“You and Mark don’t see eye to eye.”
He didn’t seem to appreciate my comment, watching the waiter pour the wine as if uncertain the young man was capable. When he’d finished, he leaned over, a slow and steady smirk crossing his face. “Mark Zuckerman is a venomous snake who believes his corporation can outbid mine on every project.”
“He seems to believe he can help you achieve your goal.”
Sinclair glanced around the restaurant, his face expressionless. “He has ties to people in the department of safety and permits. However, he doesn’t realize we own the members. Every. Single. One.”
“So you use extortion as a typical method of business.”
He seemed shocked I would dare defy him, but raised his glass of wine, waiting until I did the same. “My family uses whatever methods are available to increase our wealth. What I can tell you is that Mark has several dirty little secrets he wouldn’t appreciate being exposed, but I won’t feel any guilt if it becomes necessary. Now, I hope you enjoy merlot.”
The words weren’t a question. He required that I partake in the same refreshment he was indulging in. He also wasn’t about to continue the conversation.
“Yes,” I half whispered. “My favorite.”
“What are your other favorite things, Josette?” There was such dominance in every word dripping from his mouth.
“Why do you care? From what you just said, you simply use force to get what you want.”
“Do you truly intend on making your stay contentious?” His laugh was offhanded, but the tension remained.
“I’m being practical, Mr. Prince. I’m nothing but your plaything during my forced incarceration. You made that perfectly clear.”
I’d chosen my words as carefully as possible while the waiter dropped breadsticks on the table. Even in doing so, I expected Sinclair’s expression to harden. It didn’t. His amusement with my declaration and my attitude was evident by the way his upper lip curled.
The man was also undressing me with his eyes.
Even as a shiver trickled down my spine, I kept my gaze, tilting my head. I also took a sip of wine, pretending I had no issue with dining with a monster. What unnerved me as much as the actwas needing to clamp my thighs together, my core as heated as before.
Sighing, he shifted his glass back and forth on the table. “Perhaps we’ll save business for later. Is that what you’d prefer?”
I had no idea how I could answer that. “Whatever you’d prefer.”
“Come now. You’re not the type of woman to placate me. Besides, I see clearly enough the darkness and hunger threatening to possess you.”
“You obviously don’t know me very well.” I shifted in my seat more uncomfortably than before, reminded my thong had been taken from me. A hint of embarrassment swept through me and, fearful of him realizing the effect he had on me, I hid behind my glass of wine.
“That’s where you’re wrong, my sweet Josette. I know how intense your cravings are for a dominating man. I also know that even if you won’t openly admit it, you’re well aware you’re the kind of woman who needs strict discipline. You thrive on it.”
“You are out of your mind.”
He twisted his glass on the table. “There’s the wildcat I adore.”
Frustrated, I shook my head. He knew exactly how to get to me, the ache deep and powerful.
My nerves remained on edge as he rimmed his glass with his finger. I found it difficult to hold the exquisite crystal without a few precious drops slipping over the edge. He was everything I should hate yet everything that I couldn’t imagine being without. He had to know what kind of effect he was having on me; the simple brush of his hand against my skin sizzling every cell, the way he undressed me with his eyes keeping me on edge.
I shifted again, completely aware he’d yet to take his eyes off of me. The crackle of electricity shared between us was incredibly powerful.
“Spread your legs for me, Josette. Keep your hands above the table. If you don’t obey me, I will take you into the restroom and spank you. Do you understand?”
He’d caught me off guard once again and I almost didn’t answer until he cocked his head in a way that sent a white-hot string of heat straight into my core.
“Yes, sir.” My voice was quavering, something I wasn’t used to. He had that kind of effect on me.
Swallowing, I glanced around the room, blinking several times. The twinkling lights of the candles created a haze, making it almost impossible to see if anyone was watching. I was completely embarrassed, fearful that our filthy actions would be detected. Yet I took another sip, obeying his request, my legs trembling. While a cold chill remained, heat coursed through every muscle and vein from excitement of the unknown.
He slipped his hand under the table, gripping my knee and leaning over. “I will take you anywhere and anytime I desire.” He tugged my leg, further exposing my aching pussy. His nostrils flared as he brushed his fingers along the inside of my thigh.
