Truth Or Dare

by Lori Foster

  Unfortunately, she was more aware of Ian than the others. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but something about him just really got to her—and she didn’t like that. She didn’t want to be drawn to him, but how could she not? When Ian was around, his personality was so quietly dominant that every other guy faded into the woodwork.

  Regardless of all that, there was no way in hell she’d let Ian or any other man dictate to her.

  Holding his steady gaze, she stalked closer toward him, her stride as long as her leather miniskirt would allow. “I’ll see them, and a dozen other men, if that’s what I want to do.”

  “No.” He stared down at her from his lofty height. “You’ll see me.”

  That drew her up short in mingled shock and affront He’d sounded so … certain, so in charge and imperious. Luckily, she managed to laugh over her reaction. “You?” Her sneering tone sounded just right “Gee, Ian, I didn’t know you were interested.”

  His expression turned cynical; he even went so far as to shake his head in an indulgent way. “Erica, you assume every guy is interested.”

  Insults? Now just what did he think that would accomplish?

  “This time,” he conceded in that deep voice that felt like a tactile rub and sent shivers down her spine, “you’re right”

  He admitted it? And why did that give her such a thrill? She started to deny him, but he didn’t give her the chance.

  “I think you’re interested as well, which is why we need to bypass this foolishness with the porn shop.”

  Foolishness? Okay, so now that it was her turn to visit the place, it did seem a tad foolish. Unlike Becky and Asia, she didn’t need encouragement to date. Heck, her calendar stayed booked. She considered herself the quintessential party girl.

  Her only problem was finding a man who could keep her interest, because so far no one had. Most were selfish and shallow and set in their ways—meaning they had no room to adjust to a woman who was also set in her own ways.

  But she’d devised the plan, and it had worked brilliantly to bring Asia out of her self-imposedcelibacy and to help Becky shed her unfounded insecurities.

  So how dare Ian call her plan foolish?

  She needed to bring Ian Conrad down a peg, and fast—before his dynamic manner started to turn her on. Sheesh, sometimes she was such a female, enjoying all that macho arrogance. “Did George, perchance, mention what kind of man I was looking for?”

  Ian’s eyes darkened a bit more, until they appeared more black than blue. He stared at her, his gaze so probing Erica felt pinned in place. She couldn’t look away, and he wouldn’t look away. “Yeah, something about sex slaves.”

  Despite herself, Erica’s face heated. Becky was liable to be a widow even before she tied the damn knot, because Erica seriously considered killing George. She hid her turbulent thoughts from Ian, unwilling to let him know how the conversation disconcerted her.

  Instead, she shook back her hair, propped her hands on her hips, and slowly smiled. “Should I presume you’re here because you’re willing to fill that role?”

  “As a sex slave?” He grunted. “I’m here because I want you to stop dodging me.”

  “I don’t.” Her reply was fast and automatic. How dare he suggest such a thing? She didn’t dodge anyone—not even big, buff men who were a little too tempting and a lot too overwhelming.

  “Bull. You’ll flirt and tease with every timid weak-kneed jerk in the factory, but you’re always cautious with me, never quite letting loose.”

  “That’s not true.” She didn’t let loose with anyone.

  “And no matter how many times I manage to corner you long enough to have a conversation, you’re still jumpy as hell.”

  “Ha!”

  “You’re jumpy right now, Erica.” With one finger, he touched the racing pulse at her throat His voice gentled. “I know I intimidate some people, but—”

  He’d noticed her uneasiness? And here she thought she’d concealed that with plenty of sarcasm. Ian Conrad was just too damn astute for his own good.

  Through her surprise, she managed a credible laugh. “You, intimidating? Be real, Ian. So, you’re big? So what.” So, Erica reminded herself, he was big and calmly autocratic in a way that would make any sane woman think twice about getting too close.

  Unlike many of the men she’d dated from the factory, Ian wasn’t in a managerial position. His work was physical—and suited his large, hard frame. Compared to the guys in suits, he looked deliciously rugged and capable in his work clothes. Very capable. Very manly. Maybe too manly.

