Gabriel hesitated, shifting from one foot to the other. His gaze avoided her. Her heart plummeted. It was as good as a confession.
“We were lovers once,” he admitted. “For a brief period, a long time ago.”
“I see.”
Who would have thought that jealousy could cut so deep? Despite the debauchery taking place around them, until now, she had been enjoying herself. She had spent a good part of the afternoon poring over the licentious book Gabriel had insisted on buying for her. It had given her ideas. Sparked desire. She had been looking forward to experiencing passion in his arms. But now... How could she ever compete with that gorgeous woman? Or any others he might have? She wanted to leave this place. Wished she had never come.
“Hannah, look at me.”
Gabriel’s voice, steady and warm, commanded her compliance. Her gaze landed on his face.
“There’s nothing between Anjali and me now. There hasn’t been for years.”
His sincerity was evident, and yet... “But you two seem to be on friendly terms with each other.”
He nodded once. “We are friends, of sorts.”
With a knot in her stomach, she forced herself to ask the most difficult question. “Do you have a mistress at the moment?” She needed to know. And yet wasn’t sure she could withstand the answer if it was yes.
“Absolutely not. I wouldn’t do that to you. Or any woman.”
He smiled one of his amiable smiles, feathered his fingers across the exposed portion of her cheek.
“I’m not in the habit of keeping a mistress. They are expensive luxuries that I’ve never been able to afford. Yes, I’ve had affairs. Always with women who are willing and sophisticated enough to understand the nature of our relationship. However, my last affair ended over a year ago, and I haven’t had the time or inclination to pursue another relationship. All my focus has been on saving my estate.”
“I’m sorry. I have no right to question you—”
“You have every right,” he interrupted her. “I’m here with you. All my attention is for you and you alone.”
His heated eyes left no doubt he desired her. But was that enough, when he had women such as the proprietress of this club falling at his feet? She wanted to believe him yet felt so inadequate. Unsophisticated.
“But she is so beautiful. How can any man not want her?” The shameful admission escaped her lips before she could hold it. Oh, wasn’t she a pathetic case? She was making everything worse...
“You are beautiful too, Hannah.” He stepped into her space. His hands dove underneath her domino, coming to rest, warm and possessive, on her bare shoulders. They massaged her with expert skill, his touch turning her insides to warm honey. “But there’s more to desire than physical beauty.”
“Is there? I mean, of course there is, I know that.” She was having trouble forming coherent thoughts while his wonderful hands touched her like that. “But I thought men’s desire was simpler, more straightforward...”
“Not for me. I desire you because I like you. But it’s even more than that. There’s something very specific about you that calls to me. I’m drawn by your essence.”
“Gabriel...” Her voice was wispy, almost smothered by need. One of his hands molded the back of her neck, so strong, sosupportive. She leaned her head back, and he rewarded her by leaning closer.
His warm lips slid across hers once, twice. So soft, velvety. And yet the contact rippled sensation throughout her body. Her hands came to rest on his chest, feeling his quickening heartbeat. The knowledge that he was not unaffected either set fire to her blood, emboldened her to deepen the kiss. To open her mouth and capture his plush lower lip between her teeth.
He groaned, the sound a vibration deep within his chest. His hand tightened on her nape, bringing her closer. The other one snaked around her waist to hold her flush against him. The next moment, she was swirling through the air.
He had lifted her and carried her inside one of the alcoves. In the relative privacy created by the shadows, the kiss turned ravenous. He was devouring her mouth with single-minded savagery. And she was responding in kind. A distant corner of her mind sounded the alarm that maybe this wasn’t the place. They were both losing control, and as she had observed before, these alcoves did not provide any real privacy.
Her back touched a wall padded in velvet, and he leaned her into it, pressing his body to hers, overwhelming her senses with the feel of him. Her hand drifted, caressing over the hard sinew of his chest, lower over his flat stomach, venturing daringly close to his member. Seeking the proof of his desire. Sure she would find it at the apex of his legs.
He didn’t disappoint. A strangled sound, something between a gasp and a groan, escaped him when her hand cupped his hard flesh over the fabric of his trousers. He pressed into her, his hips thrusting in a movement reminiscent of the sexual act. Her flesh liquified in a rush of lust. It had been so long. And never had she felt so much contained power, so much desire waiting to be unleashed upon her. For her.
Damn her skirts. If it weren’t for them, she could press her aching center into that hard flesh. Maybe find a surcease for the clawing need devouring her.
“Hannah,” he panted in her ear. “I need to taste you.”
“Hmm...you are,” she breathed. “And I’m tasting you.”
Her lips found his again and captured them. Her tongue invaded his mouth, tangling with his. He indulged her, losing himself in the caress, sucking her tongue with exquisite sensuality. She moaned, wanting to meld with him. But then he retreated. When she went to follow, the hand at her neck tightened, holding her in place.
