Page 5 of Pandora's Pleasure

“It’s Damien, for Christ’s sake. Is that what this is…you want more attention?”

“Yes and no.”

His expression softened. “You look pretty tonight. Though you always do.”

“Thanks for the compliment,” I said sarcastically.

“Don’t look at me like that. You may come from old money, but your father still needs mine.”

“We both know I’m marrying beneath me.” I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth.

“Always a charmer, Ms. Bardot.”

It was true his family had climbed the social ladder for decades. They may have amassed an astounding fortune, but their legacy had nothing on the centuries-old noble succession of my family. Which was where I came in, evidently.

“Where does your accent come from?” he asked, scolding me. “At times, you almost sound like Jackie Kennedy.”

“Well, I’ve been molded since birth to accommodate you and your family—to be the perfect trophy wife. I hope to balance your uncouth ways the best I can.”

I rushed out of the bathroom but he caught up to me immediately and dragged me against his chest, holding me tight. We were alone in the hallway.

“If you continue with your rebellion, I will have to correct your behavior.”

“Did I strike a nerve, Mr. Godman? Being reminded I’m too good for you must sting.”

His grip around my waist shot pressure into my spine.

“I’m protecting you from yourself.” His mouth loomed close to mine.

I was panting softly, feeling his breath on my lips, his cock pressing into my belly.

“I don’t want to announce our engagement tonight,” I whispered.

“Want to tell me why?”

“I need more time.”

“I’m afraid it can’t be stopped.”

“Please, Damien.”

He let out a long sigh. “You exasperate me.”

“Do what you can.”

“Let me think on it.” Damien leaned in again to brush his lips over mine—teasing me.

My sex throbbed in response to his dark flirting…and he knew it—knew that even if my eyes showed him defiance, my body couldn’t help but respond to his charisma and the masterful way he dominated me. Perhaps my infatuation would never be shaken. I’d crushed on the Senator’s son at that Debutante Ball because I’d been too innocent to see it was a match-making endeavor. My coming out party presented me as a woman who was ready to be plucked.

“A fruit in need of bruising.”He’d teased me with those very words the night we’d met. “To draw out your sweetness.”

Our first dance together had made my girlfriends jealous. I’d been too naive to realize that the look of excitement on my parents’ faces had been because of their successful scheming to have me marry into this family.

To make me his.

Make me a Godman.

Damien gave me a predatory smile—his prey subdued by the strength of his hold and the dominating way he’d captured me. It would be easy to bite his lip, show more rebellion. I was burning up with the heat he radiated from all that hidden passion.