“Good night, Gus…” She barely recognized her own voice.
“Very good.” Chase slipped a powerful arm around her waist.
As he led her toward the residential elevators, her stomach began to quiver slightly. If she couldn’t resist him here, in a public setting…Jesus, what must Gus be thinking? Glancing over her shoulder, she blushed as the old man came into focus. She’d never seen him looking so amused. Some help he was! The elevator opened, and Chase placed his hand on the small of her back, steering her inside.
“Night, Gus.” He gave the security officer a brief nod as he selected their floor.
“Have a good night, kids.” The other man was grinning from ear to ear.
Scarlett’s gaze dropped to the floor in an attempt to conceal her embarrassment. She’d never be able to look him in the eye again. Pulling away from Chase, she moved toward the back of the elevator as the doors closed. He turned to face her, and she felt her stomach drop. She was trapped, with no hope for escape until they reached her floor.
“Come here, Scarlett.” Hazel eyes darkened with lust.
A lump formed in the back of her throat as she shook her head no. Her breathing quickened slightly, and she was beginning to feel like she might hyperventilate. She was an absolute fool to have closed herself in with him like this!
His head dipped forward, an amused look on his face. “Are we playing cat and mouse?”
Her eyes widened, and she glanced at the display above the doors. A few more floors and you’re safe.
Chase grinned and followed her gaze. He raised a hand to his shirt, undoing his collar as he walked toward the panel of buttons. “You’re not claustrophobic, I hope?”
“Of course not,” she snorted, trying to keep her cool.
“Good.” He extended a hand toward the control panel and watched her from the corner of his eye. “Hold onto the rail.”
“What?” Her brow furrowed slightly.
He flicked his wrist and smiled as the elevator came to an abrupt stop. Scarlett grasped desperately at the steel railing behind her, the force of cessation nearly knocking her down. Turning around, she closed her eyes and clutched the steel bar with both hands. She was determined to remain calm, no matter what.
Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and gasped, startled by her own reflection. In her panic, she’d forgotten the entire back wall was one gigantic mirror. He stared boldly as he stepped toward her. She was paralyzed, her stomach fluttering uncontrollably. What kind of man would stop an elevator? Swallowing nervously, she gave him a questioning look.
“Oops.” He grinned like a Cheshire cat.
“The alarm will go off any minute.” Her voice quavered slightly. These things had alarms, didn’t they?
“Which alarm would that be?” His groin pressed against her bottom as he whispered into her ear.
Scarlett’s reflection grew pale. There wasn’t one. Apart from the sound of her breathing, the car was completely silent. Clearly, both she and the elevator had differing opinions of what constituted an emergency! He placed his hands on her shoulders, allowing them to linger a moment before sliding them down to her hands. She whimpered softly as strong fingers covered her own, holding her prisoner against the rail.
“I’d estimate a good twenty minutes before anyone notices this car isn’t working.” His lips brushed against her temple, and she shivered. “Suggestions for passing the time?”
She was literally pinned against the wall, with no choice but to stand there while he did as he pleased. The feel of him pressed against her was delicious. The hardened length of his erection teasing her bottom was almost too much to bear.
When did you become such a tart? her mind scolded.
Scarlett closed her eyes and forced the question to the back of her mind. In all honesty, she was grateful for the distraction. This was far better than spending every waking minute obsessing over a stranger who’d stolen a kiss on a darkened terrace. A man who filled her thoughts and dreams to the point of sheer sexual frustration.
Still, she wasn’t going to let this man paw at her for the sake of distraction. Summoning her courage, she raised her leg as high as she could, preparing to slam a stiletto into his toes. Sending it downward with all the force she could muster, she howled miserably as he stepped aside, thwarting her offensive.
“Not nice, bella.” His voice was low as he pulled her hands away from the railing.
“Let go of me!” She began to wriggle frantically before him, trying to break free of his hold.
“So you can claw my eyes out?” He arched a brow, drawing her back against his chest. “I think not.”
