7. Chapter Seven
Chapter Seven
M arcus
I kept my gaze on Cassie. What was going on in that brain of hers? I asked her a simple question. She did give a lot away in her body language and facial expressions, but there were still missing pieces to the puzzle. I waited until she recovered her breath. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
Her voice was a little raspy.
“Do I need to repeat the question?”
“No.” She pushed back from the table but didn’t rise. She rubbed her arms as if she was cold. “Why did you ask where I grew up?”
Interesting that Cassie answered my question with one of her own. Why didn’t she want to answer? “I’m interested in all things Cassie.” Curiosity filled me. Why was she hiding her past from me?
“I thought this was about sex.”
I threw my head back and laughed—I couldn’t help it. This woman was precious. She thought that’s all this weekend was about? Cassie had a lot to learn about me, and I was looking forward to all of it.
“It’s not funny.” She rose.
“Cassie.” The hurt in her eyes cut my laughter short. Before she could take a step, I rose, moved in front of her, and placed my hands on her shoulders. I fought against the need to drag her into my embrace and hold her.
“This isn’t going to work.” Her voice was soft. “I never should have made this bargain.”
I tightened my hold on her when she tried to move away from me.
“I can’t do this.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
“You can.” I gave in to the need coursing through my body. I slid my hands down her arms until I found her waist, holding her loosely. Cassie tilted her head, and our gazes met. Her eyes were clouded and confused.
For the first time since I made this bargain, I wasn’t sure how to put Cassie at ease with me. A sense of failure started to creep up my spine. No. I wouldn’t fail. I would never fail again—once was enough.
“Marcus, I…”
“ Shh .” I brushed my lips over hers, tracing the seam of her mouth with my tongue before I pulled back. “This weekend is about so much more than sex.”
Unable to help myself, I closed my lips over hers again.
This time, her lips parted, and I dove in.
The taste of warm chocolate teased my taste buds.
Her hands moved to my shoulders and then tangled in my hair, pulling me closer.
I wanted nothing more than to strip those clothes off her and find her wet core.
Patience. Her tongued dueled with mine, but I softened the kiss. I would make her comfortable. I pulled back from her luscious lips to gaze at her face. Her eyes were still closed, her breathing rapid, and her fingers still buried in my hair.
I forced my own need aside. I wanted to keep things light until Cassie was ready, but it wouldn’t be easy. She was so damn sensual. Nothing with her was easy. Cassie was a complicated woman, a woman who hid herself from others. I refused to let her hide from me any longer.
“If it’s not about sex, then what is it about?” Her breath brushed against my sensitive skin.
“It’s about two consenting adults learning more about each other, exploring each other, and enjoying each other.”
“Then by all means, let’s enjoy ourselves.” She pressed against me, and my cock grew harder.
“Soon.” She wasn’t going to make this easy on me.
“Don’t you want me?” Her voice held a sultry tone. She wiggled, and my cock jerked, seeking her warmth. I bit back a groan. How had she turned the tables on me? When had I lost control of this situation?
“I want you.” I kissed her hard and fast before I pried her arms from around my neck and took a step back. Control. I was in control.
I held her hands loosely until her eyes grew wide, and the sensual haze in them lifted. “Oh, God.” Her cheeks turned a lovely shade of red as she stepped back. “I never…I mean… Oh, hell. I don’t mean to tease you.”
I bit back a chuckle. She was about to panic, and I didn’t want that. “Why don’t you go upstairs and relax while I clean up from dinner.”
“Umm. Sure.” She spun and all but ran out of the room.
Oh, yes, this was going to be fun.