by Imogene Nix
It was a habit to hide his personal life from others. Right now, he embraced the freedom that afforded him to scan the woman in his arms, feel the weight of her body and see the rising blush on her cheeks.
She watched him silently while he righted her.
“Hello, what have I found here? A pleasure princess from Piero?” Knowing that the business mainly transacted with the pleasure planets, the words had slipped out. He cringed as soon as he heard them. But she didn’t take offense at his words—at least not vocally, though a red tide crept over her cheeks.
“I don’t know who you are. But this is a restricted zone.” Her soft words of censure made him smile even as she gazed into his eyes. She was off balance—all the better for him to find out how the factory worked and maybe find out about her too. He shook himself mentally. That wasn’t why he was here.
“That’s okay. I’m supposed to be here.”
“And why are you supposed to be here?” Her words betrayed her interest, but he detected no knowledge of him in her mind and let the tension release from his muscles.
“I’ve been sent here to assess Scheherazade.” He held out one of his hands, which she clasped and he felt a jolt of recognition, leaving him breathless for just a second. “I’m JD Ruan.”
“Oh heavens.” Her face pinked slightly, and he grinned, though he worked to contain his amusement at her old-fashioned comment.
“And you would have to be Deanna McCalchy?”
She nodded absently. “Yes I am. I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting you yet.”
Deanna waved her hand toward the door. She moved into the room with innate grace. His pulse raced as her firm backside swayed enticingly in the tunic dress.
If he used any of his abilities he could no doubt have her naked on the floor in a matter of minutes, but for the first time, he felt the need to take his time.
“Let’s go to my office.”
With those words he followed her, mesmerized by the unconscious undulation of her hips, and the movement of long legs along the corridor. Her black hair flowed like water over her curves and he’d be willing to bet his every credit that she was one hundred percent natural, without any of the toning touch-ups that were the norm these days.
He glanced around, pleased to take in the large and well-appointed room. He noted the warm, honey-tinted wood grain that welcomed him and nearly sighed with pleasure. The walls were dotted with certificates of her various memberships and statements of attainment. On the far side of the room a photo of a smiling family group surprised him and he looked again. There she stood cradling an infant. The sight snatched away his breath. She’s married!
A quick glance at her hand proved it naked, though the photo clearly showed a glint of gold on her finger.
Her purposeful steps led to a hidden door, and on opening it he could spy a small food storage unit as she reached for the tray contained inside. The subtle waft of cool air sent the smell of chocolate throughout the room and his nostrils twitched at the scent.
“I thought we could start with a taste test of the various chocolates that we make here.” Her lips curved up.
He smiled back, feeling the tightening of muscles at the side of his mouth. “Indeed?”
A small meeting table sat beside her desk. She lowered herself to a seat, as the tray waited on the tabletop. He watched with great interest as she slipped the cover from the salver. Deanna used tiny silver tongs to place the exquisite confections onto the china plate that had also been hidden beneath the dome.
“Try this one first. It’s called Strawberry Seduction.” She held the plate out toward him, which he accepted without touching her. Deanna had picked up hers, raising it toward her perfect pearly teeth, eyes closing in delight as she bit into the sweet. The utter abandon she exhibited in her enjoyment of the sweet treat fascinated him.
His insides warmed at the view so he then picked up the one on his plate, the small but obviously feminine chocolate figure making him smile, even as he readjusted his pants discreetly. JD followed Deanna’s movements, before closing his eyes at the scent of the chocolate, searching for the faint scent of strawberry as he bit into it. An explosion of tastes hit his tongue and he moaned. Tiny slivers of strawberry broke free from the chocolate and he understood her reaction.
When he opened his eyes, she was grinning and holding out a glass of water and a dry cracker. “You need to clear your palate ready for the next one.”
She found his reaction to be humorous. But even though he felt vexation, he couldn’t find it in him to need to say anything cutting.
“Let’s try the Orange Blossom Orgy next, shall we?” Her eyes twinkled and he was amazed to find that they were easily read and yet he could detect nothing but the simple joy of the chocolate.
“Why do they all have such sexual names?”
“That’s a really good question. They didn’t used to have such adult names. They were Strawberry Explosion and Orange Crush… Somehow, when they began being ordered in such quantities by the pleasure planets, we decided to rename them. Since the consortium are our biggest client it just made sense.” Deanna sat back in her chair, spine straight as if she expected an argument. From where he sat, her explanation made excellent sense.
“I like that you were considering your main audience when you renamed them.” He nodded slowly. “Let’s try the Orange Blossom Orgy then.”
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About the Author
Wife, mother and nutty bookstore owner all describe Imogene Nix, but the real secret is Science Fiction, Paranormal Romance with a hefty dose of Romantic Suspense is what she adores. Dedicated to high quality romance, with a dollop of erotic interactions, Imogene has dipped her toes into Science Fiction, Contemporary Rural Romance and Paranormal Romance featuring feisty headstrong female leads.
Email: [email protected]
Imogene loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.totallybound.com.
Also by Imogene Nix
Blame the Wine
Hesparia’s Tears
A Stranger’s Embrace
Revenge on Cupid
The Chocolate Affair
Blood Secrets: The Blood Bride
Blood Secrets: The Illuminated Witch