Chapter 76
D ani’s the first to step into the SUV, and on a flirty impulse, hoping to lighten the mood, I spank her with the auction paddle.
“Hey!” Dani squeaks, her voice surprised, then amused. She quickly snatches the paddle from my hand before sliding into the vehicle.
“I know this is so different from the lake.” I slide my arm over her shoulder, hugging her into me. “You’re a great date,” I whisper. “Forget all about the painting.”
Having Dani by my side, emotions and all, made the night not only bearable but enjoyable—a nice change of pace for the social demands of my life.
She pulls away, looking at her face in the front camera of her phone, fixing her makeup.
“Come here,” I growl softly, opening my arms, an urge to be closer to her consuming me. To continue to comfort her from earlier. “I love you so much,” I whisper, hugging her again.
Even though the painting resurfaced memories for her, she’s so strong. I love that about her. She’s resilient. I can’t imagine what that experience was like for Dani.
Dani looks up at me, and our lips meet in a gentle kiss. Her hands pull me by the back of the neck, turning our kiss passionate. I’m surprised when she slides on top of me, and the driver continues toward my place, seemingly unfazed, but I’m aware of the presence of an audience.
“Dani,” I say hesitantly. I’m also curious about her boldness since she was crying moments ago. I’m torn between wanting to continue and knowing we should wait until we’re alone. Grabbing the paddle as we kiss, I lightly spank her. “Be good until we get home,” I whisper into her ear.
Sliding off me, her eyes signal that she does not want to stop. The rest of the ride is a blur of stolen kisses, each one building up what will happen when we’re finally alone. I start to fantasize about taking her immediately and tearing her out of the dress.
My thoughts, however, keep drifting to Dani’s childhood, her reactions to my gifts, and Declan’s persistent looks at Dani throughout the evening and over the last couple of months.
How he touched her arm … I know she says there’s nothing there, but it continues to put a sour taste in my mouth.
Declan’s earlier insinuation about our age gap still plays in my head.
The fucking governor looking at her like he could have her.
As we pull up to the house, I feel a surge of possessiveness.
Stepping out of the SUV, I offer Dani my hand, and we head inside.
Closing the door behind her, every primal impulse takes over.
I can’t resist the urge to assert my claim over her, to show her that she’s mine and no one else’s.
I grab her hips and push her against the door.
It’s a roughness I know she likes. Claiming her neck with my lips, I kiss the sensitive skin soft and then hard.
As we move together, every touch, every kiss is a declaration. I want to mark her as mine and show her that our connection runs deeper than anything she could have with Declan or anyone else.
“Cecilia,” Dani protests softly, knowing she could be around.
A part of me wants to fuck Dani right here in the foyer. The other part wants me to take this upstairs. “I don’t care,” I whisper fiercely against her skin. “I need you now.”
My hands roam her body, my touch conveying my desire, my need to show her how deeply I want her. I feel an urgent need to affirm our connection, to prove I’m the only one she will ever need.
The intensity of my feelings surprises even me. As I pull her closer, feeling her body respond to mine, I’m consumed.