  Halfway through the day he’d be all hot and sweaty, his brown hair damp against his nape and forehead, his shirtsleeves rolled up to show off thick forearms. And his jeans were always well worn, snug on his tight butt and long muscular thighs and a heavy …

  She nearly shuddered, just thinking about it, then covered that innate reaction by checking her nails and striving for a look of indifference.She did have to do that around hima lot, it seemed. But it wasn’t her fault he exuded such raw, powerful appeal.“Ya know, Ian, it’s hard for you to intimidate anyone when you’re always quiet as a church mouse.”

  “Until I have something to say. And Erica, I have plenty to say to you.”

  That sounded like a warning, causing her heart to lurch and regaining her attention. He could be so damn intense, and yes, intimidating. She’d never admit it out loud, but it was a little thrilling. If she’d been truthful about her fantasy and what really turned her on, then … but no, she’d claimed to want a sex slave, and damn it, she’d stick with that story. “Yeah, all right, big boy. So speak up.”

  Trying her best to be casual, Erica propped her hip on the edge of her desk and crossed her legs. To her annoyance, though she had a lot of leg showing Ian never looked away from her face.

  But oh so slowly, the corners of his mouth curled and wow, that gradual smile had a devastating effect on her equilibrium. It was wicked and sensual and suggestive, just hinting at what outrageous things he might do.

  And then he did it, again with a distinct lack of haste that had Erica near to bursting with anticipation. By the time he stepped up, firmly clasped her knees in his big hands and drew her legs apart so he could stand between them, Erica was ready to swoon when she’d never considered herself a swooning type of woman.

  Stunned by his daring, more than a little breathless, she stared up at him. He wedged himself closer—and in the process spread her legs more. She felt the rough denim of his jeans rubbing the tender insides of her thighs, felt the tensed steel of his muscles, his carefully restrained power.

  “Listen up, Erica.” He was again so close that if she leaned forward one measly inch she’d be kissing him. “I want you. I’ve wanted you since I first saw you months ago.”

  One breath, two … “That right?” Damn, her voice still sounded like a squeak.

  “Mmm. You’re bossy as hell, gutsy, a little too outspoken and risqué, but all in all, I like it.”

  Some of her sensual haze dissipated, replaced by annoyance. “What’s with all the insults?”

  “Just telling it like it is. You flirt too damn much, tease without regard to consequences, and avoid any man who might come close to matching you. But you won’t avoid me. Not anymore.” His midnight eyes glittered dangerously. “Isn’t that right?”

  Annoyed by her own desire to submit, Erica pushed away from him, only he didn’t let go of her knees and he was such a solid hulk he sure as hell didn’t budge. Instead, she almost fell flat on her desk, sending papers scattering to the floor. She caught herself on her elbows but it was still an ignominious position, and Ian in an aggressive mood wasn’t a man to be taken lightly.

  Straightening seemed a high priority but before she could manage it, he lowered himself over her. With the impact of an electric jolt, she felt his hard abdomen press against her soft belly, his groin nestle against hers. Oh, wow.

  Her legs, literally hanging over the end of her desk, sprawled wide apar
t to accommodate his muscular hips. If anyone walked into her office right now, she’d have a lot of explaining to do—that is, if she could find any breath to speak, which was doubtful given how she panted.

  When she realized just how quickly and easily he’d aroused her, she stiffened in alarm.

  Ian snuggled closer and murmured, “Shhh, relax,” and none of the flustered anxiety she suffered sounded in his tone. “Everyone’s gone to a meeting. We’re all alone.”

  And that was supposed to reassure her when all she could think about was wrapping her legs around his waist? So unlike her! So … submissive.

  He cupped her face and smoothed her chin with his thumbs. His touch was sexual, but also tender, and Erica got flustered all over again. “Now tell me you’ll forget this sex slave business and give me a chance to show you how good it’ll be between us.”

