She clutched him to her, nails digging into his muscles. Her moist mouth parted, and he had to rein himself in. Thrusting into her throat would be incredible, but this wasn’t about that.
“Say it,” he whispered hotly against her ear, making her shiver. “Tell me what you want.” He deepened the penetration, pushing to the second knuckle.
She gasped, tilting her pelvis in silent supplication for more, but he retreated slowly. “Please—”
“Sophia? Where are you?”
Shit.
Dane pulled back, pulled out, pushed Sophia away until she was at arm’s length. She whimpered, her eyes glazed with frustrated need. “Elizabeth,” he whispered.
Sophia flinched as if she’d been slapped. Her hands trembled as she smoothed her dress and checked her hair.
Dane closed his eyes briefly. His cousin had some of the shittiest timing in the world. He hadn’t meant to leave Sophia on the edge and frustrated, but now… He adjusted his jacket and waited until Sophia dropped her hands to her sides.
“Over here,” he called out.
Seconds later, Elizabeth appeared. “My goodness, I panicked a little when I couldn’t find you.”
“What do you need her for?” Dane said, his voice colder and harder than usual.
Elizabeth blinked. “What’s gotten into you?”
“You’ve interrupted a conversation.”
“Well, sorry about that, but it’ll have to wait. Sophia, you need to get out there for the bachelorette auction. You’re up soon. And Dane, your date’s been looking for you. You might want to go back inside and find her.” She smiled slyly. “Unless you want to bid?”
“You know I don’t do auctions of this kind. If you want more money, just ask.”
“Oh, yes, I know, but hope springs eternal. First time for everything, and all that. Maybe you can win Sophia and continue your conversation while helping some under-privileged children.”
Then she smiled, took Sophia by the hand and led her away.
Pressing the tip of his middle finger against the spot between his eyebrows, he watched them disappear. Various contradictory emotions tangled and knotted until they were an ugly ball in his chest. Then he suddenly chuckled.
Buy Sophia and continue their conversation.
If only Elizabeth knew.
* * *
Sophia was shaking inside, but she didn’t let it show. It wasn’t that difficult; she’d had years of experience controlling her nerves for competitions.
But Dane…
He was something else. How could he act so nonchalant and unaffected?
“Was the conversation unpleasant?” Elizabeth asked.
“What?” Oh, that’s right. “No, just…unsettling.” In fact, it had been shockingly pleasurable and frustrating. Her panties were soaked through, and unfulfilled need throbbed between her legs. She was so swollen and slick down there, even the slight friction of the lace was setting her nerves on edge.
“That’s good. Dane can be…difficult. We all say that ice water flows in his veins.”
That didn’t sound at all like the man she’d met three years ago, but perhaps something had happened to him since then. “Has he been like this for long?”
“Ever since I can remember. Which is why he has no friends. Well, except for my oldest brother. They’re like two peas in a pod.”
“Are they?” She’d heard of Blake Pryce-Reed—impossible not to, since he was Uncle Julian’s heir—but she didn’t know anything about him.
A tall blonde woman came up to them. “Have you found my date?” Her dress was so tiny, it looked as though her breasts would pop out if she sneezed.
Elizabeth nodded. “Out in the garden. If you go that way, you might run into him.”
Sophia watched the blonde walk away on a pair of impossibly high heels, hips swaying in an exaggerated manner. “Who’s that?”
“Dane’s date.”
“Oh.” Jealousy knotted in Sophia’s gut. Suddenly the things she and Dane had done felt wrong and sordid. “How long have they been dating?”
“No idea, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s their first date. Dane doesn’t usually do more than one. Two is like this huge commitment from him.” Elizabeth pursed her lips. “He has a type.”
“I see.” Big-breasted. Long-legged. Sophisticated. None of which described Sophia.
“Dumb and blonde. At least he’s discreet, unlike Ryder.” Elizabeth made a face. “Let’s get you ready for the auction. You’re going to rock, and by the way, thank you so much for doing this. I know I sprung it on you.”
“Happy to help out.” Sophia smiled warmly.