Chapter 12
CHAPTER TWELVE
Anton
A surge of victory came over me, even though I’d only just begun the battle. The odds of her being here—directly outside my club—had to be slim to none. Yet here she was confessing her desires, her gaze as potent as the flames she’d created. Perhaps I was wrong to assume she wouldn’t be accepting of Club O and all the forms of salacious behavior that accompanied it. It was time I stopped asking myself who Serena was, and dig deeper to find out.
I released her hand to wrap an arm around her slim waist, pulling her tight to me. My free hand came up to cup the side of her neck. Her pulse was racing.
“You shouldn’t be so quick to trust me, princess. I’m not a nice guy.” She inhaled sharply, but she didn’t pull away. Her stormy blue gaze never wavered. “When I see something I want, I make it mine. And I want you. In my bed and screaming my name. Does that scare you? ”
Her breath caught again, as if she were surprised by my brutal honesty, but there was no mistaking the desire swirling in her eyes.
“No. Not afraid. I’m just…” She paused, seeming to search for the right words.
I took us a step forward, forcing her to move backward until she was pressed against one of the stone columns flanking the driveway to Club O. My cock ached painfully. All I wanted to do was carry her into one of the private rooms of my club and fuck her until I sated this irrational need that I had for her.
But I didn’t do that. Instead, I pressed my body close to hers and placed my hands against the stone on the sides of her head. When she closed her eyes in silent surrender, I nearly groaned. With her caged between my arms, I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
I was gentle, making the kiss a complete contradiction to my crude words and hard cock. But that was the point. I knew Serena couldn’t be rushed. I just want to give her something to think about.
I didn’t use my tongue, but focused on her pouty lower lip, pulling it into my mouth briefly before releasing her. I stared into her eyes to see a raging ocean reflecting back at me. Serena would be fire in bed. I was sure of it, and in that moment, I’d never wanted to bury myself in a woman more. I took a deep breath, restraining myself from shoving those tight pants down her hips and doing exactly that.
I cupped the side of her cheek.
“I will have you eventually, princess. I want you in a proper bed when I take you, someplace where I can take my time worshipping your body.”
She angled her head to the side, cradling it in the palm of my hand.
“My flight back to Italy leaves on Friday,” she whispered.
I studied her. I didn’t know if that was a statement of fact or if she was trying to send a message that we only had one more day. Whether we ended up in bed or not, this wouldn’t be the end—at least not if I had anything to do with it. I had to see her again.
“What are you saying?” I asked.
“I might not need romance, but I also don’t do casual sex, Anton.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. I never thought you were a woman who took a man to bed with little regard.” I paused and stepped back, angling my head with curiosity. “Serena, tell me why you came to New York looking for investors. What do you need the money for?”
Her expression shifted, like she’d been expecting the question but wasn’t quite ready to answer. She let out a small sigh, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“I need funding for the dig I’ve been working in Rome. It’s a project that started with my father. I made a promise to him before he died and now… Well, it’s complicated. We’re excavating a site that might have connections to Cleopatra’s final days. The problem is, my team and I are running out of resources, and I’ve sunk a sizable chunk of my personal savings into the dig just to keep it going.”
I considered the contents of the leather-bound journal I’d been looking at earlier, and the grid maps it contained suddenly made more sense. Rather than let on that I had it in my possession, I only nodded, encouraging her to continue.
“I have enough money to cover my apartment rent in Rome until the end of the month. After that, my lease is up, and I’ll most likely have to move. I’ll need to try selling more of my handblown glass pieces to a gallery in Florence. If all goes well, I’ll keep a roof over my head, but it would never be enough to fund a full dig. The permits alone cost a small fortune.”
She looked at me, as if gauging my reaction. I was quiet for a moment, absorbing everything she’d just laid out .
“Where is your apartment in Rome?” I asked, deliberately prodding for the information so she couldn’t disappear on me again.
“Trastevere,” she replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “The flat is small but comfortable, tucked away on a narrow street. You can hear church bells in the morning, and there is a market just around the corner. It’s become my home away from home—at least through the end of the month.”
