Chapter 16 #2
“That makes our time spent together that much more valuable. Now, doesn’t it?”
His eyebrows knitted together and he lifted his bottle of beer in a salute. “Just be careful. Like I said before. She’s trouble.”
“Maybe I like a little trouble.”
“You always have.”
I waited for a few seconds before weaving my way through the crowd, finding her standing with Charmaine, her best friend. The redhead lifted her chin, poking Kenzie.
Kenzie turned around, the look of determination on her face everything I’d come to adore about her. She even swaggered closer, providing a look that set the tone for the evening. “What is it, fire eater?”
“Oh, I’m a fire eater now, huh?”
“Why not? The name suits you.”
It didn’t matter what kind of mood I was in; she’d always managed to make me smile. “How about this. What do you say we get out of the crowded joint?”
“I don’t have a car and from what I heard, yours is stuck on that big mountain.” Her shrug was noncommittal.
I nodded, thinking about alternatives. A highly indulgent one came to mind, the filthy thought igniting my hunger. “You’re right. Do you think you can handle a little adventure?”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Maybe I want to keep it a secret.” I inched closer, drinking in her perfume. The combination of a light floral, a hint of citrus, and a dash of vanilla was one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs out there.
Goddamn if her smile couldn’t light up a room. “Alright. I’m game. But I do play to win.” She stood where she was, forcing me to come to her.
“So you do. If you’re serious then finish your drink, Palomino Girl. You’re going to need to keep that mouth of yours nice and wet.” I took a long pull of my beer, allowing my gaze to fall just as I’d done before.
Only this time, there was an entirely different meaning to my gesture and she knew it.
“I don’t like being told what to do.”
“And I think you’re lying to me.” I moved to within inches of her.
“That’s a terrible thing to say to a lady.”
Chuckling, I dropped my gaze as she darted just the tip of her tongue around the rim of her glass. “I guess that’s something I’ll have to consider keeping in mind.”
“Arrogant, aren’t you?”
“I’d call it confidence.”
“Do share. What are you so confident about?” Kenzie tilted her head, studying me with her lips parted, her eyes partially dilated.
Shrugging, I scrubbed my jaw with one hand, cocking my head as if debating. But I wasn’t. “Everything.”
“Then I’d call you cocky.” There was something to be said for playing word games. I also enjoyed the electric hum surrounding her. She was a live wire of wanton need, her desire as keen and tumultuous as mine.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You should take it as an insult.”
I took a step away on purpose, smiling as I brought the bottle to my lips. “I’m curious.”
“About what?”
“About what you’re thinking at this very moment.”
“That’s easy,” she all but whispered in a darker, huskier tone.
When she brought the martini glass to her lips, I took and held a deep breath.
The ache in my balls was even more significant, testing my resolve.
That was exactly what she’d intended on doing.
“That you believe it’s your right to be in control of everything and everyone. ”
“Very astute. I see we’re kindred spirits.” My hand came up, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She pulled away on purpose, taking a deep breath. Even smiling when I slowly curled my fingers.
“You’re right. I do enjoy control in all aspects of my life.”
Very slowly, I shook my head back and forth. “You’re lying.”
“What would I be lying about?”
“The aspect of control. You much prefer giving it to a man, but only if you consider him the right one.”
“The right one? My, so very cocky of you.”
“Just truthful, which I pride myself in being. You crave a man who understands your wants and needs, allowing you control while teaching you to be completely obedient.”
“Obedient.” Her laugh sent a flurry of current through my system, stiffening my muscles. “Then you truly don’t know me very well. Not at all.”
“You would be wrong.”
“You’re very certain of yourself, Mr. Smokejumper.”
“I’ve had years of practice and experience.
So tell me, what am I so wrong about, Palomino Girl?
Even as we speak, I can tell your panties are damp, the ache between your legs dull yet unforgiving.
Your nipples are hard, sweet, delicious pebbles that have become increasingly uncomfortable.
” I dropped my gaze on purpose to her hardened buds, which were protruding through the thin material of her blouse.
“Succulent and in need of being pinched and twisted. You do enjoy a little pain with your pleasure. Yes?”
When she didn’t answer right away, I lifted my gaze, my upper lip curling when I did.
She was clearly uncomfortable, her scent of desire keeping my mouth watering.
“See? You’re very wrong about me. Very wrong indeed.”
I slipped my hand around her back, pulling her closer. “Am I? I’m afraid your body is betraying you.”
She stole a quick glance down. “I don’t appear to be in any distress.”
“Then I guess I’m not doing it very well.”
“You have me curious. What are you attempting to do?”
I fisted the back of her hair, pulling her onto her tiptoes. “I’m not attempting, Kenzie. I’m promising. I plan on seducing you.”