She hesitated, as if telling me anything personal could be used against her. I wasn’t usually in the habit of killing women, even if she did witness a murder. “My nephew’s graduation.”
“It would seem you’re not interested in family gatherings.”
“My mother makes a big deal out of every celebration and holiday. It’s overwhelming at times.”
“Families can often be difficult.”
“You have no idea,” she muttered. “You’re a restaurateur.”
While she had a coy look on her face, I sensed she was fishing for information. All I could think about was having her body writhing underneath mine, enjoying the sound of her heavy breathing just before I drove the entire length of my cock deep inside her sweet pussy. I wanted nothing more than to bury myself inside, taking her several times until I was finally sated.
“This is only one of my family’s businesses. Would you like a glass of wine or a drink, Cassidy? I’m certain your nerves are on edge after what you went through.”
There was such an unabashed way about her and as she shifted to the edge of the chair, I had a feeling she was contemplating bolting. She would soon learn it was too late.
“Bourbon,” she responded.
“With Coke?”
Her laugh was even more delightful. “Oh, God no. A single ice cube. Nothing should pollute a glass of good bourbon.” When her hand fluttered against the underside of her jaw, I found my muscles twitching with the growing need to touch her, brushing my fingers down the same long line of her neck. I envisioned swirling the tip of a single finger around her nipple. They were already fully aroused, both pressing against the soft material, the scent of her perfume drilling into my senses.
“Bourbon it is. I’ll join you. Then I’ll make us both something to eat. Nourishment will calm your nerves.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re the chef as well?” she asked, her tone almost accusatory. Her laugh was more nervous than before as if the thought of spending time with me was oppressive.
There was a radiance to her that I wanted to delve into, a strong woman with a vulnerability that enticed the hell out of me. I moved behind the bar, taking my time selecting the bourbon before I answered her. “I think every one of us has a hidden talent lurking behind whatever we’re required to do in our lives.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“However, I usually leave the preparation of food to those who are talented in the kitchen.”
“Then what do you do?”
“Everything else.” I’d considered myself a very good judge of character over the years, able to identify those who would dare to lie to me. There was a mystery about her, a secret or two hidden behind her dazzling blue eyes. While I couldn’t put my finger on what they could be, the realization gnawed at me.
Even from this distance, there was a strong pull between us, a tether that extended beyond the obvious primal need. The attraction was strong, increasing the desire already roaring through me. She’d attempted to hide her yearning, but I’d seen the twitch of her upper lip, had heard the breathless sound she made just before walking out the door. I’d also felt the tremor coursing through her as I’d pulled her into my arms, and the way she’d tilted her head had been a clear indication she’d expected me to kiss her.
Everything about this woman provoked the dark side of me, the beast allowed to leave his lair. Her obvious attraction made my nefarious thoughts acceptable.
And what I was planning on doing to her voluptuous body.
As I brought the drinks to the table, she did everything to avoid my intense stare until I sat on the chair opposite from her. Then her eyes were trained on me, inquisitive yet determined to act as if she couldn’t care less. Everything about her, including her smoldering eyes could stoke a thousand-acre fire. My attraction only grew stronger. I paid attention to her body’s reactions to my closeness, my balls tightening from seeing the way she fiddled with her long curls, a trait I doubted she even realized gave away her nervous state.
As the hunger continued to increase, I realized my interest wasn’t just about fucking her. It was about owning her. That made no sense to me whatsoever. I’d shoved aside my yearning for myriad reasons, only one of which was highly personal.
As well as painful.
However, by the end of the night, the lovely fallen treasure would be writhing underneath me, begging me for more.
And I’d enjoy every minute of her surrender.
* * *
Cassidy
What is wrong with you?
The question continued to run through my mind. I’d shifted from being confronted by one dangerous man to another. And I’d found myself flirting with him. Being hit in the head had made me fuzzy.