Her smile faded, as if her new reality was just sinking in. She was holding onto more than just an apartment. It seemed more like a dream—a dream that was slowly slipping away.
“This is important to you.”
“Yes, it is.”
I narrowed my gaze, coming to a decision.
“Give me one month,” I said, taking an impulsive risk.
She looked at me with confusion. “What’s in one month?”
“It’s when I’ll give you whatever funding you need for your project.”
She blinked, her face awash with disbelief.
“Anton, I appreciate the offer. Really, I do. This morning, I was fully ready to pitch my case to you, but I’ve come to realize that it wouldn’t make sense. Subconsciously, I think that may be why I left your place without notice. Funding for archeological digs typically comes from research grants offered by universities, governments, or private institutions—all of whom have a vested interest. You don’t check any of those boxes and asking you for the money would make me feel like a fraud.”
“You don’t have to ask. I’m going to give it to you.”
“But why? What’s in it for you?”
“I told you I wasn’t a nice guy, Serena. I don’t do anything without there being a benefit to me—especially when it comes to my money. There are strings attached to it.”
“What kind of strings?”
She bit down on her lower lip, something I’d come to recognize as her tell. She did it when she was nervous. I studied her face, memorizing every detail so that I could get a true measure of her reaction to what I was about to offer.
“I said I wanted a month—I meant one month with you. I’m willing to come to Italy if that’s what you’d prefer. For the most part, I can manage my business from anywhere in the world. During that time, I want to get to know you better. I want your mind and your body, and after thirty days, I’ll provide you with whatever money you need.”
“You c-can’t—” she sputtered, her words halting as her eyes widened. She shook her head in disbelief. “You can’t treat my body like a Wall Street transaction or a commodity to be traded.”
“Are you saying you don’t want the money?”
“I’m saying that I’m not going to trade sexual favors in order to get the funding I need.”
I shrugged, having already known she would refuse my offer—for now. The corners of my mouth turned up in a half smile. I was amused by her ever-changing facial expressions. They were a mix of shock, horror, and disbelief. But there were also flickers of curiosity and desire that betrayed her indignation. It made my cock twitch.
“That would be your loss, princess. But I may have an alternative option.”
Her brows pushed together with a frown as she waited for me to pull the other ace from my sleeve.
“What’s that?” she asked cautiously.
“We can discuss it over dinner. Krystina’s Place tomorrow night. I know the restaurant owner and feel confident that we can have a conversation there with minimal interruptions.”
“And if I say no?”
“We’ll go back to option one. I’ll come to Italy, and we’ll spend a month having fantastic sex.”
Serena pressed her lips together in annoyance, making me want to kiss that smirk right off her face .
“Don’t be so arrogant.”
I moved closer, forcing her back so she was pressed against the pillar once more. Reaching up, I wrapped a hand around her neck, allowing my thumb to rest on the pulse at her throat.
“It’s not arrogance if I’m right.” I leaned in. To my satisfaction, she didn’t pull away. I felt the heat flush her neck as her eyes darkened to a deep blue. They brimmed with possibilities as I moved close enough to feel her exhale on my lips. “Your pulse is racing. It betrays you. I dare say that the idea of spending a month together intrigues you.”
“I never said anything to the contrary. I just said I wouldn’t allow my body to be treated like a transaction.” Her voice was breathy, betraying her confidence and exposing her desires. When her lips parted, I nearly groaned.
“Let me touch you, princess.”
“You are touching me.”
“I mean really touch you. I want to show you how good we could be, to give you the freedom to be the female sculpture in the flames.”
She let out a quiet whimper as arousal seeped into her eyes. She hid her sexual need better than most women, but I could still sense it—hot and wanting. The pulse in her neck quickened under my palm as I lowered my head. Our breaths mingled and she angled her head, surrendering her mouth to mine.
