Page 51 of Break Me

At least I could leave with a smile.

It felt different as we stood in the elevator. There was still the crackle of electricity, the rush of heated air that was almost completely stifling, but everything had changed between us.

The bubble had been popped.

There was limited activity as we walked through the gorgeous lobby. It was shades of blue with several subtle yet evocative neon lights and glistening marble floors. I would have expected an austere feel, cold and isolated, but there was a seductiveness about the resort that fit Alexsey.

Another good memory I could take with me. With his hand on the small of my back, we moved out into the warm air. A light breeze rustled the trees and from where we were, there were other traffic sounds. However, due to the long road leading into the resort and the surrounding landscaping, the quiet was almost unnerving. At least there was a water feature, a beautiful fountain shimmering from imbedded lights. The gorgeous piece was anything but typical, the mermaid enshrouded in ropes. Perfect for a BDSM-themed hotel.

“That poor girl,” I said I peered up at her.

“Don’t feel sorry for her. She’s enjoying Shibari.”

“What’s that?”

“Japanese rope art. Highly coveted. Creating beautiful and intricate patterns on the human body following curves and lines.”

“Someone would allow themselves to be bound that way?” We stood right next to the fountain, close enough a spray of water tickled my skin.

He shifted his hand further down to just above my aching bottom. “Doing so involves a strong foundation of trust and communication. The art is all about experiencing sensations, intimacy and vulnerability.”

“Similar to the blindfold and velvet bindings.”

He laughed. “Very limited foreplay in comparison.”

“Is this something you would enjoy doing?”

With a slight turn, he looked me in the eyes. “Only with the right person.” The corner of his mouth turned upward.

Suddenly, I was full of another wave of shivers.

“I don’t think I’d look good in rope no matter how creative the artist.”

Using just a single finger, he eased hair from my face, intentionally brushing the tip of his finger across the seam of my mouth. “That’s where you’re wrong, Halle. You’d be even more beautiful than you are.”

Maybe he’d redeemed himself a little. Enough that I found myself leaning against him as we headed to the parking lot. Somehow, he’d managed to push me to a happy place and I’d be left with happy memories that would keep me warm at night.

He pulled his key fob, hitting the button. The slight chirp brought a smile to my face. He still needed to use his keys to find his place even in a private parking lot. Maybe he was a little more like the normal people in this world instead of just a rich, hot guy.

When we were close, he did something else completely unexpected. He pulled me into his arms, cupping both sides of my face. “Thank you for tonight.”

“You’re welcome.” As he lowered his head, I gripped his wrists. The closeness was special, a perfect ending to a lovely evening. When his lips touched mine, I was once again pulled into the sinful yet perfect moment of being able to lose myself. How long had it been since I’d been okay to pretend that everything in life was going to be okay?

Too long.

The taste of him was so sweet, the lingering hint of champagne and strawberries allowing for another shiver. He held me, his fingers using enough pressure I was locked in place.

Not that I wanted to go anywhere.

He swept his tongue inside and all else faded away. No sights. No sounds. Including the incredible fountain.

Suddenly, his body tensed and he pulled his face away, cocking it to the side.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, following his gaze.

“Maybe nothing. Let’s get in the car.” His grip on my arm was firmer than before and his body language was entirely different. He also unbuttoned his jacket and I knew why,

So he could easily reach for his weapon.