Chapter 17
Josette
Sinclair Prince.
Revered by critics and enemies alike.
Adored by women.
Hated by men.
He wasn’t only powerful. He was all consuming.
For me he’d become my captor and tormentor, but much more than that. He’d become my curse, a tarnished angel who’d awakened my darkest needs, lifting me from loneliness while ignoring his own.
Every muscle in his body remained tense while approaching the table, but he insisted on pulling out the chair for me.
“You don’t need to do this. I’m perfectly capable of pulling out my own chair.”
“Why not show you I can be a gentleman?” As with everything else about the man, he refused to take no for an answer.
“I doubt there’s anything you can do to change my opinion of you.” Reaching down, I stroked the top of Indiana’s head. I’d spent time training him to be my companion no matter the location, so it was no surprise he was being so good.
“You can’t blame a guy for trying.”
Suddenly, a waiter appeared bringing a bowl full of water for Indiana and a bottle of wine with two glasses.
As usual, the moment was awkward and I found it difficult to look Sinclair directly in the eyes while it was impossible to keep them off his gorgeous face.
Where I’d chosen a simple black dress from the selection he’d packed, he was dressed in his usual GQ attire.
What I found interesting was how meticulously he’d packed everything. Not what I’d expected.
“You and Mark don’t see eye to eye.”
He didn’t seem to appreciate my comment, watching the waiter pour the wine as if uncertain the young man was capable. When he’d finished, he leaned over, a slow and steady smirk crossing his face. “Mark Zuckerman is a venomous snake who believes his corporation can outbid mine on every project.”
“He seems to believe he can help you achieve your goal.”
Sinclair glanced around the restaurant, his face expressionless. “He has ties to people in the department of safety and permits. However, he doesn’t realize we own the members. Every. Single. One.”
“So you use extortion as a typical method of business.”
He seemed shocked I would dare defy him, but raised his glass of wine, waiting until I did the same.
“My family uses whatever methods are available to increase our wealth. What I can tell you is that Mark has several dirty little secrets he wouldn’t appreciate being exposed, but I won’t feel any guilt if it becomes necessary. Now, I hope you enjoy merlot.”
The words weren’t a question. He required that I partake in the same refreshment he was indulging in. He also wasn’t about to continue the conversation.
“Yes,” I half whispered. “My favorite.”
“What are your other favorite things, Josette?” There was such dominance in every word dripping from his mouth.
“Why do you care? From what you just said, you simply use force to get what you want.”
“Do you truly intend on making your stay contentious?” His laugh was offhanded, but the tension remained.
“I’m being practical, Mr. Prince. I’m nothing but your plaything during my forced incarceration. You made that perfectly clear.”
I’d chosen my words as carefully as possible while the waiter dropped breadsticks on the table. Even in doing so, I expected Sinclair’s expression to harden. It didn’t. His amusement with my declaration and my attitude was evident by the way his upper lip curled.
The man was also undressing me with his eyes.
Even as a shiver trickled down my spine, I kept my gaze, tilting my head. I also took a sip of wine, pretending I had no issue with dining with a monster. What unnerved me as much as the act was needing to clamp my thighs together, my core as heated as before.
Sighing, he shifted his glass back and forth on the table. “Perhaps we’ll save business for later. Is that what you’d prefer?”
I had no idea how I could answer that. “Whatever you’d prefer.”
“Come now. You’re not the type of woman to placate me. Besides, I see clearly enough the darkness and hunger threatening to possess you.”
“You obviously don’t know me very well.” I shifted in my seat more uncomfortably than before, reminded my thong had been taken from me. A hint of embarrassment swept through me and, fearful of him realizing the effect he had on me, I hid behind my glass of wine.
“That’s where you’re wrong, my sweet Josette. I know how intense your cravings are for a dominating man. I also know that even if you won’t openly admit it, you’re well aware you’re the kind of woman who needs strict discipline. You thrive on it.”
“You are out of your mind.”
He twisted his glass on the table. “There’s the wildcat I adore.”
Frustrated, I shook my head. He knew exactly how to get to me, the ache deep and powerful.
My nerves remained on edge as he rimmed his glass with his finger.
I found it difficult to hold the exquisite crystal without a few precious drops slipping over the edge.