Her lips were soft and full, parting to allow my tongue access. Electric shockwaves coursed between us, and she released a small moan. I responded by pushing my mouth harder against hers. Her need tasted too damn good, showing me that she wanted this as much as I did.
I kissed her desperately and passionately, teasing her with the promise of more. Adrenaline coursed through me and my cock throbbed. I pulled her tighter against my chest, and she melted into me, giving me all the encouragement I needed to lower my hand and squeeze her firm ass. I couldn’t wait for the day when I’d see it flushed red from the sting of my palm.
I pushed my hips against her, allowing her to feel how rock hard my cock was. She gasped, swiveling her pelvis, our bodies meeting for a slow, gentle grind. It just made me burn for her all the more. I devoured her, our tongues twisting and tasting as she angled her head so I could take more.
And I wanted more.
I needed more.
I thought about the club, just mere steps away.
I could take her to one of the private rooms and… No. Now is not the time.
Tearing my lips from hers, I took a second to read her hooded ocean blue eyes. All I saw was desire and longing behind those thick lashes.
“Tell me what you want.” When she didn’t respond, I slipped a hand under her shirt until I felt the warm, olive skin at her waist. I pressed my lips to the side of her neck, trailing soft kisses along her collar bone as I moved my hand up to cup one of her breasts. I began to massage over the lacy fabric. “This—is this what you want?”
“Anton,” she murmured against my lips. “What if someone walks by?”
“Let them watch,” I growled.
She moaned softly at the suggestion of being caught, my words bolstering her enough to let go. Her fingers curled through my hair, then moved down to my shoulders and back, touching as if she couldn’t get enough.
“Anton, we shouldn’t. I shouldn’t.” Her protest was weak.
“Tell me to stop,” I challenged.
“No. I don’t want that either,” she breathed. Her words were barely audible in the night air. “I want you to touch me.”
Using two hands, I continued my exploration under her gauzy shirt, greedily pulling down the cups of her bra. Her breasts spilled free, allowing me to pinch her hard nipples. She arched, encouraging me to take more. I twisted one peak while slowly caressing the other, mixing both pain and pleasure. When she released a sigh of gratification, I nearly came on the spot.
There was no doubt—Serena and I would be explosive in bed.
Sliding one hand down to the apex of her thighs, I applied pressure between her legs. Even through her jeans, I could feel her heat. She lifted her hips against my hand to get better friction. Her hands snaked around the base of my neck, pulling me in and searching for more.
The woman was driving me fucking wild and I’d barely even done anything with her yet.
Needing more skin-to-skin contact, I swiftly unbuttoned her pants. When she showed no sign of protest, I pushed the boundaries and dipped my hand under the waistband of her panties. My fingers connected with her slit, finding her hot, wet, and ready. I imagined her spread out before me, open to the mercy of my tongue. My fingers. My cock.
I released a groan.
“Fuck. I love that you’re already wet,” I murmured against her lips. I circled her hard clit for a moment, then drove a finger inside her heated well. Her breath hitched and her hips pushed upward, taking what I offered with fevered urgency. I increased my tempo, stroking and building momentum until she was whimpering with need.
“Come for me, princess. I want you to come on my hand.”
She kissed me frantically, and my fingers thrusted deeper to massage her walls, only pulling out to trace wet circles around her throbbing nub. Her body tensed, and her shallow breaths began to come faster. I knew she was close, so I quickened the pace. If she refused to see me again tomorrow, I wanted to give her this memory at least—to make her see that if she gave us a chance, we’d be fire together .
When I thought she was almost there, I tore my mouth from hers so I could see her face. I wanted to watch her as she fell apart. Spinning her around to reverse our positions, I pushed my back against the pillar and took her chin with my free hand.
“Look up behind me. See the woman in the flames. Be her, Serena.”
She did exactly as I’d told her. I continued to rotate my finger on that tight bundle of nerves, flexing my fingers with more urgency until I could feel the slight tremors of her building orgasm. Within minutes, her eyes grew wide, rolling before they snapped closed. Seconds later, I was rewarded with her muted cry of pleasure as she shattered under my palm.
