**Chapter 7: Possession**

Travis's grip on Charlie's waist tightened as she struggled to break free. He could feel her anger and frustration radiating from her like heat, but he refused to let her go. He had to make her understand that she was his, that she belonged to him. "Let me go, Travis," Charlie demanded, her voice firm but laced with a hint of fear. Travis's response was to pull her closer, his chest pressed against her back. He could feel her heart racing, and it only fueled his desire to possess her. "You're not going anywhere," he repeated, his voice low and husky. Charlie's struggles grew more intense, but Travis held firm. He spun her around, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension. Then, without warning, Charlie's expression changed. Her eyes softened, and a small smile played on her lips. "You're not going to let me go, are you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Travis's response was a slow nod. He knew he couldn't let her go. He had to make her his, to claim her as his own. Charlie's smile grew, and she reached out, her hand cupping Travis's cheek. "I thought not," she said, her voice husky. Travis felt a surge of triumph, but it was short-lived. Charlie's next words caught him off guard. "But I'm not going to stay with you because you want me to," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm going to stay with you because I want to." Travis's eyes narrowed, unsure of what to make of Charlie's sudden change in demeanor. Was she playing him, or did she genuinely want to stay with him? Charlie seemed to sense his uncertainty, and she leaned in, her lips brushing against his ear. "I want to stay with you, Travis," she whispered. "But on my terms, not yours." Travis's body tensed, his mind reeling with the implications. He had thought he had control, but now he wasn't so sure. Charlie was a force to be reckoned with, and he was starting to realize that he might have underestimated her. As he looked into her eyes, Travis saw a glimmer of something there, something that made his heart skip a beat. It was a challenge, a spark of defiance that he couldn't ignore. He smiled, his lips curling up in a slow, sensual grin. "I think I'm going to enjoy this," he said, his voice low and husky. Charlie's smile matched his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with anticipation. Then, without warning, Charlie turned and walked away, leaving Travis to follow her. He did, his eyes fixed on her retreating backside. He knew he had a fight on his hands, but he was ready. He was ready to claim Charlie as his own, no matter what it took.