Never had I oozed such an erotic confidence before, and I hardly recognized these spiraling auburn locks that tumbled elegantly over my shoulders. My highlighted smoky eyes were dramatically larger and these long eyelashes were almost overshadowed by my overly rouged plumped lips forming an exotic pout.
“Part your legs a little,” he said. “Very good. Place your hands behind your back. Wrists together.”
I smirked at his request, feeling a little silly.
He suppressed a smile. “Do you find this funny?”
“No.” I peered beneath long lashes. “I like it.” And I did.
I loved the way he made me feel nurtured just as he’d promised. My gaze broke his and roamed the dramatic burgundy drapes that were closed now and swept across the two arched windows. I absorbed the lavishness surrounding us, giddy by this man whose command seemed effortless.
The weekend had been a whirlwind of expensive dining, a little shopping for new clothes for me at Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and then stopping off at The Otillie to see Madame Rose. It had been so wonderful seeing her and only now did I truly understand that lovesick expression on Rose’s beautiful face. It was as though I was seeing her wistful expression for the first time, a hint of her subdued passion. Only now I understood that timeless allure of love reflected in her gaze.
Tobias’s affection was helping me see art through a different lens and by viewing through this prism of wonderment I opened my heart further.
We’d gone on from there to pay a much-needed visit to the National Gallery to see Magnus, and watch his restoration professionals work their magic on the Michelangelo. His talented team of renovation specialists had brought out the vibrant colors and were well into the process of restoring the paintings.
In awe, Tobias and I had admired all three of my portraits that deserved to be shared. Each majestic masterpiece would soon be given the opportunity to be adored by thousands of visitors to the gallery.
Sunday evening had brought with it more rain and lucky for us we were ensconced safely away in this luxury suite. I’d not seen the inside of my apartment all weekend. Instead, Tobias insisted we remain here and enjoy all the amenities close to hand. We’d been pampered beyond belief with endless sumptuous meals ordered up from room service, a private massage in our room, and a ceaseless supply of champagne and dark chocolates.
These two days had felt like nirvana and no matter how many times I cautioned myself to hold on and not fall, my heart rebelled and told me to risk it all.
“Turn around,” he said. “Slowly.”
I complied, more than aware my nipples were pert from the chill of the room, my lack of clothes making me vulnerable.
“Don’t bite your lip,” he chastised. “It draws attention to your mouth. We don’t have the time.”
I turned and grinned at him.
He grinned back. “Do you know how beautiful you are? How feminine? How kind you are? You take my breath away. I feel like I’m at the goddamn Tate, seeing modern art for the first time. Jesus, Zara, you’re stunning.”
It was impossible to pull back on my smile.
“I would do anything for you.” That cute smile lit up his face. “Still, if you ever change my music again...”
The blaze of my cheeks forced my gaze away as I suppressed my smile at his brashness.
My sex thrummed with the need to have him touch me the way he always did. I’d fallen headfirst into the abyss of his universe. Climbing out from his heavenly lair seemed inconceivable.
The knock at the door startled me.
Tobias rose from the chair and made his way over toward the hall leading to the door. “Stay as you are.”
I held my arms across my chest to cover myself, wary of this sense of defenselessness and watching the space where he’d just been standing while trying to listen to who he was talking with.
“Thanks, Coops. Half an hour.” I heard the sound of the door closing. Tobias reappeared around the corner and he narrowed his gaze.
I snapped my arms down and glanced behind him to make sure he was alone.
He held a sleek phone, and it was the one he’d given me a few days ago.
He held up the phone. “Got it back.”
“From Logan?”
“Coops ran a check on it. She read my texts but other than that no damage done.”
“Damage?”
“My email and phone number haven’t been erased.” He narrowed his gaze. “Arms behind you, please.” He threw the phone onto the sofa.
It was reassuring he was just as suspicious of her emotional choices.
He made his way to stand in front of me and that dark gaze roamed over me. He drank in my body. I raised my chin proudly, assuming the posture of a lover trapped under his spell.
I wondered if he’d ever had Logan in this pose. Something told me after a passionate fling of this magnitude, there’d be no finding your way back to a humdrum life. It was obvious Logan couldn’t bear to be away from him and couldn’t move on, either. I felt sorry for her even after all she’d done to me.
How could I never have known what I’d been missing all these years and never suspect somewhere out there my prince was waiting?
“Take off your panties,” he said.
I hesitated for a beat and then responded quickly, peeling off my thong.
“And bra.”
Unclipping it, I wondered why we were moving backward—wasn’t I meant to be getting dressed for a party?
“Excellent.” He took my underwear from me and strolled over to the sofa and threw them on there.
“Hope this isn’t one of your pervy parties?”
He looked severe. “First, you will remain dressed.”
“No shenanigans?”
“Only with me.” He gave a smile. “This is a unique encounter.”
“What kind?”
