Chapter 7 #2
“Her name is Kristine, although I have other pet names for her.” I moved closer, almost instantly intoxicated by his aftershave.
Musk with exotic spices, the cool scent of the ocean with a dash of citrus.
Even though I was wearing my heels, he was still several inches taller and with his sheer presence, he gave off dangerous vibes. “How did you do it?”
“Do what?” He had a mischievous look in his eyes.
“Defy HIPAA laws and find out my daughter’s inhaler prescription, let alone convince my doctor to allow your interference in prescribing a six-month supply?”
He didn’t seem the least bit uncomfortable with my pointed question. “I have my ways, Halle. I know people.”
“Let me guess. Money talks.”
I was surprised when he reached out and brushed his fingertips down my naked arm. The intimate act sent shivers down my spine. “Yes, but often simply trying to do the right thing convinces people to bend the rules. It was the least I could do. I know how much you love your daughter.”
I wanted to be angry with him. I wanted to have the courage and fortitude to hand him the bag telling him thanks but no thanks.
But what good would holding onto such high and mighty scruples end up being?
While my daughter possibly suffered. I found sincerity in his eyes once again and felt more comfortable.
“Alright. Thank you. But don’t do something like that again. Please.”
Alexsey held up his arms as if surrendering. “Never again. Are you ready to go?”
“Where are we going?” The man would not be denied. Everything about him screamed of dominance. What struck me as interesting was that I not only liked but craved having someone in my life that simply took control.
Maybe because I was tired of trying to hold myself together and my head above water.
He chuckled. “I told you, a surprise.”
“Let me guess. To one of your resorts.”
“Now, what fun would that be if I took you to my place of business?” He walked me out to the driveway and as expected, the shiny blue sports car was parked, the sparkly paint glistening in the early evening sun.
It was obvious he’d snapped his fingers and had been able to insist on the repairs in little more than a day.
“True, but I wouldn’t mind seeing how you handle your employees.”
He opened the door for me, arching his eyebrows as soon as I looked at him. “Do you think I rule with whips and chains?”
Why did I have a feeling he was using the term to try to rile me? “I bet you’d like that.”
Before he closed the door, he leaned in, studying me intently. “I only use chains on beautiful women. And whips are far too harsh, easily damaging delicate and very beautiful skin. I would never want that to happen.” He bent his fingers, rubbing his knuckles across my cheek.
As soon as he did, a series of goosebumps appeared on my arms, shivers coursing down my back and between my legs. From a single touch.
And I sensed he knew exactly the effect he was having on me.
He closed the door, taking his time to walk around to the other side. Once inside, he gave me a long, dark look that allowed the trembling sensations to shift between my legs.
“Are you ready?” His voice was deeper, his tone the same smooth velvet I’d heard before, but this time with a slight edge.
Like the edge of danger or burning desire.
I licked my lips and he narrowed his eyes. “Yes, I’m ready.”
Why was it that I had the distinct feeling he’d just asked permission for whatever he wanted to do on our date? And I’d given it to him.
I sat back as the engine roared to life. As crazy as it sounded to the rational girl inside, the one who always followed the letter of the law without question and who rarely did anything frivolous, I was eager if not determined to let go.
If only for one night.
Was that wrong? I honestly didn’t care. This was my night and I planned on enjoying every moment of my date.
“You managed to get your car back,” I said, amused at the level of disdain in my voice.
He threw me a look, his grin annoying but sexy. “I told you before. This is my favorite vehicle.”
“Which means you own several.”
“I do.”
Of course he did.
He immediately shifted from first to second, already passing by several cars. I could tell he knew how to handle the car, moving around the other vehicles expertly. After a few seconds and when he shifted into third, easily going much faster than the speed limit, I laughed.
“What’s so funny?” The deep resonance of his voice reverberated in the tight space.
“Do you always drive this fast?”
“Does it scare you?” He moved onto the highway, jumping past a car as if just deciding to head onto the interstate.
“Very little scares me. You seem to forget what I do for a profession.”
“Ah, yes, the firefighter. To answer your question, I’m testing out my repaired car.”
I threw him a look, noticing he wore an amused look on his face. The man was testing me. Hmmm… “Don’t tell me you trashed your neon beacon for this one.”
“I like cars. I wanted you to enjoy the ride. Every. Single. Inch.”
Why was it that everything out of his mouth seemed just a little bit dirty? “You’re trying to impress me?”
“Is it working?”
“You don’t know me that well. It will take a lot more than a hot car driven by an even hotter man to impress me. I do have my standards.”
