Billion Dollar Bad Boy (Big City Billionaires #1)(14)

Peering off to the side, he saw something I didn't. “Come on. It's too crowded out here.” He took my elbow, his other hand grazing on the small of my back. It was an intimate touch for someone I'd just met. It should have felt wrong.

With him, it felt beyond right.

While there was an air of mystery surrounding him, he radiated protectiveness. Enough that I let him guide me through the throngs of dancers until we pulled up beside a curtained wall.

A man was waiting there, his body bulging like it wanted to escape his black jeans and white button-down. He took one look at us, then wordlessly spread the curtain. S smiled, leading me into a tiny alcove.

The space was just big enough for us and a table, everything glowing like the inside of a lit pumpkin. We were alone, the rest of the club washed away. How thick were the walls that they could mute so much of the noise?

“Sit,” he said, gesturing as he released me.

I missed his touch, wishing he'd just kept hold. Get some self control! Settling into the chair, he soon copied me, sitting on the opposite side.

Weaving his fingers together, he set them on the hard surface of the table. The playful light in his eyes highlighted the beautiful angles of his jaw. I cared more about the substance of this man than what he might have looked like, but... I couldn't deny it.

I was ecstatic—and amazed—by how handsome he was.

The very air around him felt like it was breeding sex. If people could bottle his essence, they'd make a fortune.

“Do I make you nervous?”

His bluntness threw me off. “The situation makes me a little uneasy. I mean, I'm here because you've been sending me all these letters and gifts. People don't meet like this.”

His head bent towards one side. “I meant, do I make you nervous, Pet.”

A flutter rolled through me. I rocked in my chair, hands balling in my lap. But he must know my real name, if he had cupcakes sent to my work. How much did he know about me, and how?

That led me to a new question, one that had been growing for some time. “What does the 'S' stand for?” I blurted, unable to hold back.

Running a finger over his cheek, he gestured at my dress. “Take a guess. I've been leaving hints for you.”

Blinking, I stroked the hem of my outfit. What does he mean? It was smooth, and it fit me wonderfully. Just wearing it was enough to get my heart going.

Hints... What was the clue? He'd sent me so many things.

Tilting my head, I tugged at my hair out of habit. In the process, I flicked the edge of my earring. In the crimson lights, my dress looked more maroon than silver, just like my earrings would. It didn't matter. I knew what he was trying to tell me.

“Silver,” I breathed out, smacking my palms onto the tabletop in delight. Looking up, I found him watching me with hunger in his amber eyes. “It's Silver, isn't it?”

Winking, he slid his palms over the table until he scooped my fingers up. He moved fast—trapping me. “I love how fucking clever you are. Yes, Silver. And you look gorgeous wearing my name.”

Blushing along my throat, I rubbed my knees together. From the start, he'd been branding me. I hadn't even noticed.

S had left his mark where the world could see.

I didn't know how to feel about that. It was bold, and kind of crazy, too. He was letting everyone know I was claimed.

That I belonged to him.

I became conscious of how ridiculous this was; a man sending me secret gifts and courting me from afar. Shivering, I pulled at my hands, but he just held tighter. Licking my lower lip, I met his intense eyes. “Silver can't be your real name.”

Those eyes hardened like ancient glaciers. “To you, it is.”

I controlled the tightening that slid between my ribs. His answer hurt, but clearly he wanted to keep his identity a secret. He must have a good reason for that. “Alright, so what should I call you? S, or Silver?”

“Which do you prefer?”

His hands were warm on mine, holding me down as easily as if he'd been clutching my jugular. But honestly, it was his stare that kept me planted where I was. Or, almost planted.

I was shifting side to side with nervous energy.

“I like Silver,” I said, blushing as I admitted it.

He showed me his row of straight teeth. “Good. I happen to love hearing my name from your lips, almost as much as I love calling you Pet.”

That made my pussy twitch. I crossed my ankles, I'd already crossed my thighs as tight as I could. Was it weird to feel so aroused by this man? I'm probably desperate from years of no action. That didn't sound right. So what had driven me here?

“You look uncomfortable,” he said softly, sliding his fingers from mine.

Closing my hands, I pulled them to my chest. They felt empty. “I am. I mean, how can I not be? I have so many questions about you—about all of this.”