his gorgeous eyes dark with promise. “Then I guess we got a lot of getting to know each other to do, sweetheart.”

I should say no. I should run. But something in his words, in his touch, tells me this is true. And the feeling in my chest tells me it’s right. We’re right. I feel my body relax against him, giving in. Settling into us. “Okay,” I whisper.

“Good girl,” Joker murmurs, and I can hear the satisfied smile in his deep voice. “Now, let me take care of my girl.”