  He oozed so much confidence, she couldn’t help but believe him. And she wanted to agree, she really did. But old habits were hard to break, so she raised her chin, narrowed her eyes, and smiled her most taunting smile.

  “You want a chance, Ian? Then meet me at Wild Honey after work, and plan on playing. Because I’m not about to back out of my deal with Asia and Becky and that means I need a sex slave. It can either be you—or it can be someone else. You decide.”

  A taut stillness settled over him, but his eyes remained bright, turbulent. “You’re pushing me,” he accused, still stroking her chin with an incredible gentleness in direct contrast to his tone. “I have to wonder if it’s because you really expect me to back off, or because you’re hoping I’ll push back.”

  Erica gulped. “Just … just telling you the rules.”

  Damn it, she’d stammered, so she quickly tried to compensate. “You do know how to follow rules, don’t you, Ian?”

  She waited for him to lurch away. She waited for a dose of masculine anger, or at least annoyance. She waited for the typical male response.

  What she got instead was a soft sigh and a butterfly kiss that came and went before she could even appreciate it. Resigned, he growled, “Have it your way, lady,” and to Erica’s astute ears it sounded like another warning, which had her heart beating double time.

  In excitement and challenge.

  She was still contemplating all the things he made her feel when he straightened, caught her elbows, and pulled her upright so fast her head swam.

  “I’ll be there,” he said, and chucked her chin. “But just remember, turnabout is fair play.”

  Now that was a warning, no two ways about it.

  He released her and Erica almost slid off the side of the desk into a molten puddle. He left much more quietly than he had entered.

  Lord have mercy. What had she gotten herself into?

  Ian smiled once his back was turned. Sexy, sultry Erica had looked so stunned, so confused, maybe even annoyed.

  And definitely intrigued.

  For months now he’d been studying her, getting closer to her, though she didn’t seem to realize it and she sure as hell didn’t cooperate. But finally, he knew just how to get her where he wanted her—which for starters was in his bed, under him, her body open and willing and hot.

  He’d seen the subtle signs, the prickly temper, the contempt she veiled behind sharp teasing, and he knew Erica Lee was a woman in need of a good, long ride. Not some half-baked quickie, which seemed to be the speed most men preferred these days. He liked things longer, deeper, more intense. When he made love, he liked to take his time, to appreciate every nuance, to wallow in the sensations.

  And so did Erica. He’d bet his eyeteeth on that.

  From the very first glance she’d turned him on, and he spent a lot of time contemplating what a perfect match she’d be, in more ways than one. Sexually she’d be ideal. He thought of the different ways he’d take her, how he’d make her muscles burn, her skin sweat, her body melt. Once he got inside Erica, he wouldn’t stop pleasuring her until she throbbed in satisfaction from her ears down to her dainty little toes. He’d leave her every nerve ending tingling and begging for more.

  From him.

  But Erica liked to play games and he’d never been a player. He did things his way and only his way. So he’d dredged up patience and watched for the right opportunity.

  In the meantime, he’d gotten to know her better and he liked what he’d learned. He liked her. A lot.

  She was a hard worker, always on time, rarely calling in sick. And she was loyal. No one could question her dedication to her friends. Ian knewshe truly cared about Asia and Becky. They were a trio.

  On top of those fine qualities, it had only taken him moments to recognize her intelligence, which gratified him since he had no tolerance for stupidity. Erica had a quick wit, a sharp sense of humor, and a massive chip on her shoulder that should have weighed down her slender body, but instead kept her backbone rigid and her shoulders stiff in cocky defiance.

  Once he got her naked, though, he’d rid her of that rebellion. She’d bend to him—and enjoy doing it. He’d see to it.

  “Hey, how’d it go?”

  Ian stopped, startled to see George and Cameron standing just inside his basement office. Management rarely ventured into the gloomy bowels of the building, as they liked to call it. Ian preferred to call it quiet and private.

  Whenever one of the suits wanted to see you, you were summoned upstairs.

  Yet there they both stood, expectant, impatient. Hell, he hadn’t even been aware of taking the elevator down, he’d been so engrossed in his plans for seduction.

