His eyes twinkled with humor as he looked back at her. “Mr. Benjamin has sent a car for you. Please feel free to call him and confirm.” He rattled off a phone number that she assumed was Cain’s.
“Just a second.” She closed the door in the man’s startled face for the second time in under a minute and hurried to the phone. Dialing the number the stranger had given her, she tapped her foot and waited as it ran three times before it was abruptly answered.
“Benjamin.”
Katie was taken aback by the harshness of his answer and it took her a moment to find her own voice. Cain lost patience with the silence and snapped again. “Who is this?”
“Katie.”
“Why aren’t you here?” She could hear the impatience in his voice and her own temper snapped.
“I’m running late and I’ve got some strange guy at my door saying he’s here to pick me up and I’m not ready yet.” She stopped when she realized not only was her voice getting shriller, but she was rambling. Rubbing her fingers across her forehead, she hoped that this wasn’t going to become the date from hell. It was certainly starting out that way.
There was silence on the other end for a moment before the sound of Cain’s booming laughter filled the line. She’d never heard him laugh in quite this uninhibited way before and she had a feeling that it was something he didn’t do very often. Even though it was at her expense, she found she didn’t mind at all. Just listening to his unrestrained laughter made her smile.
“I’m sorry, honey.” He coughed and sputtered as he obviously did his best to get his wayward humor under control. “I thought I was the only one panicking over this evening. It’s nice to know otherwise.”
She was both mystified and charmed by his answer. He seemed so self-assured all the time and so curiosity prompted her to ask, “What do you have to worry about?”
“The better question might be what don’t I have to worry about? What if you don’t like dinner? What if you don’t enjoy yourself? What if this evening makes you never want to see me again?” There was laughter in his voice as he answered her and although Katie thought he was only teasing her, it was nice of him to put her at ease. Because that was what his banter had done.
Feeling more relaxed than she had all day, she brought his attention back to her original question. “Cain, who is the guy at my door?”
“That’s Quentin. I use his services sometimes and I sent him to pick you up. Listen, you take your time and get ready. I’ll call him on his cell and tell him to wait for you.” His voice was husky and made her shiver as he continued. “Take as long as you need. We’ve got all night.”
That very thought gave her goose bumps, and her voice was shaky when she replied. “All right.”
“See you when you get here.” The line went dead and she hung up the receiver. A second later she heard the faint ringing of a phone in her hallway and heard a male voice respond.
Unable to stop herself, she padded back to the door and removed the chain before opening the door again. He was startled to say the least and eyed her warily as he finished his conversation with Cain. She waited until he was finished and then stuck out her hand. “Hi, I’m Katie Wallace. Pleased to meet you.”
He stared at her hand for a moment before his bemused eyes met hers. Slowly, he took her hand in hers and gently shook it. “James Quentin at your service.”
Katie smiled at him and motioned him inside. “You might as well come in and sit down while I finish getting ready.”
He dropped her hand and stepped back. “Ah, no thank you, miss. Mr. Benjamin would not approve.”
“Who cares? This is my home and I say please come in out of the hallway. I’ll never get ready if we stand here arguing about it.” When he still hesitated, she reached out and grabbed him by the uniform sleeve and tugged. Reluctantly, he allowed himself to be pulled inside.
“Have a seat, I’ll just be a couple of minutes.” As she headed back down the hall, she turned and called over her shoulder, “And call me Katie.”
Closing her bedroom door, she flung off her bathrobe and tugged on the brown wool pants she’d laid out last night. Her favorite silk shirt in a beautiful shade of oatmeal followed. She topped the outfit with a long-sleeved beige cardigan made of raw silk that she’d picked up at the thrift store for a song. The outfit not only made her look good, it made her feel good.
She sat on the bed and tugged on a pair of brown leather boots. They had little zippers on the sides and were more for fashion than for function, but for five bucks at the thrift store she had been unable to resist. She lovingly referred to them as her “kick-ass” boots because when she wore them she felt as if she could take on the world.
Slipping a small pair of silver hoops in her ears, she surveyed her appearance. Turning first one way and then another she smiled in spite of herself. “Not bad, girl. Not bad at all.” She gave her reflection a wink before she snatched up her purse and left the room.
Quentin was standing in the corner of the living room. His attention was fixed on the painting on the easel. He turned when he heard her and gazed at her with something in his eyes that looked like respect. “You’ve captured him perfectly.”
“Thank you. Do you really think so?” Katie hated feeling unsure about her work, but Cain was such a hard subject.
Quentin nodded slowly. “Yes. Yes, I do.”
Feeling a little uncomfortable, she grabbed her coat and tugged it on. Quentin hurried across the room, but she had her coat on by the time he reached her. “Shall we go?” He opened the door and held it for her. Katie stopped long enough to lock the door behind her and then Quentin led her to the car waiting below.
Cain was pacing impatiently when he finally heard the mechanical hum of the elevator rising. Everything was ready, and now that she was finally here his evening of seduction could begin. If everything went according to plan, and he had no reason to think that it wouldn’t, then Katie would not be leaving here this evening.
