Chapter 4
Jade
A m I dreaming?
I think there’s music playing, but I can’t be certain. I’m speechless as I take in the man I crashed into.
His hands are on my shoulders, steadying me. His touch burns my skin and goosebumps break out across my skin.
Did he call me Tink?
A slow sexy smile graces his beautiful face as I let myself drink him in. He has the most perfect bone structure and just the right amount of stubble peppering his chiseled jaw. As he moves closer into my space, his breath tickles my skin.
“I’ve been trying to find the balls to speak to you, and you literally run right into me.” His deep thick American accent shakes me out of my stupor.
“I’m sorry. You’ve been wanting to speak to me. I don’t believe you.” I snort out a very unlady-like laugh.
Thank you, tequila.
A confused look crosses his face. “Why don’t you believe me?”
“Oh come on. A man like you.” I step backward slightly and gesture with my hands to his impressive body. I admire his body which, thanks to his costume, I can see a lot of. I’m starting to think Halloween is my new favorite holiday .
I get a glimpse of his strong, powerful thighs through the flimsy fabric, I continue to study him counting eight… Jesus. Eight abs and a broad chest with well-defined pecs. My fingers flex as I resist the urge to reach out and touch him.
I reluctantly return my gaze to his. “I mean look at you.” Then pointing to myself, I add, “And look at me. We’re not the same breed.”
I’m shocked when he walks me back toward the wall. It’s cool against my back; a huge contrast to the heat radiating from his body. He towers over me, placing one hand above my head. His intoxicating scent has my head spinning, as he slips his free hand behind my neck, brushing his thumb across my jaw tilting my face up to his.
He leans further into my space, his lips lightly brushing against the shell of my ear, his warm breath causing a whole body shiver to ripple through me “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I’m going to have fun making you believe that your beauty is unmatched because, as soon as you entered this club tonight, Tink, I’ve been drawn to you, and trust me,” his nose grazes the shell of my ear, making me shudder, “no one has ever done that to me.”
I gasp because I’m feeling things I’ve never felt before either. He pulls away a little and my eyes open, finding him with an eyebrow raised, waiting for me to respond.
What the hell do I say to that?
The answer: nothing. I just blink up at him, my mouth hanging open like a fish.
Still think I’m beautiful now?
He lets out a chuckle while dragging his knuckles across my cheek. “Let me buy you another drink.”
I allow this ridiculously handsome God to guide me through the crowd, his hand pressed to my lower back has my heart racing. I catch my friends staring at me from their spot on the dancefloor, wide eyed. All I can do is mouth ‘ what the fuck. ’ as we head to the VIP area.
The lighting is more intimate with the space lit by lamps on each table, surrounded by deep purple-colored couches. We take a seat at a table slightly hidden in an alcove. When a waiter comes to take our order, he orders a Macallan, and I finally find my voice and order another margarita.
My mysterious Gladiator takes hold of my hand and gently brushes his thumbs over mine he still doesn’t speak so I grow a pair. “So, Max…”
“Max?” He looks confused.
“Yes, Max.” Licking my lips I try to ignore the way my nipples draw tight at the deep timbre of his voice. “You’re dressed as a Gladiator. I’m assuming your inspiration was Russell Crowe in the movie?” He nods. “So, I’m calling you Max.”
“Do you not want to know my real name?” His brows knit together at my outburst.
“Nope.”
“Can I know yours?”
“Nope, stay with me, it will be fun.” I give my shoulders a playful shimmy.
He shakes his head, chuckling. “Okay, I’ll let you call me Max.” He looks down at our intertwined fingers and frowns but doesn’t drop my hand.
The waiter returns with our drinks breaking our spell, and I pull out my purse to pay but before I can get my card out, he walks away.
“Erm. Why didn’t he want me to pay?”
“Tink.” He huffs out a laugh. “My card’s behind the bar. Your drinks are covered.”
He takes my purse and places it on the table.
“Okay, but just so you know, buying me a drink won’t mean I’ll be in your bed tonight.” He moves his hand, trailing it from my wrist to my waist causing my breath to hitch. His other hand goes to my neck, pulling me towards him.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful.” He brushes the pad of his thumb over my bottom lip before he leans to gently nip my earlobe. “Will it at least earn me a kiss?”
I hold my breath as he trails his lips across my jaw. When his lips brush mine an involuntary moan escapes me. His grip on my waist tightens and he deepens the kiss. My whole body relaxes into his touch as my mind goes completely blank and he takes control. His tongue licks the seam of my lips, silently asking for permission and I gladly give it. Our tongues glide against one another as our kiss becomes so intense I forget where I am.
His hands roam my body, while mine slide over his chest, tracing the muscles there. I love the feel of his hard plains under my palms. My hands slide over his shoulder as my breasts are pushed against him, my nipples hardening at the contact. The way he’s controlling the kiss, I find myself giving in completely.
We eventually break away from each other gasping for air. He rests his forehead to mine. “What will two drinks get me?” he whispers playfully against my lips.
I can’t help myself. I let out a throaty laugh, briefly placing a kiss on his lips. “I have to finish this one first. Don’t get ahead of yourself.” If a man can make me laugh, he has a much better chance with me than if he just looks good. And I could be in trouble with Max because, with his handsome face and his sense of humor, he could be laughing me right into bed. Maybe for tonight, that’s exactly what I need.
Game on, Gladiator.