Page 24 of His Haunted Desire

“Because of your parents?”

“I just don’t like storms,” I snap. I need to stop doing that. “Sir,” I add, as if that can make up for anything.

He winks. “That’s the magic word.”

I look into his intense eyes, wondering why he likes it so much. His gaze moves up and down my dress, from my boots to my low-cut cleavage, with no shame in how he ogles me. This can’t be part of the show too. No one’s here to watch us.

He wants me. I can feel it deep inside: a swelling of desire mixed with pride, but we can’t go there.

“We should discuss the sleeping arrangements,” I say.

He winces. Whether it’s from his leg or my words, I don’t know.

“No one’s watching us here,” I go on. “There’s no need to sleep together.”

“No need,” he repeats.

But I want to, I imagine him adding in that husky voice of his.

“As long as you play your part when it counts.”

“Didn’t I just do that?”

“You’re very sassy for someone who adores me so much.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” I mutter.

Do I like the way he shudders when I say that? Do I enjoy giving him the power? Even thinking this is dangerous territory, and yet I can’t seem to stop.

“Is it bad?” I ask as he massages his knee.

“I was lucky to get away with a slight tweak in my knee. Others weren’t so lucky.” The thunder grows louder, and rain hammers against the window. “You really do hate storms, don’t you?”

“Is it that obvious?”

He nods. “Don’t worry. Your man is here to protect you. The first time I saw you, I knew you were the one. I knew I had to have you. I knew you belonged to me.”

“Are we rehearsing, sir?”

He smirks and nods. “The moment I heard your voice, it was like music. The second I saw your wide hips, thick ass, and your ample tits, and that blush you offer when you get shy and horny, I knew you were my canvas. I knew you were the only woman I ever wanted to touch.”

“Ha, ha,” I say, trying to play it cool.

His words bounce around huskily in my head. Warmth spreading through me. I shift my legs to release some of the ache he awakens in me. No way am I getting excited right now. And not ‘oh, let’s have a movie night’ excited. This is more like ‘deal or not, I want to jump his bones’ excited.

I keep it all hidden. At least I hope.

“Are you waiting for me to start complimenting you, sir?” I ask.

He chuckles. “I didn’t tell any lies.”

“Perhaps you think we’re still being secretly watched and you think you need to put on a show.”

He stands and walks to the couch. He’s wearing the same suit I tailored for him. I did my work too well. The fabric hugs his muscular build, outlining his powerful physique.

“We should practice something before the festivities begin,” he says.

“Oh, yeah?”