Free Silver Bracelets by Charisma Knight Page B

against their wishes. She’d gotten pregnant and was laid off from her job. Her funds and luck had run out. Eventually, a good friend turned her on to dancing, one thing led to another, and she sought the easy way out. “So. You think I have a lot of money.” She laughed uncontrollably.
    Tyler looked at her, shook his head, and returned to his car.
    “Way to go, Alexia,” she said aloud. “Open mouth, insert foot.” Any chance she may have had of getting a warning just flew out the window. She licked her lips nervously as her stomach twisted. Perhaps they could have a second chance at their relationship.
    “Alexia.” Tyler’s stern voice jarred her from her fantasy. “This is for you.”
    “Wh—what?” She couldn’t believe her eyes and thanked her lucky stars. Tyler had given her a hundred-dollar speeding ticket. Funds were tight, even though she danced several times a week and worked part time as an office manager during the day. It helped pay the bills until she could land a full-time position with a prominent law firm as a legal secretary. At least he didn’t hand her a DUI.
    “A ticket for breaking the law.” His eyes searched her soul. “You have thirty days to dispute this at the courthouse. If you feel you’re being ticketed unnecessarily, then feel free to come to the hearing.” He crossed his arms and looked down at her. “Surely you didn’t think that since we have a history together, I’d let you off the hook.”
    She felt her face flush. “Ah—no. Of course not. But … I was hoping—”
    His eyes narrowed. “Hoping for what?”
    “Maybe we could … . Never mind. Thanks for cutting me a break.”
    “Yeah. You mean like the break I got when you left me standing at the altar?”
    “We’re back at that again.”
    “You owe me!” His voice was rough and demanding. “You owe me in so many ways.”
    “But, I—
    Tyler leaned down so they were eye to eye. “You need to learn a lesson for hurting the ones you love,” he breathed huskily. “Someone needs to discipline you, Alexia. Or … do you get disciplined by those guys in the bar?”
            Her eyes grew wide. “Now, wait a minute.” She wagged a finger at him. “I just dance, nothing else.” She grated out. Now he was starting to piss her off. She never condemned any of the other women for taking men home for monetary reasons, but that just wasn’t her cup of tea.
            “So … you don’t fuck anyone else?”
            “You’re an ass.” She started her car. “Am I free to go now?” Her nipples tightened as she gazed into those eyes. His breathing was ragged, as was hers. Beneath his lustful gaze lurked a hint of anger and resentment. There was also a promise that he was just the person to teach her … discipline.
    “No. You’ll accompany me to my house. We have to talk.”
    “But … I have to call my babysitter.”
    “Then call her. I’m not taking no for an answer.” His gaze sent a chill over her body as a gush of cream flooded her panties. Her heart beat hard as he leaned in closer.
    “You and I—we have unfinished business.
     Alexia’s jaw tightened. “What kind of business?”
    “You’ll accompany to my home and we’ll talk.” Tyler glanced at his watch and smiled. “I’m off duty in about five minutes.”
    “No—I’m not doing that.”
    His grin was solemn. “Doing what, sweet Alexia?”
    “If you think I’m screwing my way out of this ticket, you’re sadly mistaken! Do you really think I sleep around like that? If you want to talk, that’s one thing. That’s all you’re getting from me!”
    “Now, let’s not get hostile. I don’t know what the hell you’ve been up to. You weren’t for settling down, so … . Well, it’s up to you.

Chapter Two
     
     
    Tyler’s grip tightened on the steering wheel as he recalled Alexia’s reasons for deserting him. Even now, the pain of her rejection was as fresh as it had been two years ago.
    Alexia DuBois was