Her heart squeezed in her chest. Was the poor womanizer in over his head? “You . . . care about me?”
“I care a hell of a lot.” He gave her an exasperated look. “Couldn’t you tell while I was kissing you?”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. “Well, it was certainly . . . passionate. But there is an obvious reason for that. You have a lot of experience, so it was simply indicative of a high level of expertise—” She stopped when he placed a finger on her lips.
“Scholar.”
“Yes?” she whispered against the pad of his finger.
“Think about it.” He leaned close. “The kiss was passionate because I’m falling in love with you.”
Her heart lurched, and she stepped back. “That—that’s highly unlikely. We’ve known each other only a few nights.”
“I started falling the minute I saw you on that balcony.”
She gulped. She’d started falling the minute she saw him emerge from that limo. “Well, I have to admit that instant attraction is rather . . . instant.”
The corner of his mouth curled up, and his dimple showed. “You ran into my arms last night. You kissed me back. Rather passionately, I might add.”
Her cheeks blazed with heat. “That was last night. Tonight I’m angry.”
“You’re beautiful when you’re angry.”
“Don’t think I can be swayed with flattery. The only reason I’m not screaming at you is because the guards would hear. I’m sorely tempted to slap that smile right off your face, but luckily for you, I’m exercising a great deal of self-control.”
“I see.” He nodded, his cheeks dimpling. “Then you’ll be able to refrain from screaming when I bring you to climax?”
Her mouth dropped open. “What?”
He winced. “That was a little loud. I’m not sure you can keep from screaming—”
“I don’t scream!” She scoffed. “I never scream.”
“Then you’ve been with the wrong men.”
Goose bumps skittered down her arms. “And you believe you are the right one?”
“I know it.” He stepped toward her. “Your screamless nights are over.”
Her heart thumped. “My, aren’t we sure of ourselves.”
“Must be an overabundance of testosterone.”
She snorted. “Well, I’m not a pushover, you know. It’s not easy to get me into the sack.”
“We could always try the ceiling.”
She laughed. When he grinned, she realized what he’d been up to. “You’re just teasing me, aren’t you? So I won’t be mad at you anymore.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” He slipped a hand around her waist. “Are you still mad at me?”
“I’m . . . recovering.”
“I’ve always wanted to do this.” He grasped the top button on her coat and gave it a twirl. “Laszlo gets such a kick out of doing this.”
“Really?” She tilted her head. “Well?”
He shrugged. “Not much fun. Got anything else I can play with?”
She snorted. “You never give up, do you?”
“Not until I make you scream.” He dragged his hand up to her neck, and she shivered. “Your skin is turning pink, your lips a dark, rich red.”
She glanced at his eyes, and they were starting to glow. It was a heady feeling, knowing that she affected him so strongly. It made her heart race wildly. And her thighs squeeze together.
Desire swept over her, pulling her under like a drug. She’d never wanted someone this badly before. It wasn’t like her to be so . . . mindless with passion.
Mindless? She shivered when he kissed her right below the ear. “Gregori?”
“Hmm?” He nuzzled her neck.
“You would never mess with my mind, right?”
He pulled back with a wary look. “What?”
“It’s just that . . . I’ve never fallen for someone so fast before. It’s not . . . normal for me.”
“You think I’m making you like me?” He released her and stepped back. “I would have to force it on you? I’m not . . . likable on my own?”
She winced. “I didn’t mean that. You’re very likable. And charming. And more handsome than any man should be allowed to be.”
His mouth twitched. “Okay. I’m buying that part. But you still think I’m making you fall for me?”
She frowned. If he was controlling her mind, then most probably she wouldn’t have the ability to question it. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that.”
He gave her a wry look. “If I was controlling you, we would be naked.”