“Oh, he’s here. I could swear the man is following me. What a jerk.” I quickly glanced from side to side, both wishing and dreading I’d catch sight of him.
“You talked to him? What did he say?” Amelia was excited while I continued to fume.
“It’s not what he said. It’s…” How was I supposed to tell them I’d allowed him to kiss me?
“It’s what?” Amelia pushed.
When I involuntarily pressed my fingers against my lips, both girls gasped.
“He kissed you?” Katy was practically beside herself.
“More like accosted me. Men like him are chauvinistic pigs who need to be carted away and locked in prison. He’s not just arrogant, he’s evil personified. I don’t want anything to do with him. Not one damn thing.”
As luck would have it, my friends lifted their heads at that moment. Instead of shock or abhorrence, their expressions were almost carnal. Wait. Were they salivating?
At that very moment, two strong, muscular hands gripped my shoulders, squeezing with enough pressure my pussy throbbed. They were man’s hands. By his scent alone and by the leering looks on my friends’ faces, I knew exactly who was standing behind me.
I refused to make a scene or allow him to know I was in the least bit uncomfortable. All while plotting his death.
“Vanessa. I forgot to mention after our… interlude that I’d like to extend an offer to have you spend the day with me tomorrow. You can see what I do and who I am. Perhaps that will allow you to feel more comfortable about your decision. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a long, intimate dinner together.”
Amelia’s cheeks puffed out as she locked eyes with mine. I could tell by the imploring shimmer in that she was begging me not to lose my cool.
I had no intention of allowing him the satisfaction. After taking a deep breath, I placed my hand on his. Just as had occurred before, the sudden and very explosive jolt of electricity created an array of tingles while threatening to strip my breath away.
It was something else I refused to allow to happen. “That would be acceptable, Mr. Elliot. That way, when I turn you down cold, you’ll better understand why. Have a lovely rest of your evening.” Fuck you, asshole.
His chuckle was deep, dark, and dominating. Refusing to back down, he shifted his hand so his long fingers were able to wrap around the back of my neck. I sensed he was lowering his head and instantly, prickles teased my skin.
“Be careful, Wildcat. I can read your mind, sensing your darkest desires. However, you might be craving much more than you can handle. Don’t worry, I’ll be there to catch you when you fall. Until tomorrow. I’ll send a car for you to your office. Eight sharp.” With that, he brushed his lips across my ear to my cheek.
Then he was gone, the sudden brisk pop of air creating a deep rumbling in my stomach.
Damn the man. If he wanted to play games, he’d picked the wrong person.
The bastard had met his match.
CHAPTER 5
Christian
I had no idea what had possessed me to toy with the wildcat. That’s what I’d decided to call her. Vanessa Blair was unpredictable, resilient, defiant, and more than a handful. She also refused to back down to anyone. However, it was the unpredictable part that had earned her the nickname.
Her capricious actions were also the reason I’d become extremely intrigued. Winning her over wasn’t only a necessity, it had become a very pleasurable adventure. Perhaps a game. One of wit and charm. I planned on winning it hands down. What I’d yet to determine was when I did, what would be the acceptable prize.
I did have ideas, filthy ones at that.
Had I crossed the line the night before with my impromptu desire to kiss her? Yes, but I wasn’t the kind of man who was used to following anyone’s rules but my own.
The three I’d crafted for myself years before?
Never allow the competition to win.
Never underestimate the power of a woman.
Never marry.
At this point, one was all but smashed to hell even in the short term, but I refused to allow the feisty but insubordinate wildcat to get the better of me.