  Ian shouldered his way around George and dropped into the enormous leather chair behind his sturdy metal desk. “I hope you two don’t expect a blow by blow report.”

  George scowled. “No, of course not. But we don’t want her unhappy either.”

  Cameron leaned against the wall. “If you manage to piss Erica off, she’ll tell Asia and Becky and—”

  “And ruin your marital bliss, yeah I know.” Ian leaned back and surveyed the two men who, due to short association, couldn’t quite be called friends yet, but were certainly on their way there.

  The fact that they actually cared about Erica helped a lot in gaining his respect. “Everything’s fine. I’m not going to make her mad or unhappy. Just the opposite. But you know Erica. She’s bound to do some blustering before she settles down.”

  “But it will be just bluster? You’re sure of that?”

  Ian shrugged. He wasn’t about to tell them that Erica’s grumbling would turn to soft moans soon enough. “I’m meeting her at the shop after work tonight. Just avoid her till then and you should be in the clear.”

  George turned to Cameron. “He’s awfully damn confident, don’t you think?”

  “Yeah.” And then, with a dose of suspicion to Ian, “Just how well do you know Erica?”

  Ian almost laughed. They honestly expected her to chew him up and spit him out. Neither of them had understood Erica’s subtle signals, but because the sexual chemistry Ian shared with her was enough to choke a horse, he’d recognized her silent pleas for satisfaction on a gut level.

  She was a complex woman, more so than most. She intrigued him, amused him, and made him hot enough to burn. He looked forward to discovering all the facets to her personality. He looked forward to calling her his own.

  He needed to reassure Cameron and George, and he tried to do that without telling them things that would be private between him and the woman under discussion. “I know what Erica hides, and what she wants exposed.”

  Judging by their expressions, they didn’t believe him.

  Cameron’s brows rose and he almost laughed. “God, she’s going to hang you by your balls.”

  Groaning, George said, “I should never have gotten involved in this. When you told me you wanted Erica, I really thought you’d use a little more finesse.”

  “She’s not a cactus that has to be approached carefully,” Ian said.

  George gave him an incredulous look before turning away. “
I should have called a halt the second you told me this harebrained plan.” Hands deep in his pockets, he began to pace. “Becky is going to be so upset.”

  Ian could clue him in on a way to get around Becky’s temper, but George didn’t look open to coaching. And anyway, a man in love could be very prickly about hearing his woman’s name mentioned—especially by another man.

  Then George chuckled and said, “I guess I’ll be doing some making up.” He rubbed his hands together. “I do love how sweetly Becky forgives me.”

  Ian grinned. Maybe old George knew just what he was doing after all.

  Cameron pushed away from the wall. “It’s not that I don’t find this fascinating, but I need to get back to work. So just tell me if things went according to plan.”

  “Perfectly. I told her George here had spilled the beans to two men—”

  George whirled around. “Two?”

  “—but that I didn’t know who they were.”

  “Shit, shit, shit.”

  Ian barely hid his grin over George’s distress. “She wouldn’t admit it, but she’s embarrassed.”

  “Erica?” Cameron asked with a fat dose of incredulity.

  “We’re talking about Erica Lee, right?” George seconded, just to make sure there was no confusion.

  “One and the same.” Ian frowned at both men. “She’s first and foremost a woman, you know.”

  “Gotcha.”

  “Whatever you say.”

  If he hadn’t needed their help, Ian never would have confided so much to them. What he did with Erica, the way their relationship evolved, was nobody’s business. But she was skittish at the idea of giving herself to him, so after he’d heard the gossip of how the other two couples had met at the porn shop, he’d cornered George and Cameron before things could progress without him, and he’d insisted he be included—for Erica. “Being embarrassed makes her more likely to accept me before either of the two imaginary guys can make a move.”

  At least with George and Cameron, he knew they cared about Erica without being romantically involved with her. Not only were they both already in solid relationships, but they spoke about Erica with the fond exasperation they might have doled out to a pesky younger sister.