Scowling like a madwoman, she lunged this way and that, but it was useless. He anticipated her every move, keeping her cemented to the space in front of him with minimal effort. By the time she gave up, black hair lay tousled across her face and shoulders. Tossing her long mane to the side, she glared at him in the mirror and tried to catch her breath. The man hadn’t even broken a sweat.
“Give up?” He grinned devilishly.
Never!
Digging her nails into his hands, she caught him by surprise just long enough to free one hand and slam her elbow into his abdomen. He grunted softly, and she smiled with glee. As he massaged the area with his free hand, she bent downward and bit the hand still holding her. Hard.
“Enough!” His voice ricocheted through the elevator.
Scarlett froze, her anger dissipating as a new perspective dawned. She was alone, in a very small space with a very large man who’d already proven his strength more than once. No matter how hard she tried, she was unlikely to injure him, let alone overpower him. The most she could hope for was irritating him with this kind of behavior.
The man was bad enough in good humor ‑‑ what could she possibly gain by pissing him off?
Chase stood behind her, nursing his finger, all the while holding her gaze in the mirror. She bit her lip and turned around to face him slowly. Perhaps she could reason her way out of this.
“Mr. Turner ‑‑”
A strange expression shone in his eyes as he lowered his mouth to hers, crushing her with a fiery kiss. Her hands flew to his chest, pressing against him in hopes of pushing him away, but he didn’t budge. His tongue found hers easily, his teeth nibbling at her lips with just enough pressure to make her stomach quiver. Closing the gap between their bodies, his free hand circled her waist and held her firmly in check.
“Enough talk.” He breathed the words against her lips.
Scarlett moaned loudly. His voice sent goose bumps across her body every time he spoke. She’d done well to conceal it before, but she couldn’t keep up appearances any longer. Strong fingers drove deeper into her hair, forcing her backward with the weight of his hand. His lips flew to her neckline, his tongue blazing a sizzling trail downward as she writhed against him.
“Much better,” he murmured softly against her skin.
A raspy moan escaped her throat as a rush of heat scorched her inner thighs. She was incredibly wet already. Scarlett knew she should have more self-control than this, but she couldn’t help herself. It was almost as though her body had a mind of its own. He spun her around quickly, nearly knocking her off balance with his strength. Holding her upright, his left hand found her hip as he pressed himself against her bottom. His right hand slid down the curve of her waist and stopped at the clasp on her trousers.
“Look at me.” His lips brushed against her ear, and she shuddered violently.
Fully entranced, she obeyed his command. Nimble fingers unhooked the tiny clip as she watched his reflection through lowered lids. His hand slipped into her pants, caressing her skin gently. She closed her eyes, imagining his fingers moving lower. Her sex throbbed shamelessly at the thought, and she pressed backward against his erection.
Chase groaned, tearing the waist of her pants open in a display of raw passion. Without warning, he grabbed her hands, flattening them against the mirror. She gasped loudly, the mov
e forcing her to bend forward beneath his weight. He lowered his mouth to her neck and bit her sharply. She mewled in both pleasure and pain, her hips twisting invitingly.
He swept her hair to the side and lowered his mouth to her shoulder, his tongue drawing circles against her skin. She arched her back and shivered slightly, her fingers clawing at the mirrored surface. His other hand grazed the outline of her breasts as the tiny jewel of her womanhood grew taut with need. The palms of his hands brushed against her nipples for the briefest of seconds, and she cried aloud with pleasure.
Soft lips moved across her cheek, and her hands flew to his hair, drawing his head down to her shoulder. He raked his teeth across her flesh, and she purred wantonly. Lacing his fingers through her own, he placed them against her breasts, pinching her nipples gently. Fully aroused, she looked down as he continued. There was something highly erotic about being made to touch herself this way.
“You like that, don’t you.” His lips grazed her temple.
Opening her mouth to deny the obvious, she was suddenly silenced as two large fingers slipped between her lips. The move was fast, skilled and wholly unexpected. Instinct took over, and she began to suckle them slowly. Fire spread throughout her belly, taking her by surprise. Overwhelmed by images of his cock in her mouth, she wouldn’t have thought something so simple could turn her on so badly. Their eyes met in the mirror, and it became obvious he was thinking the same.