As her ecstasy slowly faded to pulsing aftershocks, she lifted her head, her eyes fluttering open to look at me. I smiled at her glazed expression. Lowering my head, I gave her a slow, languid kiss. The minutes slipped by as she stayed wrapped in my arms—five, ten. I wasn’t sure. All time seemed to have stopped. When I pulled away, she didn’t mask the heat in her gaze.
“I can’t believe I allowed that to happen in public,” she said, stepping back so she could shift her clothing back into place.
I chuckled.
“It’s a moonless night and nobody is around.” I didn’t mention the security cameras that were just over head. More than likely, Zeke was witness to the whole thing. It’s why I made sure to keep her clothes relatively intact and body covered. Just the idea of another man seeing her made me irrationally jealous.
“It might be dark, but still…” She trailed off, glancing around.
Gripping her chin between my thumb and forefinger, I angled her head until her gaze met mine.
“That was just a taste. Dinner with me tomorrow night. We can discuss things further. And perhaps we can even finish what we started here tonight. ”
“Wait, what?” she asked, her glazed eyes suddenly snapping back to reality.
Releasing her, I chuckled and took another step back.
“Give me your phone,” I told her. She frowned, but didn’t hesitate handing over the cellphone that she pulled from her shoulder bag. Going into her contact list, I programmed my phone number and email address, then sent myself a text message so that I would have her number as well. “Where are you staying?”
“Summit Suites.”
I nodded in approval, happy to hear she had chosen a more reputable hotel. “I’ll walk you back.”
“It’s not far. I can find my own way. But thanks.”
My instinct was to argue with her. It was getting late, and I didn’t like the idea of her walking the streets alone. It was a relatively safe area, but New York was unpredictable. I was about to press the issue but noted the stubborn set to her jaw. If she were mine, there would be no debate.
But she wasn’t mine—yet.
I pressed my lips together, annoyed by the situation.
“I’m glad you didn’t go back to the Midtown,” I finally replied.
“Honestly, I tried to. The place is cheap. But when I got there, I found that something must have happened. The place was swarming with police and there was crime scene tape everywhere.”
My brow furrowed as my mind flashed back to her ransacked room. If she had gone back there, she most likely would have been informed of the vandalized motel room. But vandalization was hardly reason for cops and crime tape.
“Crime scene tape, huh? I wonder what happened.” I kept my words casual, hoping to get more information.
“I don’t know. I heard loiterers talking. I guess a hotel staff member was found dead. ”
Quiet alarm bells began sounding in my head. I recalled the hotel employee who’d gone to lunch but never returned. A trashed room was one thing. I’d been there, and the possibility of being linked to a murder scene brought my presence at the hotel to a whole new level. I would need to get Zeke on the situation immediately to find out what was going on. It didn’t matter if we hadn’t been spotted on camera. There was always the risk of being connected in some other way.
Not wanting to let on that anything was amiss, I brought the conversation back to tomorrow night’s dinner.
“I’ll text you tomorrow afternoon to confirm pick up, but plan to be ready by six.”
“You’re serious about dinner?”
“Very. And I’m even more serious about my offer to fund your project. Thirty days, princess. Think about it. Until then,” I paused just long enough to place a chaste kiss to her lips. “Remember the woman in the flames. You deserve to be her.”
“Anton, I?—”
I turned on my heel and ignored her when she called after me. I hated to walk away, wanting nothing more than to take her to my bed tonight. But that would’ve led to regrets that I didn’t want her to have. She needed space to process what happened here tonight.
Using a hidden path that led to the natural stone wall surrounding Club O, I ducked out of sight. I had no intention of going back into the club. Instead, I headed for my car to go home, opting to call Zeke about what happened at the Midtown rather than discuss it in person. I was still sporting a raging hard on, and walking through a sea of twisting bodies in the club was the last thing I needed to do—not when the object of my desire was still out of reach.
But I’d have Serena soon enough.
For tonight, a shower was calling my name—a very cold one.