"Why?” she asked, because she truly didn't know and still hoped with all her heart it was because he wanted them to continue into something more.
His hand tightened around her arm as he pulled her to him. He kissed her, slipping his tongue into her mouth, leaving her breathless and mindless with desire before pulling back.
"I apologize for not making it clear to you. I want you, again, again, and again.” He followed his statement up with another kiss to her lips. “I want to get to know you a whole lot better. I understand the circumstances of how we met might make it difficult for us to get to know each other, but I'm willing to give it a chance if you are."
She wished he'd been clearer earlier, but perhaps he also had difficulty expressing himself. And he was correct. How they'd met could be a potential problem. But none of that seemed to matter at the moment, because all she could whisper was yes.
A knock on the door the following morning had Ariel halting in surprise. It was nine in the morning, and the only visitor she would have expected at this hour was Isabel. But her sister always called before she came over. She walked over to the door and looked through the peephole.
She opened the door. “What are you doing here?” Sean stood before her, dressed in a suit, looking so much like his brother. And he was the last person she would have expected to be standing on her doorstep this morning.
He arched a brow his lips pressed into a thin line. “Can I come in?"
"Yes...yes, of course,” she replied, stepping to the side. He entered, and he closed the door. “Let's head to the living room."
She took the lead and sat down.
"This won't take long,” Sean stated as he remained standing.
"What can I help you with?"
He loomed over her. “I want you to stay away from my brother."
She rose to her feet and took a step back, needing space from him. “What are you talking about?"
"I'm not in the habit of repeating myself. Stay away from him. You've had your one night with him, and you are bound by the contract to stay away. I will enforce it if I have no choice."
Her blood ran hot, the anger curling in her stomach. “Your brother and I chose to continue seeing each other. It has nothing to do with you."
"What the hell is it you want? Money?” He laughed. “That's what it is, isn't it? That has to be it. Money is a motivation for many, but if you think sinking your little claws into my brother will work, I'll fight you every step of the way."
"Are you fucking delusional? I owe you no answers. Get the hell out of my home right now."
He gave her one more glance before turning away and heading to the door. “This isn't over."
Ariel sat, completely stunned at what Sean thought of her. Why would he think she was some money-hungry bitch? She certainly had never acted as such. This was all confusing, but she had no plans of confronting Sean about his more than inaccurate assessment of her. He was going to have deal with his feelings with John. Ariel would not get involved unless she was forced to.
Her palms were sweaty, and even as Isabel had assured Ariel numerous times that she looked like a million bucks, she still had to force herself to knock on John's door. Dressed in four-inch red heels and a white minidress, she felt out of her element, even though her original plan had been to wow him. Her nerves were overtaking her. She sensed this dinner would be intimate, and even though it was a silly thought, it was a whole other level of intimacy than what they'd been through.
She wasn't used to being this nervous around men, but then again she hadn't had too many lovers in her life. Still, something about him called to her on every level, and that was what scared her. He made her want to pursue him and see where they would go. But it came down to one thing. She sensed he had the power to hurt her, and even knowing that, she was still willing to risk being with him.
But Sean's visit caused even more doubts. She was still confused about it, still disturbed. Why would Sean think this of her? John had made it clear he never got involved with his clients. So could Sean's worry for John and for Capture Inc. force him to think the worst of her?
Minutes seemed to pass before John opened the door, and all of her insecurities and worries flew away. He looked utterly delicious, wearing jeans slung low on his hips, a white buttoned shirt with the top three buttons open, and his feet were bare. He looked sexy but relaxed. Still there was an air of powerfulness about him that attracted her to him immensely. The look fit him, and she wanted nothing more than to release his cock and show him just how much he excited her. This compelling attraction to him was one of the reasons she'd decided on no underwear. Imagining how ready she was for him turned her on, and even now her clit throbbed with want.