Page 77 of Corrupted Pleasure

Satisfaction flashed in his eyes and his lips curved into a smile. My insides instantly melted because I pleased him.

He extended his hand and I slipped mine into his. I felt the electric shocks down to my core and my eyes flashed to him. He was so much taller I had to crane my neck to meet his gaze. It was hard to tell by his expression whether he felt the same attraction.

Please don't let it be one-sided, I prayed silently.

Though the irony didn’t escape me. Only a few minutes ago, I claimed I didn’t believe in anything but lust and desire. And here I stood with a fluttering heart, choking on my own words.

“You look beautiful,” he said, his eyes roaming over me. I didn’t get dressed up, I didn’t want it to seem like I was trying too hard. So I just wore a simple yellow dress and sandals.

“Thanks,” I murmured, feeling the blush rising up my chest and neck.

He led me through his penthouse, the space wide open with marble floors, indicating nothing but the best for the head of the Irish mafia.

My eyes trailed over the decor. Everything in this place was pristine, expensive, and it looked like it belonged in a magazine. Elaborate foyer. Gorgeous salon. Formal dining room with views of New York City’s glittering lights. For a fleeting second, I caught a glimpse of a king-size bed through the cracked door of what must be a bedroom.

Holy crap!

I had never seen a bed so large and with so many pillows. A fluffy, dark blue duvet over the large bed was inviting, promising corrupted pleasure that we’d both enjoy. A shiver ran down my spine, immediately followed by a blast of heat.

Liam’s gaze flicked to me, something dark in his eyes.

“I thought we’d have dinner first.” Liam’s voice filled the sexual tension sizzling between us. This man read me like an open book. Just wonderful.

“Ummm, okay.”

He chuckled as if I said something funny. “Unless you’re eager to go straight to fucking.”

I glared at him, though a delightful shudder ran down my spine at his filthy words. Butterflies in my stomach took flight and expectation vibrated under every inch of my skin. God, I wanted him so much, I wouldn’t mind going straight to fucking.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!I had lost my mind

It was best not to comment. I didn’t trust my voice or words not to betray me.

The minute we entered the dining room, my steps halted and my breath hitched. The fear of heights kicked in as I took a look through the large floor to ceiling windows. I was so nervous earlier that I didn’t think much about how high we were so my fear had a delayed reaction but now, it was in overdrive.

Liam’s eyes burned my cheek, waiting for me to say something yet, I couldn’t find my voice.

“Is everything okay?”

Fuck, the dining table was too close to the windows. I’d never be able to take the steps to get me close to the windows. My eyes darted to Liam who was waiting.

I swallowed hard. “I-I’m scared of heights,” I muttered. “Too close to the windows.”

His eyes traveled over the dining room then back to me, a look of concern dominating his features. “If I bring the table closer to the wall on this side will that work?”

I licked my dry lips, my pounding heart and rapid breathing making my mouth dry. I couldn’t believe he was even contemplating a solution for me.

“Or I could tear off the thick curtains from my bedroom and try installing them here, though that might take a while,” he suggested in a pensive tone.

A choked laugh escaped me while I envisioned the head of the Irish mafia in New York installing curtains. That would be an unforgettable sight.

“I think the table away from the window will work,” I told him, my smile slightly shaky. It was a miracle I could even smile. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” he assured me, squeezing my hand. “Stay here, or if you feel safer in the hallway, that’s fine too.” His eyes locked on me, searching my face. I nodded and then the corner of his lip tugged up. “Or you can always go into my bedroom,” he teased, trying to distract me.

“Dinner in bed?” I joked back, though my voice was slightly shaky.

“Now there’s an idea.”