“I want us to remain discreet. Experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view their art. We may even be privileged enough to view their most cherished artifact.”
I perked up. “What kind?”
He waved it off. “We’ve been invited to a private viewing. Some of the wealthiest men in the world will be there.”
And he was taking me...
Though I realized the soiree hinted at misogyny.
“Tonight, there will be some of the most priceless pieces of art ever showcased from East Asia. And despite all of that, you will be the highlight of the evening.”
“Not sure I can live up to that.”
He strolled over to me and wrapped his hands around my naked waist. “You have no idea how powerful you are. We need to change that, Zara.”
I stared up at him.
Tobias walked away from me toward the couch and lifted the lid off the larger box. He reached in for the beautiful Escada gown he’d bought me just yesterday from Harrods.
“This is what you’re wearing.” He held up a delicate silk gold dress. “I’ll be the envy of every man.” He returned to my side with the gown and slid it over my head, pulling it over my curves.
It clung to me like spun gold, the material so fine it fell over my skin like water. Thin straps decorated with diamond-shaped beads caught the light. Turning slightly, I saw my reflection in the wall mirror and realized it was backless and the arch of the dress was just above my butt. “It’s beautiful.”
“As are you.”
His mood seemed a little intense, as though he had something serious on his mind.
“Do you want to tell me?” I said softly.
He frowned my way.
“Something’s bothering you?”
Tobias leaned into me and pressed his lips to mine, his tongue brushing my lower lip.
He broke away and trailed his fingers through a
curl of my hair. “There, you’ve centered me.”
I fiddled with the bra cups to make sure my breasts fit snuggly and resigned myself to the fact this design revealed an ample amount of my cleavage. A chill might have my nipples betraying me and perking to a deadly point—
Like they were doing now.
He quirked his lips into a smile. “I now know what true obsession is.”
The same could be said about me. Tobias had never looked so dashing. Though I suspected it had little to do with that brand-new Brioni tuxedo he’d had tailored right here in the suite, and more to do with his hair ruffled playfully with that classic post-fucked flair.
Within minutes he’d helped me into the strappy heels and brushed falling locks off my shoulders, despite my attempt to use the length to cover my breasts.
“No bra?” I whispered.
“No, not tonight.”
“I can wear panties, though, right?”
“No.” He walked over to the chrome rack in the hallway and lifted off the satin coat he’d bought me. “Networking is essential in my line of work. You’ll be my reward. Perhaps I’ll take you during the evening to remind you you’re mine.”
A rush of excitement sent a flash of blood to my cheeks.
“It pleases me to know I’ll be able to do this at will.” He knelt before me and lifted the hem of my dress above my hips and his face closed in on my sex—
Sending a shudder spiraling between my thighs, my clit felt incredible as he kissed me, his tongue thrumming.
Leaning forward, swooning into the thrill of his flicking, I let out the softest mewl of pleasure.
He pushed himself to his feet. “You see the benefit of no panties?”
“Yes,” I said in a rush, almost fainting at this lingering tingle between my thighs.
“Of course I don’t want any other man to look at you.” He pulled me into a hug. “But I must be reasonable and let you out sometimes.” He peered down at me and winked.
Tobias tugged the belt of my satin coat tight around my waist.
Using the hallway mirror, he made a final adjustment to his bow tie.
I watched him, mesmerized, this devastation of beauty to behold, his suaveness a blending of broody dashing charisma enhanced by an edgy ruggedness.
And when he looked at me the way he was doing now with that undeniable authority, he made my core clench with want and my nipples bead and made me grateful to be hiding within this coat.
“Don’t get too comfortable,” he said. “The coat’s coming off.”
A thrill shot up my spine. I’d never gone out without underwear in my life. Luckily, no one would ever know.
We made our way down the corridor, and I felt Tobias’s grip wrap firmly around my left arm. He was expecting me to take the lift again.
“Fear is merely an adversary,” he said. “And adversaries only have power over us if we deliver it into their hands.” He stepped inside and turned to face me.
I remained frozen before the open doors. That dreadful metal gape a cruel tease.
Now that happiness had found me this monster was going to end me.
I couldn’t...not again.
I’d already braved this too many times this weekend.
“Zara.” He held his hand out to me. “Overcome fear and you’ll find freedom waiting for you on the other side.”
I held my breath and stepped in and fell into his embrace, crashing against his firm chest.
“I’m here.” He tipped my chin up as the doors closed shut behind me. “I’ve got you.”
Staring into his eyes, I focused on him and his gorgeous face. If this was my last day on earth I’d be holding this beautiful image during these final seconds.
He grinned. “See, easy.”
“For you.” I shuddered as that first shake proved we were descending.
“Almost there.”
“I want to know all about you,” I stuttered out. “I want to know where you were born. If you have any siblings. Where did you go to school? What’s your favorite food? Color?”
“Zara.”
“Yes?”
“First floor.”
