Alex went to the kitchen, debating. He’d bought the wine in the hopes that Sylvie would either come over, or that he’d be invited to her place for dinner. He wasn’t a wine guy, even after living in California, but he’d heard that people sometimes picked out a bottle just because they liked the label. That didn’t make sense to him—you don’t taste the label.
No, instead he went down the aisles at the liquor store reading the descriptions on the back and trying to decide which flavors he wanted to taste on Sylvie’s lips.
He’d chosen two wines. The chardonnay was described as buttery and rich, decadent with melon and peach, while the red was full of berry flavors with a touch of oak to ‘deepen the experience.’ Either sounded like they’d taste amazing while he explored her mouth. He went with the chardonnay and carried in a wine glass for her and a tumbler of Jameson on the rocks for himself, mindful of how he’d taste to her.
She sat up and took the glass while eyeing his drink. “Your whiskey looks good, too.”
“It is.” He smiled, taking a chance. “But you’re drinking that wine,” he said firmly, carefully gaging the tiniest movement she made. If she balked at all at his commands, he’d pull back. Not that he thought she’d be intimidated—he didn’t think anything intimidated the woman sitting beside him. But he didn’t want to read too much into what she’d said earlier and risk putting her off.
Her lips curled into a smile. “You got it, Chief.” She sipped her wine, watching him over the rim while he drank his whiskey and hoped his hard-on wasn’t too obvious.
They drank without speaking for a few minutes before she set the wine glass on the coffee table in front of them. “Does it ever feel strange working for Kyle? You used to be his superior.”
“It did a little, at first. I had to hold back on my tendency to tell him what to do.”
She laughed. “I bet you did.”
He raised his eyebrows. But she was still smiling, her eyes full of teasing mirth. “What are you trying to say, Officer Madden?”
She pursed her lips and shrugged a shoulder. “Oh, just that I think you have a much easier time giving orders than taking them. At least that’s what I’m seeing right now.”
“It all depends on the venue.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Is there a venue where you’re more inclined to order someone around?”
“There are a few.”
Her eyes widened momentarily and she shifted. He watched her weigh options but it didn’t matter—he’d made up his mind.
“Will I ever see you in one of these venues?” she asked.
“Would you enjoy that? I get the strong impression thatyouwould rather be calling the shots most of the time too.”
Her brown eyes flashed. “Depends on the venue for me too, doesn’t it?” She glanced around. “This is a good venue.”
Yes. Here we go. “Come closer,” he growled.
Sylvie’s gaze locked onto his. Her right eyebrow shot up and the corner of her mouth followed as if on a string. “What if I refuse?”
“I said, come closer.”
This time her lips curled into a full smile—oh yes, she wanted to play. For a moment, he thought he’d read the situation all wrong. But no—that spark was in her eyes.
Sometimes, I just want someone else to lead.
She scooted over until their thighs touched. The spark turned dreamy but she never lowered her gaze. “Is this close enough?”
“No. Not nearly.” He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and gripped her chin with his other hand. Sylvie’s lips parted and her eyelids lowered as he pulled her in for a kiss. He didn’t bother teasing her mouth open; instead, he took her mouth roughly, tasting the wine on her lips just as he’d fantasized. His tongue explored her mouth and she moaned as her body went momentarily slack. Letting him lead. Then her arms went around him and she returned his kiss with equal force. Jesus, that felt good—a woman who wanted him as much as he wanted her.
“Sylvie,” He growled against her lips. “Baby, I’m going to take you into the bedroom now and you’re going to do everything I tell you until you are mindlessly screaming my name. Are you ready for that?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me now if you have any doubts while I can still hold back. Because once we start, I’m not stopping. You’re mine to play with.” He kissed her throat. “Mine to please.” He ran his lips up to her earlobe and sucked on it. “Mine to enjoy.” He lingered at her ear. “All night long.”
A shudder ran through Sylvie and she whimpered—a completely un-Sylvie-like sound that drove him wild. She was giving over to him and it was what they both needed. Complete trust. Clean and simple.
She nodded.
