Page 6 of Unbound Boxset

He smiled back. “Sad story over. Now you know.”

“But I don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“I don’t know why you won’t take me to bed.”

Her words shot like cannon fire in the candlelit room. The waiter took their plates, brought two fresh drinks, and moved on.

“I promised I would never have an affair with a student. Too messy. Too many lies to cover up.”

“I’m a grown woman with a mind and career of my own. I’m not promising love everlasting and white picket fences. You’re not married. I’m single. And we’re both dedicated to our careers. I just want you. For as long as it lasts.”

His body shuddered in response. Grant fought the knowledge things too good to be true usually aren’t. “Ariel,” he said softly, his hand tightening over hers. “I don’t want you to get hurt. I don’t want to make a mess of things again. I worked too hard to get back where I am.”

“I understand.”

Slowly, her fingers unraveled and she picked up her martini. He felt the distance close around her and knew it was his doing. Her body would be as open as her mind. He just needed to say yes. Could he truly trust her? He hadn’t been this attracted to a woman in his class since his former wife. “Ariel⁠—”

“No.” She shook her head. “I do understand, Grant, and I’m not going to chase you like some love-struck teenager. I work long hours and weekends. My phone is another appendage I can’t live without. I don’t want to change your life. I just want you in my bed for however long it lasts. I’m even willing to let you set the rules.”

Her words made him open his mouth to speak, but she waved a hand in the air and kept talking. “I’m taking a chance, too, you know. We probably wouldn’t fit. I’m direct and sometimes rude. I love sex and alcohol and red meat. I swear like a cop in Detroit and would probably side with a condo developer over saving the extinct bird species no one gives a crap about. I’ll still come to class, and I’ll finish up the weekend, but don’t play games with me.”

His jaw dropped. “Play games with you?”

Her direct stare challenged him. “Don’t put your hands on me unless you’re ready for me. Got it?”

Then he knew.

Grant grabbed the bill, threw down some cash, and stood up. Ariel sat, almost sullenly sipping her drink, expecting a male temper tantrum. “Get up,” he said.

“Why?”

He leaned over and spoke against her ear. “Because I’m going to strip off your dress and make you come so many times you’ll beg for mercy. Don’t make me say it again.” He paused. “Get up. Now.”

Her eyes widened slightly. Good, he’d finally managed to surprise her. She stood up, legs trembling, and waited. A satisfied smile played about his lips. He loved her dominant personality, but her sudden docility caused his pants to painfully tighten.

Grant led her out of the restaurant and didn’t look back.

He already knew she was following.

* * *

The door closed.

Ariel walked toward the king-size bed and put her purse on the bureau. She turned and he was beside her, his body heat rising to her nostrils and like a horse in heat, a sound rose from her throat. She expected niceties, a glass of wine, some more conversation, but he reached behind her and unzipped her dress.

The black knit fell to the floor and left her in her thong and bra, her chest rising and falling as the excitement began to build as he stared at her. His gaze was hot and his hands large and hard as he smoothed his palms over her skin. He cupped her neck and moved downward over her shoulders to the swell of her breasts. Paused. Caressed over the lace to push in a gentle pressure that coaxed her nipples to harden and rise. Continuing down over her stomach, the curve of her hips.

He didn’t speak, just drank his fill as he knelt before her and explored her naked buttocks, sweeping down her thighs, backs of her knees and calves to her feet. She lifted her foot to kick off her sandals.

His hand stopped the motion. “No,” he said roughly. “Leave them on.”

Grant straightened. Unclipped her bra, and slid her panties down until she was naked. Ariel stood proudly before him, evidently aroused, her breath hitching as she reached for him.

“Let’s play,” she said.

Her fingers flew over the buttons of his shirt as she ripped it off his body. Corded muscles rippled down his arms, his chest, and stomach. His olive skin was warm and a musky, manly scent oozed through his pores, like sex itself. A pull of the belt loosened his pants and she pushed them down with his underwear. His erection sprang forward and her hands coasted, caressed him from hilt to the tip. He shuddered.