“That’s it. Let me take you there,” he coaxed, his voice like a gentle breeze in the blistering desert.
Her eyes fluttered shut and she once again drowned out the crowd. Only this time, she brought Ryan along on her journey. He consumed her senses. His fresh scent, his ragged breathing, his newly calloused fingers dipping between her breasts then sliding over the fabric of her blouse. He gently pinched her nipple and she flew, her orgasm crashing into her. Waves of pleasurable contractions shot outward from her core, and her body shook from the intensity.
“You’re gorgeous when you come,” he mumbled against her neck, nibbling on her skin. “Why do you have to be so fucking beautiful? I can’t resist you.”
Reality slammed back in as the music’s tempo changed to an electronic dance beat. She forced her eyes open, relieved the club-goers seemed oblivious to her powerful orgasm in the middle of the dance floor. As difficult as it was, she pushed Ryan away. “Slow song’s over.”
He shook his head and stalked closer, lowering his head to speak in her ear. Even so, she could barely hear him above the music. “It doesn’t have to be. We can dance slowly all night long.”
God, if he could play her body this well with their clothes on, what would it be like naked in that gigantic bed with hours of privacy? They’d burn the mansion down and go up in flames, oblivious to the destruction.
“I want to,” she admitted, stopping him with her hand when he victoriously leaned in to take command of her lips. “But nothing’s changed. I won’t sell the house. Unless . . .”
He stared at her mouth. “Unless?”
“Unless you tell me why the money is so important to you.”
He flinched as if she had slapped him and his entire demeanor changed, his body growing tense, his jaw rigid with defensiveness. “Money is important to most people.”
“Not to me.”
“That’s not true. Without it, you can’t buy the house you so desperately want. The house you want more . . .” He took a step back and shook his head. “You’re right. You and me? We’re a bad idea. I’m going to take a cab home and have a cold shower. Have fun with Dillon. Just make sure you’re home before curfew.” With his fists clenched at his sides, he left her on the dance floor and headed for the exit.
In her experience, people only became defensive when they had reason to defend themselves. A nagging suspicion soured in her gut, its presence too strong to ignore. Had he intended to seduce her in the hopes it would convince her to sell the house? Although the room was warm and humid, she shivered, her blood chilled at the thought she’d considered making love with him tonight.
But, even worse, she realized that even knowing he might be using her, she wasn’t sure she’d have the power to refuse him if he touched her again.
Chapter 14
The ancient saying is no heresy.
Hanging and wiving goes by destiny.
William Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice, act 2, scene 9
She stood before him in a robe made of silk, the white fabric sheer enough he could see the shadow of curls between her thighs.
She licked her lips and slipped the robe off one shoulder, revealing a creamy expanse of skin which begged for his lips. “Don’t you need to see what’s underneath the robe?”
Although he didn’t require her naked, he would not refuse her offer. “Yes. You may drop your robe now.”
She nibbled on her plump lower lip, her cheeks turning red from her fear of being seen by anyone other than her husband as the sunshine lit up the black of her hair like a raven’s wing.
He moaned, his fingers tightening on the hard wood, wishing they could sink into her flesh. He didn’t know what he’d done to deserve her, but he’d never betray her trust. And with this commission, he’d finally provide her with the lifestyle worthy of a Muse.
With a shy smile, she untied the sash of her robe and slowly pulled back each side, showing him the blush which trailed from her cheeks to her breasts.
His temperature soared, his clothes became tight and restrictive. He couldn’t remain dressed. He strode to her, his intention to yank her to the ground and take her hard.
He didn’t. Instead, he fell to his knees, wrapped his arms under her buttocks, and pressed a slow, gentle kiss to her womanly core. Her fingers entangled in his hair as he laid his cheek against her flat abdomen, suddenly sensing something different about her.
He looked up and she smiled down on him with tears in her eyes. “We are going to have a baby, my love. Does this please you?”
“More than I could possibly express,” he declared, sliding up her body to take her into his arms. “But let me try.”