He was everything I should hate yet everything that I couldn’t imagine being without.
He had to know what kind of effect he was having on me; the simple brush of his hand against my skin sizzling every cell, the way he undressed me with his eyes keeping me on edge.
I shifted again, completely aware he’d yet to take his eyes off of me. The crackle of electricity shared between us was incredibly powerful.
“Spread your legs for me, Josette. Keep your hands above the table. If you don’t obey me, I will take you into the restroom and spank you. Do you understand?”
He’d caught me off guard once again and I almost didn’t answer until he cocked his head in a way that sent a white-hot string of heat straight into my core.
“Yes, sir.” My voice was quavering, something I wasn’t used to. He had that kind of effect on me.
Swallowing, I glanced around the room, blinking several times.
The twinkling lights of the candles created a haze, making it almost impossible to see if anyone was watching.
I was completely embarrassed, fearful that our filthy actions would be detected.
Yet I took another sip, obeying his request, my legs trembling.
While a cold chill remained, heat coursed through every muscle and vein from excitement of the unknown.
He slipped his hand under the table, gripping my knee and leaning over. “I will take you anywhere and anytime I desire.” He tugged my leg, further exposing my aching pussy. His nostrils flared as he brushed his fingers along the inside of my thigh.
An audible moan slipped past my lips and I was mortified, hiding behind the glass, praying that no one had heard us.
In response, he issued a low and gritty growl, the sound permeating my eardrums. The man knew every button to press, every method of keeping me wet.
I fought a series of whimpers as he swirled the tip of a single finger around my clit.
Indiana lifted his head, eyeing me to ensure I was okay. With a silent prayer, I willed him not to create a scene. I would die of embarrassment.
I couldn’t believe Sinclair was so carefree about his actions, enjoying his wine as he brought me closer to nirvana. His eyes never left me, devouring me in a way that created prickles of excitement.
The heat became explosive, my mind spinning while the longing for the powerful man only increased.
Within seconds, I was brought to the point of utter bliss, forced to grip the edge of the table. I could no longer hold my glass, my fingers slipping on the thin crystal. I realized I’d opened my other leg even wider, allowing him full access. I was wet and hot, unable to stop trembling.
His dark eyes piercing mine, a sexy and dangerous smile curled on his lips. He wasn’t exerting any energy, barely moving as he brought me closer and closer.
I pressed my hand over my lips, fighting to keep from screaming.
Finally closing my eyes, I couldn’t hold back any longer, the climax rushing into me, sending an explosion of white-hot heat from my cheeks to my toes.
Panting, I lowered my head, the embarrassment almost too much to bear.
My God. He’d brought me to an orgasm within seconds in the middle of a fine dining establishment.
And I’d enjoyed every minute, the sensations prickling like bottle rockets.
He pumped his fingers as deep inside as the angle would allow, his ragged breathing the only indication he was aroused. When he was finally satisfied, he removed his hand, rubbing his glistening fingers across my lips before pushing them inside my mouth.
The act was almost as humiliating, but I dared not deny him.
“I’m pleased, my wildcat, but you did disobey me.”
Why did his words actually thrill me? A few seconds later, I realized what he’d said. How had I disappointed him?
My hands.
They were off the table.
He took another gulp of his wine before placing the glass on the table, tossing his napkin across the plate. When he stood, I thought I’d crossed another line, the evening ending just as soon as it had begun. He held out his hand, peering down at me with a visceral level of hunger.
“Come with me.” There was no wiggle room in his command. He stood, peering down at me with a heavy arc of lust in his eyes.
“Where?”
“You need to learn I keep my promises.”
“What about Indiana? I can’t leave him here alone.”
He took a deep breath before instantly snagging the waiter’s arm. “You will sit here until our return caring for Indiana Jones. Do you understand?”
The young man was obviously terrified and knew better than to say no. “Of course, sir.”
With that, Sinclair offered me his hand again. I dared not try to say no. When his fingers grasped mine, I realized my legs were shaking.
He parted the waves as he walked through the restaurant, anyone standing close moving away. And all eyes on him. I’d never seen anything like it before.
Two of his men had followed us, trailing along like happy lapdogs. A strange thought entered my mind as to whether they were used to their master’s crazed behavior.