The last few days had been hellish for him, and he needed her. He wanted to lose himself and his problems in her body. All night in bed with Katie was just the therapy he needed.
The elevator finally came to a halt and the door slid open. Katie stepped out, looking more beautiful than ever, but a frown covered his face when he realized she wasn’t alone. Chatting away with Quentin, she hadn’t even noticed him standing there in the shadow of the open apartment doorway. Quentin noticed him before Katie did and came to an abrupt halt in the hallway.
“You really didn’t need to escort me all the way to the door…” Her voice trailed off when she realized James was no longer beside her. Halting abruptly, she turned and saw that he’d stopped several steps behind her. Quentin’s gaze was focused on something behind her. Following his gaze, she pivoted slowly and could make out a large shadow standing in an open doorway. Cain.
“That will be all, Quentin.” Cain’s voice was quiet, but he feared the underlying anger could be heard.
“Very good, sir.” Quentin gave Katie a rueful smile before turning back towards the elevator.
Katie looked confused, having caught the underlying tension between the two men. She gave Cain a quick glance before walking back towards Quentin. “Thanks for the ride, James. I had a lot of fun on the drive over in the limo.”
A soft smile crossed his rugged face. “You’re more than welcome.” Shooting Cain a defiant look, he reached into his pocket and produced a white business card. Reaching out, he tucked it in the pocket of her jacket. “Call me anytime if you need a ride. Day or night.”
Katie reached out and squeezed his arm. “Thank you, James.” Her voice was as gentle as the smile that crossed her face, and she stood there watching as the elevator door opened and Quentin stepped on board. He tipped his hat to Katie as the door closed.
Finally they were alone together, but the smile left Katie’s face and she turned to him with a scowl. “What was that all about?”
“What was what about?”
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“Don’t play dumb with me, Cain. Why are you angry? I couldn’t help running late, you know. I do have a job. Maybe we should just forget the whole thing.” Katie turned and flounced back towards the elevator and stabbed at the button.
“I was jealous.” The quiet admission seemed to startle her.
“Of what?” She looked completely baffled and Cain realized then that her innate charm was part of her personality and that Katie would draw people to her simply by virtue of being herself. There was a genuine quality about her. Her interest in people was real and everyone around her sensed that and responded to it. Him included.
“Never mind.” He didn’t like feeling this uncertain about anything and especially not about a woman. “Please come inside.” He stepped back inside the apartment, held the door open, and waited to see what she would do.
Hesitantly, she followed him inside before her natural sense of humor reasserted itself and she laughed. “I feel like I’m being invited into Dracula’s castle. Yes, I am entering freely and of my own will.” The hallway had been shrouded in shadow with only a small night-light to illuminate it. The foyer was no different. It was just as dark and gloomy. “Didn’t you pay your utility bill?
“I like the dark.” Cain was not about to explain his choices to Katie. She could take him or leave him, but he was what he was. He stood far back from the light and watched her from the darkness.
Sensing his discomfort, she took off her coat and hung it next to his on the huge coat rack by the door. “That’s all right. I don’t mind the dark.” The way she said it had a double meaning and he hoped she meant what she said. Once he made her his, there would be no going back for either of them.
She slipped her purse over the hook and tugged self-consciously on her sweater, waiting to see what he would do next. He laughed ruefully. “I haven’t been much of a host so far, have I?”
“Not really,” she teased him back.
“I’ll do better.” Extending his hand into the light, he enticed her forward. “Good evening, Katie. You look beautiful tonight.” The blush that covered her cheeks started him wondering if it covered her entire body. Picturing her breasts a rosy pink made his entire body clench with desire.
Katie looked around inquiringly. “Where’s Gabriel?”
As though he’d heard his name being called, Gabriel skittered down the hallway, his toenails clicking against the hardwood floor. He slid to a halt in front of Katie and looked up at her expectantly.
Katie laughed and crouched down in front of him. Gabriel was in dog heaven as she scratched his head and neck and he emitted a moan of doggy ecstasy. Pleased by his reaction, Katie tussled with the dog a few moments longer.
She was so beautiful and unselfconscious playing in the hallway with his dog. Cain decided that if he didn’t do something, she’d stay there all night with the beast. “Gabriel, go.” At his command, the dog glared at him for a moment before sulking off to the kitchen for his own supper.
“What is this strange mutinous effect you have on my staff?” he asked her.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Katie stood and straightened her clothing, picking a stray dog hair off her pants leg.
The smile on her face and the glow in her eyes made him want to strip her bare and take her right in the damn foyer. His body tightened at the thought. Dinner first, he repeated silently to himself.
“Join me for dinner.” It was a command and she responded by placing her hand in his. The sense of triumph he felt almost overwhelmed him as he tightened his hold on her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm.
Cain was glad of the dark, as his cock had responded instantly to her, lengthening and swelling until his pants felt tight and uncomfortable. He was more than ready and willing to take her now. He knew the look on his face was one of carnal desire, and if she could see his face she would probably run screaming back to the safety of her own home. But she had stepped willingly into his world, and he was not willing to let her go.
“Where are we going?” Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke and Cain realized his silence was making her nervous.
