Page 54 of Thorns of Desire

“A word of advice.” Danil’s cold, calculated voice came over the line. “Alexandra isn’t trustworthy. She’d sacrifice an innocent lamb to protect herself. When her time comes, get in my way and I’ll end you both.”

And the line went dead.

TWENTY-ONE

ATHENA

Iwoke up wearing nothing but my underwear. My hair had been pulled back and my face cleaned. I snuggled deeper into the soft sheets, the quilt tucked around me. A familiar, masculine scent surrounded me and I stretched out leisurely, my muscles relaxed.

The creak of a door sounded and I quickly sat up, dizziness overwhelming me. I rubbed at my temples and met Manuel’s amused gaze. He was wearing nothing but a towel, his body wet from a shower.

I let my eyes roam his glistening pecs and the firm planes of his midsection. The silver fox was in top shape, that much was becoming increasingly obvious.

I bit my lip, picturing myself licking every inch of his sculpted stomach.

“How are you feeling?” He laughed, clearly amused by my ogling.

“Great,” I murmured as he dropped the towel and started getting dressed in front of me. “Just great. Totally… great.”

Now my vocabulary was suffering too. Nothing spoke of a promising career in writing like a limited vocabulary. I glanced around the luxurious bedroom with sleek modern furniture and couldn’t pinpoint a single item that seemed personal to Manuel.

“Where are we?”

“One of my penthouses.”

“Is this where you bring your women?” I winced at the blatant jealousy my words broadcasted.

“You’re the first one.”

“Oh.” I glanced at him and found him sorting through his clothes. “Did I embarrass myself last night?”Please say no. Please say no.

“You’re a cute drunk,” he said as he pulled on his slacks and tightened his belt. I narrowed my eyes on him. “And don’t worry, I didn’t take advantage of you.” He flicked his chin toward the bedside table. “Take more aspirin and drink some water, then try to get some food in your stomach.”

Gosh, he’d thought of everything. I reached for the pill bottle and washed a couple down with water, then took a bite of the plain waffle.

“I should apologize,” I mumbled around a mouthful.

He chuckled. “I actually had fun.”

“You did?”

“Like I said, you’re a fun drunk. You talked a lot.”

I covered my face with my hands. “Shit. Did I tell you all my secrets?”

Now dressed, he came over and sat next to me. “You told me about your friends, about your writing. Something about chopping up a body, but you slurred a lot during that story, so you’ll have to tell me more about it later.” There was no way I’d ever share that secret. It was Reina’s secret to tell. “Oh, and you talked a lot about fucking me. You said you want totake advantage of me in some rather naughty ways. Ialmostblushed.”

Horror and shame filled me and I pulled the covers over my head, leaving me bare to him from the waist down aside from the panties. “Oh my God.”

“Don’t hide from me. It only makes me want you more.” He pinched my side and I squirmed, a giggle bubbling to the surface. “I liked your dirty talk. If you’d been sober, I would’ve had my way with you.”

The corners of my lips hitched despite my embarrassment. “You would, huh?”

“Certamente,amorina.”

I batted my eyelashes seductively. “You could… you know… punish me. Since I made you leave the club when you were having so much fun and everything.”

He let my words hang in the air for a solid three seconds before he issued a demand. “Get in front of the mirror and kneel. I’m going to fuck that smart mouth of yours.”