He removed his fingers slowly before yanking her backward. Seizing a mass of hair, he pulled her head against his shoulder, letting his other hand slide to the waist of her pants. She undulated before him, her mind reeling. His fingers slipped into her panties, the heat of his touch sending goose bumps down her back. His touch was light. Gentle, even. Tracing the lips of her already swollen pussy, he dipped a finger into her wetness and slid it across her clit. Her eyes glazed over as his thumb glided back and forth across the tiny pearl.
“Please…” She moaned softly.
“What do you need, love?” He smiled at her, his voice soft.
“Nothing,” she whimpered stubbornly, shaking her head from side to side.
His fingers tightened their hold in her hair as his other hand worked its magic. The combination of pain and pleasure was almost too much to bear. Writhing seductively, she clasped his hand, desperate to increase the rhythm. He accommodated her for a few moments and then stopped abruptly.
Her brow creased in frustration at the sudden lack of sensation. Peering up at him through lowered lashes, the pout returned to her lips as his game became evident. Eyes narrowing defiantly, she laced her fingers through his, guiding them back to the delicate bead. Moaning softly, her tongue flicked across her bottom lip as she concentrated on the movement. Turning his hand over quickly, he clasped her fingers and removed them from her trousers.
“You’re a tease!” She hissed loudly, her other hand reaching for the trim of her panties. He snared it before she could ease the ache between her thighs.
“Ask for it.”
The passion in his eyes was almost frightening. It was enough to make her heart skip a beat. Never had a man been so utterly in control of her body and mind. Squeezing her thighs together tightly, she tried to quell the throbbing as best she could.
Ask, damn it! her mind begged.
“No!” She huffed loudly.
The sound was deafening. She blushed, not having intended to say it out loud. Wincing slightly, she peeked up at him nervously. He tipped his head to the side and appraised her slowly, a dangerous look in his eye.
“Have it your way.”
He jerked her wrists together, trapping them in the palm of one large hand. A faint yelp left her lips as his foot slid between her stilettos, thrusting her legs apart. She would have fallen down, were his arm not locked around her waist. One hand still holding her wrists, the other hand slipped inside of her pants and down into her panties. She groaned as his fingers came in contact with her clit. Wet beyond imagination, she murmured softly as he teased it. Her gaze met his in the reflection, and she watched him manipulate her body.
Lips parted slightly, her breathing was becoming raspier with each stroke. She tried to pull her legs together, but couldn’t. They’d been spread too far apart, leaving her pussy deliciously vulnerable. Skimming the delicate peak with his thumb, he slipped a finger into her wetness, and her body jerked against him. Skilled fingers teased her gently, relentlessly. Eyes closed, her head fell back against his muscular chest.
“God, yes…” She mewled softly.
She could feel it beginning ‑‑ the wave that would lead to inevitable pleasure when it peaked. He slipped a second finger inside of her, and she cried out with desire. Arching her back, she pressed against him, trying to steady herself as the first hint of orgasm made its way toward the surface. Her lips parted, and her breathing quickened, deep, throaty moans filling the elevator. Faster and faster, his thumb caressed her, sending shudders of excitement through her slender body.
And then he stopped.
Skilled fingers remained where they were, but the promise of pleasure ceased so abruptly, she cried out with frustration.
“Something wrong?” His gaze pierced her reflection.
“No.” She whimpered helplessly. “Yes…”
A wicked grin touched his lips. “Ask for it.”
The weight of his stare sent a shiver through her body. He’d done this intentionally, just to prove he could make her beg for his touch. She’d be furious, were she not already turned on to the point of distraction. Lowering her eyes, she spoke quietly.
“Please…”
Slowly, his fingers began to move again, and she shuddered with relief. His other hand released her wrists and moved to her chin, forcing her to look up at him. “Ask again.” His voice was low. A thrill shot through her body at the sound of his command. Grinding her clit against the palm of his hand, she tried desperately to bring herself to climax.