“It’s a surprise, but one I think you’ll like. Trust me.” As soon as he said the words he knew they were true. He wanted her trust. If she trusted him, she would open herself totally to him in bed. Without that trust, she would hold parts of herself back. And he wanted all of her.
She squeezed his hand in assent and allowed him to lead her down the hallway and up another set of stairs. Opening the door at the top, he ushered her into the rooftop conservatory. He watched as she took in the sight before her, sensing her enjoyment and seeing it through her eyes.
Lush green trees and plants of all shapes and sizes filled the glass-enclosed area, illuminated by rows of small twinkling lights. In the center of the room a small stone pool with a waterfall gurgled cheerfully. The air was alive with the smells of lavender, roses, and other assorted flowers.
Katie glided to the center of the room and turned in a slow circle, taking in every inch of the room. “This is absolutely beautiful.”
He felt her enjoyment as if it were a living thing. The glow in her eyes and the softness on her face made him want to strip her naked and bury himself inside her warmth. Taking a deep breath, he strolled to the far corner of the room, carefully keeping to the shadows as he did so.
A wrought iron table, softly lit by a white pillar candle, was set for two with fine china and linen. Beside the table was a sideboard with a variety of covered dishes. Dinner awaited their pleasure. He pulled out one of the chairs and the noise made her glance to where he now stood. Hurrying over she surveyed the table.
“Your worries are over.”
Her comment took him off-guard. “What worries?”
“I’m sure I’ll like dinner. I’m enjoying myself. And, I’m sure I’ll want to see you again.” She ticked the points off on her fingers as she spoke, and he smiled, remembering their earlier conversation.
Chuckling, he seated her at the table, making sure the good side of his face was the one she could see. “Well, my mind is at ease now, and I can relax and enjoy the evening.”
His amusement faded away as he stared down at her. She licked her lips and then glanced down at the empty china plate. He could see her tugging at the hem of her sweater. God, she looked good enough to eat. Food first, he reminded himself.
The wine had already been opened, so he filled two long-stemmed crystal glasses with the pale white liquid and handed one to her. She sipped nervously, the wine making her lips glisten. Leaning forward so that he was blocking the flickering light, he licked her lips. The taste of the crisp wine and the heat of her lips were intoxicating.
Reaching behind him, he removed the cover from one of the dishes. Plucking a chocolate-covered strawberry from the plate, he held it to her lips. He didn’t allow her to eat it, but just ran the berry over her lips. Her tongue came out to taste it. “Suck the chocolate off.”
She smiled seductively and then her tongue curled around the chocolate coating. If he’d been hard a few minutes ago, he now felt like he was going to burst. Images of her doing the same thing to his cock were making him sweat. His entire body screamed at him to take her. Now.
“Are we having dessert first?” Her lips surrounded the lush berry and she sucked it right out of his hands. Chewing the delectable treat, she moaned like a woman in the throes of an orgasm.
Suddenly, he could wait no longer. Dropping to one knee beside her, he cupped her face in his large hands and brought it towards him. Lightly brushing her eyelids with his thumbs, he waited until they closed, and then he leaned forward and brushed her lips with his.
So soft. That was his only thought. He went back for another taste. The flavors of chocolate, strawberry, and tart white wine all mingled on her mouth. His tongue traced her lips, licking at them until she parted them and moaned. Responding immediately, he thrust his tongue inside her mouth and explored every crevice. He rubbed her tongu
e and sucked it, all the while, never losing his grip on her face. Cain tasted the sweetness of her mouth and knew he had never tasted anything so fine in his entire life.
Reluctantly withdrawing from her mouth, he placed kisses all over her face before he pulled back into the shadows. “I want you.” His voice was harsh even to his own ears.
“All right.” Her whisper was barely audible.
He dragged his hand through his hair. “I need you now. Fast.” His breathing was rough, but he held on to his control. Just. “Later I’ll go slow. I promise.” He wanted to be sure she understood what she was agreeing to.
“Yes.”
Her reply was stark in the quiet of the night. The only other sound he could hear above his own rough breathing and the pounding of his heart was the gurgle of the fountain. Abruptly, he rose and scooped her off her chair all in one motion. His arms were like steel around her and there was no longer any chance he’d let her go. Dinner could wait. He would have his dessert first.
Keeping to the shadows, he carried her down the stairs, not stopping until he entered his bedroom. Kicking the door closed behind him, he let her legs slide down his body until she was standing in front of him with his arms still locked around her.
Chapter Eight
Katie lost all ability to breathe when Cain swept her up into his embrace and carried her from the rooftop garden. She caught glimpses of his harsh features as he passed quickly through the apartment. His green eye glittered like that of some wild animal on the hunt. Knowing she was the prey made her slightly nervous.
Cain was a huge man, and with a black leather patch over his left eye and his long black hair covering half of his face, he could easily be taken for a pirate. Picturing him in tight breeches and a leather vest swinging a cutlass on the deck of a ship was no problem. She wondered half hysterically if he’d make her walk the plank if she didn’t perform to his liking. The solid thud of him kicking a door closed behind him gave her a sense of finality. There was no going back now. And, truthfully, she didn’t think she wanted to.
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