But the biggest reason I’m pushing back? I want Corinne. I desire her in my bed, under me, calling my name, taking me deep, available to me day and night, scratching her nails into my back as she screams out in ecstasy. I can’t deny I’ll get the satisfaction of knowing Parker will picture all of that—and it will kill him. But actually taking this woman to bed and having her completely mine? That pleasure is all for me.
“What are you saying?” she asks with wide eyes.
But she knows; her trembling tells me.
“The only sex I’ll be having is with you.”
She blinks and sits back in her chair. “But it’s a fake engagement.”
“With benefits.” I smile. “Our relationship can’t seem fake or no one will believe us. Besides, the way I want you, princess, is very real.”
Corinne is probably thinking that I’m coercing her into bed. But I’ll treat her better than Riley Stephens ever did. I’ll heap the kind of bliss on her she’s only imagined. I’ll make damn sure she doesn’t regret a minute with me.
It’s my problem that I wish she’d sought me out because she wants more from me than help with her brother. But I’m not worried. When our passion heats up and I melt her into the mattress, she’ll get on board. I’ll just have to remember that she isn’t with me because she gives a shit. She only cares about what I can do for her.
“Why?” she breathes. “You barely know me.”
I know enough to know she’s smarter than Maxie. She’s hotter than Emma. And she’s both sexier and wittier than Jacinda. If I ever compiled a list of qualities in my perfect woman, Corinne would fit the bill.
She’s still blinking at me, waiting for an answer.
I shrug. “There’s something between us—”
“Yeah, deception and revenge.”
“Chemistry and lust. Ours is undeniable. Even if I can’t explain it, I feel it. But if sex is a deal-breaker for you, say so. We’ll forget the whole scheme.”
Corinne gapes at me. “You’d really give up a chance for revenge because I won’t go to bed with you?”
“Our ploy won’t work if I’m fucking anyone else.” I lean across the small table and plant myself inches from her. “Are you really that eager for me to crawl between someone else’s thighs when I know you want me, too?”
“That’s not true.”
“Yes, it is. I know a woman’s body.”
“I don’t sleep around.”
“Good. While we’re ‘engaged,’ you’re mine.”
“I’m not explaining this well.” She sighs. “I’m not having sex with any man until he puts a ring on my finger.”
“I plan to, remember?”
“I mean for real.”
Is that an excuse…or is she saying what I think she’s saying? “Are you a virgin?”
Corinne shifts in her seat, then nods. “I’m sure you think that’s ridiculous or fairy tale—”
“I don’t.” But it’s unexpected. She never went to bed with Riley? Not once in almost a year?
“The thing is, I doubt I can connect on that level with someone I barely know. And I want my first time to be special.”
On paper, taking my enemy’s little sister’s innocence should be sufficiently sinister and satisfying. But looking into Corinne’s solemn eyes, knowing I’d be the very first man to touch her, to claim her, does something to me—beyond making my dick hard. That kick to my gut urging me to seduce her as soon as possible and make her mine? That’s not coming strictly from my libido.
Fuck, this game could get dangerous. Still, that’s not stopping me.
If I was noble, I would leave her untouched.
But I’m not.
Instead, I take her hand. “I’ll give you a special night. I’ll make you feel like the most desirable, well-pleasured woman in the world. All you have to do is agree to my plan, let me slide this ring on your finger, and come home with me.”
“Now?” She looks stunned.
“Why wait?
“Because the sex won’t mean anything to you. Neither will I.”
“You’re wrong.” But trying to explain the feelings I don’t even understand would be stupid.
“I’m sure it makes sense to you. Taking me to bed is a great revenge. Since you’re a manwhore, you’re…equipped to make the sex good, but—”
“The way you moan over dessert is polite compared to the way I’ll make you scream.”
Corinne cracks a smile. “There’s that humility of yours again…”
“What can I say?” I shrug like I don’t have a care in the world. “You bring out the best in me.”
Ailani makes her way through the door with a professional smile. “Dinner should be in ten minutes. Or would you rather wait a bit longer?”
The conversation is just getting good. “Make it thirty.”
When our server nods and slips out, I knock back a long swallow of scotch. “You didn’t come to me for my humility. You came to me because you needed someone on your side who will stand up to your brother’s bullshit. I’m not forcing you to do anything, just giving you my terms.”