Chapter 4 #2
When I finally came to my senses and tried to push myself away, he refused to let me go.
The man was infuriating, acting as if my accepting our meeting meant he owned a small part of me.
I don’t know what I expected, but when he suddenly lowered his head so our lips were almost touching, I held my breath in some sick moment of anticipation.
He lifted his hand, brushing a stray strand of hair from my cheek. The move was intimate yet unyielding, the man used to getting his way.
“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re extremely beautiful when you’re angry?”
Before I had a chance to retort, the bastard did the unthinkable.
He kissed me.
Not just any kiss, but one so passionate I was thrown completely by the connection and the sheer electricity exploding throughout my body.
As much as I wanted to ignore how I felt and push him away, I was caught up in the intense passion, captivated by the tingling sensations sweeping into every cell and muscle.
He slipped one arm around my waist, pulling me onto my toes as he fisted my hair gently with the other. The hold was possessive, dominating in a way I wasn’t used to. There was no overt savagery even though the act of intimacy was unbridled.
As he swept his tongue inside, I felt myself moan, the vibrations unwanted yet powerful. I couldn’t seem to collect my thoughts as he explored every inch in the darkness, keeping me close enough I could feel every muscle in his carved body.
Stars floated in front of my eyes as I sensed my pulse racing and somehow, my body reacted without my mind being able to process.
I rolled my arms over his shoulders, even tangling the fingers of one hand in his hair.
So soft. So thick. So luxurious. He continued exploring my mouth, consuming every part of me, oblivious to the crowd of people.
The taste of him was equally incredible, whiskey and something salty the perfect combination. He rubbed the small of my back, keeping the full weight of his body crushed against mine. A growl rumbled in his chest, the sound possessive.
Just as quickly as the slip into insanity began, he pulled away, rubbing his thumb across my bottom lip. In an act of perversion, he pushed his thick digit into my mouth. A frustrated moan slipped past my lips.
That’s when he chuckled, the sound low and husky.
“Hungry, Ms. Blair?”
I was so caught off guard I didn’t blink or dare to breathe. Finally, my mind un-blurred and I shoved him away. “Not for you.”
When he was finally done, he took a deep breath as if drinking in my perfume.
With a knowing smile on his face, he walked away as if the moment had never happened.
Seconds later, I pressed my fingers to my lips. Finally, the moment of lust faded and I was incensed, fisting both hands as I thought about driving a sharp knife into his heart.
Only that would be too good for him.
I stormed back to the chair, searching the room.
A part of me wanted to hunt him down, telling him in no uncertain terms he could shove the offer up his ass, but I thought better of it.
Even as angry and incensed as I’d become, I knew better than to fly off the handle without thinking the situation through.
When I thumped into the seat, my besties opened their eyes wide.
“What happened?” Amelia asked. “You look like you’re going to rip the head off a bat.”
“Maybe a snake,” I retorted, raking my hand through my hair and immediately reaching for my drink. “Christian happened, the most arrogant asshole in the entire world.”
Katy and Amelia looked at each other before Katy leaned over the table. “He’s here?”
“Oh, he’s here. I could swear the man is following me. What a jerk.” I quickly glanced from side to side, both wishing and dreading I’d catch sight of him.
“You talked to him? What did he say?” Amelia was excited while I continued to fume.
“It’s not what he said. It’s…” How was I supposed to tell them I’d allowed him to kiss me?
“It’s what?” Amelia pushed.
When I involuntarily pressed my fingers against my lips, both girls gasped.
“He kissed you?” Katy was practically beside herself.
“More like accosted me. Men like him are chauvinistic pigs who need to be carted away and locked in prison. He’s not just arrogant, he’s evil personified. I don’t want anything to do with him. Not one damn thing.”
As luck would have it, my friends lifted their heads at that moment. Instead of shock or abhorrence, their expressions were almost carnal. Wait. Were they salivating?
At that very moment, two strong, muscular hands gripped my shoulders, squeezing with enough pressure my pussy throbbed. They were man’s hands. By his scent alone and by the leering looks on my friends’ faces, I knew exactly who was standing behind me.
I refused to make a scene or allow him to know I was in the least bit uncomfortable. All while plotting his death.
“Vanessa. I forgot to mention after our… interlude that I’d like to extend an offer to have you spend the day with me tomorrow. You can see what I do and who I am. Perhaps that will allow you to feel more comfortable about your decision. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a long, intimate dinner together.”
Amelia’s cheeks puffed out as she locked eyes with mine. I could tell by the imploring shimmer in that she was begging me not to lose my cool.
I had no intention of allowing him the satisfaction. After taking a deep breath, I placed my hand on his. Just as had occurred before, the sudden and very explosive jolt of electricity created an array of tingles while threatening to strip my breath away.
It was something else I refused to allow to happen. “That would be acceptable, Mr. Elliot. That way, when I turn you down cold, you’ll better understand why. Have a lovely rest of your evening.” Fuck you, asshole.
His chuckle was deep, dark, and dominating. Refusing to back down, he shifted his hand so his long fingers were able to wrap around the back of my neck. I sensed he was lowering his head and instantly, prickles teased my skin.
“Be careful, Wildcat. I can read your mind, sensing your darkest desires. However, you might be craving much more than you can handle. Don’t worry, I’ll be there to catch you when you fall.
Until tomorrow. I’ll send a car for you to your office.
Eight sharp.” With that, he brushed his lips across my ear to my cheek.
Then he was gone, the sudden brisk pop of air creating a deep rumbling in my stomach.
Damn the man. If he wanted to play games, he’d picked the wrong person.
The bastard had met his match.