His deep laugh filled the space. “So you’re saying I’m a hot guy?”
“Well, you’re better than average.”
“My, how you can wound me.”
“My guess is you’ll get over it. Plus, I’m certain all your girlfriends stroke your ego when you’re feeling a little bit down.”
His snort was adorable. “All my girlfriends? Are you jealous?”
“Should I be? I am a unique woman.” The banter was easy with him, more so than I’d felt with anyone. Including with Sean. He’d been more serious than playful and right now, I needed anything but serious.
“Yes, you are. In truth, I can’t wait to discover what’s hiding beneath that tough layer.”
“What do you think I’m hiding?”
He slowly turned his head, his nostrils flaring. “A woman longing to let go, to feel as if she’s safe being in the arms of a man. A man who is not only willing, but eager to fulfill all her darkest fantasies.”
I took a deep breath, trying and failing to ignore the rush of adrenaline and the throbbing between my legs. Around him, that was an almost impossible feat. “You say that as if you know what I want.”
“Perhaps not, but I do know what you need.”
“And what’s that?”
“A controlling hand.”
My thoughts drifted to what Kristine had said and I found myself squirming uncomfortably in my seat. “Then you definitely don’t know me that well. I like taking and keeping control.”
He accelerated, shifting into fifth and now flying around other vehicles. For a few seconds, he didn’t respond, paying close attention to the road, but I could feel the vibrations of heat and electricity pulsing through every muscle, filling the air with sexual tension.
Just being so close to him created a rush, a deep tingling that I couldn’t hide or ignore. My nipples were pressing against the silky material of my dress, my lacy thong that he’d purchased already damp.
When he took a deep breath, I had the distinct feeling he knew exactly the condition I was in. “I think that’s where you are wrong, Halle. I know more about you than you think I do, but instead of telling you what I already sense deep in my bones, I’m going to enjoy watching you show me.”
“How am I going to do that?”
“By relaxing and being you. Letting go. Don’t worry, I have no intentions of allowing you to fall.”
As crazy as my mind was trying to make it, I believed him. My instincts told me I could trust him. We would see if I was right.
The sexual tension remained, lingering in a way that kept my breathing ragged and my thoughts drifting to very filthy ideas. When he pulled off the interstate, I tried to control all the filthy images floating through my mind. We were having dinner. That’s where the night would end.
When he pulled into the Wynn Hotel’s parking lot, I was surprised.
I’d honestly believed he was the kind of man who’d want to show off his pristine resorts.
There were two five-star restaurants, at least one four-star, and the rest were highly renowned.
Now I was extremely curious as to where we were going.
I had a feeling even though he could have his choice of any woman in the city, he was still trying to impress me. Why would he bother? Was this really just about thanking me?
With the electricity surging in the car, I was beginning to suspect otherwise.
As soon as he pulled into a parking space, he unfastened his seatbelt and with zero hesitation, he reached across my lap, unfastening mine.
The closeness brought a hitch to my breath. His body was exploding with warmth and I was even more aroused than before. Instead of pulling away, he remained where he was, his breathing as ragged as mine.
When he cupped the side of my face, I didn’t bristle as I’d done with him before. He lifted my head gently, forcing me to look into his eyes. His were full of emotion and more desire than I’d seen in a man in a very long time.
Then he kissed me.
Not just any kiss, but one full of passion. I was instantly charged, placing one hand against his chest, sweeping my other arm around his neck. I’d been kissed before, but not like this. Not with so much raw need that I couldn’t think clearly from the first second his wet lips touched mine.
With my pulse racing, he swept his tongue inside, dominating mine easily and without any resistance. I could feel his hunger in his possessive touch. His fingers dug into my skin, holding me.
Commanding me.
At that very moment, I wanted nothing more than to surrender to him body and soul.
He gently rubbed his thumb back and forth, keeping the tiny jolts of current alive. I was lost in the moment as he dominated my tongue, rolling our lips open while he explored the deepest recesses. I wrapped my fingers around his shirt, clinging to him, arching my back from needing to be closer.
When he finally broke the kiss seconds later, he held us together as if refusing to let the moment pass.
Lightheaded, I dragged my tongue across my bottom lip and almost instantly, a slight, husky growl floated around us.
When he eased away, he darted his eyes back and forth across mine. The same deliciously wicked smile lingered on his handsome face. “I’m very much looking forward to tonight. This was just the beginning. And by the end of the night, you’ll be begging for more.”