Blinking at him, I pulled back a little to better read his face. That veil of mystery fell over him once more.
He grabbed my hand and interlocked his fingers with mine as he pulled me out. We hurried onward, bathed in the golden glow of the foyer, pure white marble beneath our feet, and above us swirls of light reflecting off the fine gold trimmings of a lavish decor.
The doorman pulled back on the handle and let us out with a respectful nod. We were met by the unique scent of freshly fallen rain, the weather holding off for a while to offer us a reprieve from the downpour, and the crispness of an autumn evening.
That familiar black Bentley waiting with Cooper loyally poised to open the passenger door.
A bright flash went off. “Get in,” said Tobias.
Half-distracted by the photographer, I dipped my head and climbed into the back of the car.
Cooper waited by the driver’s door and watched Tobias walk over to the photographer.
He started up a conversation with the man and I held my breath to see what he was going to do.
He gave his arm a friendly pat.
Tobias rejoined me in the Bentley, and Cooper climbed into the driver’s seat.
“Who was that?” I asked.
“A photographer for The London Times.” Tobias held Cooper’s gaze in the rearview. “Usual protocol, please.”
“Yes, sir.” Cooper steered the Bentley away from the curb.
“What’s the usual protocol?” I said.
“We prevent their publication. Either online or in print.”
“How do you do that?”
“Whatever it takes.” Tobias pulled out his phone and texted away. “Don’t worry, no one gets hurt—” he arched a brow “—too much.”
That didn’t sound sinister at all.
I peered out. “Where are we going?”
“Kensington.” Tobias raised his gaze to hold mine. “You’ll be the most exquisite creature there.”
I swooned at his words and sat back to admire this dark and dangerous enigma.
Tobias tucked his phone away and reached for my hand. “Usual protocol for us too, Zara.”
“What’s our protocol?”
“Don’t let go of my hand.”
24
The Tudor period had left all the eclectic touches of medieval England wrapped up in countryside charm. The dark wooden furnishings, colorful lattice windows and remarkable tapestries all evidence that the English aristocracy continued to thrive.
And should there be any doubt, one merely had to look around at the high-class guests at Hatwood House, one of the largest estates in Knightsbridge.
Those tailored tuxedos worn by suave-looking guests complemented the array of runway gowns draped over their pretty women. Discreet staff offered up endless trays of hors d’oeuvres and a constant offering of all sorts of booze.
I didn’t belong here...
I loved every second of being with Tobias, but these last two days were overwhelming. I was regretting not getting to any of the work I’d lined up for Huntly Pierre. Instead of delving into my notes and preparing for the week ahead, I was fast heading into another late night.
With everything Tobias offered there was this sense of being swept along and continuously spoiled. It wasn’t that I wasn’t grateful but this was not my world and these were not my people.
Tobias turned to me. “You okay?” He’d sensed my reticence.
We’d spent too long getting ready for me to let him down and retreat. He leaned into me and whispered, “It’ll be worth it. I promise.”
It was no surprise that he attracted looks of admiration. Guests now and again stopped to introduce themselves, and the clipped accents and highbrow conversations proved my theory, these were moneyed visitors who could hold their own amongst London’s elite.
We strolled from the foyer to the living room and onward into the luxury dining room.
There, lying on a central mahogany table was a scantily clad young woman. She looked no older than twenty. Upon her abdomen was a row of small plates lined from her chest to her groin, all containing small edible sweet delicacies.
Guests were helping themselves to her treats.
Tobias stared at her. “Are those DeLafée chocolate truffles?” He pointed to the plate between her breasts.
I scrunched up my nose in amusement.
“You know you want one.” He led me toward the table.
Tobias leaned over her and picked up two chocolates. He threw her a smile of gratitude and she flushed brightly in response. She looked so vulnerable lying there, and with those tuxedo-wearing lions prowling around her it crossed my mind to sweep her up and get her out of there.
Tobias held a chocolate truffle to my lips. “Bite.”
My mouth watered as the cocoa melted on my tongue.
He popped a chocolate into his mouth and let out an erotic groan. “Still not as delicious as you, Leighton.”
I felt more daring than I ever had. “When will I get the privilege of tasting you? Tonight?”
“Careful, don’t make me fall in love with you.”
I let out a laugh. “Well, if that’s all it takes...”
He broke into a smile. “Let’s carve out some time later to explore that theory.”
“Here?”
“I hear they have a pool grotto. We can skinny-dip. I’ll show you my sea monster.”
I burst out laughing. “You’re on.”
Through the swarm of guests came a striking vision—
The blonde’s long stride and elegant form were equally as stunning as her beauty. She held herself with the glowing confidence of a supermodel, and I guessed her age at thirtysomething. With her chiseled cheekbones and flawless complexion she owned perfection. Her red dress was as long and clingy as mine, though she easily stole the spotlight with that thick diamond necklace shimmering around her long neck, and more stones twinkled around her wrists.
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