Page 2 of The Tycoon
It hits me that she believes that I’m lying. Like every otherman that’s dipped their fingers into her panties. Her lack of self-confidence is clear as day. The realization softens me. I don’t want her to question anything tonight. She’s too precious, and now I know why my gut told me she was worth the wait.
She’s going to be a lesson for me. A lesson in how to keep the beast at bay so I can savor and truly enjoy the moment, instead of being the ravenous glutton I usually am. I’m going to go out of my way to make this sweet girl feel like a goddess. She deserves to know what it means to be worshipped.
Nodding my head, I move to pull out her chair. Watching her as she takes her seat, I gently push her towards the mahogany table before sitting down across from her.
“Very much so, I’ve really enjoyed our chats. I think we’re going to have an unforgettable evening.”
“I think so, too” she responds, a gentle smile on her face as she rests her worn baby pink purse on the floor. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I thought I was being catfished. I’m really relieved that you’re really who you said you were. You hear so many horror stories, ya know?”
Chuckling lightly, I lean my head to convey my understanding. It’s not the first time I’ve heard this.
“Oh, I know. It’s so easy to lie online nowadays. Especially with all of the filters and deep fakes and all of that,” I reply, my gaze darting to the waiter walking up behind her and giving him a tiny nod. I did this to speed up the date, but now Iwish I hadn’t. I clear my throat, leaning over the table with a sly smirk. “I, uh...I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve already ordered dinner for us.”
Her eyes widen in surprise, her shoulders lift with a small shrug. Confusion dances across her perfect features for a split second before melting away. Her flush deepens to an almost scarlet red that makes my breath hitch. I can tell by her giggle that she thinks it’s a romantic gesture, and I suppose it is, if you take it at face value. I really wish I could take credit for the idea, but it’s something her book boyfriend did for his love interest. I thought it would kill two birds with one stone, and it appears that I was right.
“Oh, wow, you have? Um, well, thank you! That’s actually really, really sweet,” she says, tucking a golden strand of hair behind her ear.
She opens her mouth to say something else, but nothing comes out. I’ve rendered her speechless, and we’re not even ten minutes in. Laughing softly, she tries to fill in the heady silence. Her sparkling sky-blue eyes finally meet mine and I take full advantage.
Remaining quiet, I hold her gaze for an uncomfortable length of time. I’ve never done this before, but I allow her to peer into my twisted soul. I don’t hide the darkness in my expression, nor my gnawing desperation. I allow her to see every wicked thought and desire. To my amazement, she stays with me for asolid minute before trying to look away.
Following her eyes, I catch them once again before shaking my head in disapproval. Leaning over the table, I drop my voice so only she can hear my words. She needs to remember this, and only this, for the rest of the night. I need her to pay attention.
“Eyes on me, Princess. I’m the only one that matters, now. Just keep those baby bluesright. On. Me.”
CHAPTER TWO
Dolly
Oh my God. I can’t believe this is actually happening. Did he really just say that to me?
Reaching for my thigh, I quickly pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. The pain jolts me, letting me know that this is indeed real. I am on a date with Sutton Douglas, heir to Douglas Oil and Solar. He’s smart, charming, and he just commanded me to keep my eyes on him.
In that moment, all the feminism in my body melts away, replaced by a foreign and twisted need to obey. My mind goes completely blank. The restaurant fades around me, the ambient sounds of clinking glasses and robust conversations become muffled. Only one thing is in focus, and it’s the handsome devil sitting before me.
“Eyes on me, Princess,” he repeats, his voice warm but firm.
Nodding my head, I meet his dark blue eyes, which I swear were black only a few seconds ago. My heart begins to race, causing the sound of my rushing blood to fill my ears. My body perks like a Brittany spaniel pointing at their master’s kill.
“Ok,” I reply.
He shakes his head again.
“Yes,Sir.”
Blinking at him, my brow furrows in confusion. My mind feels oddly fuzzy, like I’ve had three glasses of wine. I’m an intelligent, independent, capable woman. Why the hell am I acting, and feeling like a complete moron?
“What?”
Tilting his head, a hint of amusement flashes across his otherwise determined expression. He curls his lips into the most sinful smirk I’ve ever seen, it pulls my attention straight away. He must notice because he darts his tongue out of his mouth and slowly runs it across his lips. The obvious tease makes me imagine what it would feel like on my nipples. The lurid thought makes me ache in the most delicious way, I swear to God I hear myself moan.
He chuckles, the deep sound sends a shiver down my spine.
“Dolly. When you answer me, I want you to sayyes, Sir.Can you do that for me, Princess?”
Swallowing hard, I nod my head.
He waits patiently, his dark brow arching expectantly after a handful of seconds.