“Please touch me.” She moaned loudly.
She was begging him, and she didn’t care. If she had to hide her face from tomorrow onward, it would still be worth it. All that mattered was here and now. And this man’s touch. The muscles in his jaw flexed, and she could tell he was struggling for self-control as she bucked against his hand.
Sliding his fingers out gently, he returned to the tiny jewel, drawing wet, warm circles against it. She had to bite her tongue to keep from screaming with pleasure. Rocking back and forth against his touch, she stretched her arms out and braced herself against the mirror. She was going to come.
“Oh, God…yes…just like that.” She closed her eyes and let her head fall forward.
“I want to see your face, Scarlett.” Winding his hand through her hair, he pulled her head back, forcing her to look at him in the mirror.
The intensity of the move nearly made her orgasm.
Staring through lowered lashes, she panted softly as he teased her body. Her climax was fast approaching, and she began to writhe again ‑‑ feverishly this time. He held her gaze, his expression that of a man on the verge of losing control.
And yet, she knew he wouldn’t. He couldn’t. It wasn’t his style.
The first wave of ecstasy neared its peak, and she finally gave in to desire, her fingers clawing at the mirror as she screamed his name. “Chaaase!” Her head shook from left to right, black hair flying about her shoulders as the orgasm neared its summit.
“I can’t hear you, bella.” His voice was all that was needed to push her completely over the edge.
She screamed aloud, ripples of pleasure enveloping her as the orgasm peaked. Every muscle in her body contracted in bliss, her fingers leaving the mirror to clutch his sinewy arms. Her body tensed for several moments before finally going limp. It was all she could do just to breathe.
Aftershocks wracked her entire frame as he slipped his hand out of her panties and took hold of her waist. He cradled her against him, taking a moment to close her trousers and straighten her clothing.
She was fading in and out of blissful unconsciousness, vaguely aware she’d been lifted from the ground. A steely arm supported her back, while another hooked beneath her knees.
His steps echoed against the floor as they approached the doors. Bending down for a split second, a loud click sounded as he pushed the Run/Stop button back into place. The elevator started up with a jerk and continued its ascent as though nothing had ever happened. Scarlett yawned and snuggled against his chest, resolving to enjoy the afterglow and ignore the red flags waving frantically in her mind.
There would be plenty of time to panic tomorrow.
Chapter Five
Chase carried Scarlett over the threshold and kicked the door closed behind him. He looked down at her and grinned. She was out like a light. Not surprising, considering the wanton performance she’d just given him. He’d never known a woman to be so passionate. So desirable. Yet, at the same time, she was strong. Feisty. Independent.
Unable to see her bedroom from the foyer, he carried her past the kitchen and glanced around the corner. Faced with three doors, all of them closed, he grabbed the nearest handle and pulled it toward him. A black tuxedo jacket stared him in the face, and he grinned. Next to it, a long, cream-colored gown, a dark red stain in the center. He sighed, recalling the crazed state in which she’d snatched the glass from the balustrade. A pity, as the gown was almost as stunning as she was.
Facing right, he tried the next door. Success. He nudged it open and carried her into the bedroom, laying her down on the bed. His gaze roamed over her body, admiring the soft swell of her breasts. Should he undress her? She’d be furious if he did. He chuckled to himself, imagining her fiery reaction. He had to admit, he was growing fond of her little outbursts. They always managed to send her straight into his arms.
Precisely where she belonged.
Rolling her onto her side, he slipped her coat off one arm and then the other, tossing it on a chair in the corner. He did the same with her jacket before letting her roll gently to her back. Taking a step backward, his eyes canvassed her remarkable shape. Her breasts were full, the outline of pink nipples straining against the ivory material. He could feel a surge of pressure in his groin as his imagination wandered. His gaze continued downward, smiling his approval of shapely hips and thighs. Full-on curves, the way a woman should be. He questioned the sexuality of any man desiring the prepubescent-boy look over a real woman’s figure.
Stealing Scarlett Page 4