His cock was engorged, painful as it pressed hard against his linen pants. He’d gone commando, for no reason than her infuriating comment.
The kiss continued for a full minute. When he eased back, he fisted her hair, yanking until her neck was exposed. He blew across the nape before sucking on her jugular.
Moaning, her body shivered in his hold, her hand finally clenching his jacket. He adored the soft sounds, the hungry purrs.
“Tonight, you belong to me and no other. Make no mistake, I will guard my territory.”
“Yes, sir.”
Wrath released his hold, still keeping her close. “The things I can teach you if only you’ll let go.”
She nodded, her eyes darting back and forth.
“All you have to do is ask.”
As they walked inside, he wrapped his arm around her. “The club has several rooms, every proclivity satisfied.” He led her toward the bar, motioning for the bartender. She stood straight, the tension remaining. The music was loud, the rhythm matching the shimmering neon lights pulsing on the dance floor and walls, adding to the seductive atmosphere. There were hundreds of patrons crowding the space, all enjoying the spoils of the club.
He enjoyed watching her reactions, the subtle changes in her expression. She barely sipped her wine, preferring to observe. That allowed him the opportunity to search for the mark. There were several men who fit the man’s description, but no one that looked exactly like Mr. Wallace. At this point, he needed to be certain he found the right target.
After several minutes, he took the wine from her hand, leading her toward the dance floor. In truth, this would allow him an even better opportunity to scan the crowd.
She placed her arms around his neck in a perfunctory manner, still stiff. Still people watching.
“You must have clubs of this nature in the United States.”
“Thousands, but as I mentioned, not the kind of club I frequent.”
“And what are you afraid of?” he asked as he slid his hands down to the small of her back. Just having her in his arms seemed right, fitting at this moment in his life.
Chuckling, she finally paid attention to the man she was dancing with. “Nothing. Everything. Letting go.”
“Honesty.”
“I have no reason to lie.” Her words were stilted. “Collars and leashes. Is that all men want?”
“Do you think that’s all I want?” Wrath asked quietly.
She shrugged slightly as she looked from right to left, concentrating on everything she was seeing. “I honestly don’t know.”
“Then I guess you’ll have to trust me.”
“Yes, I guess I will.” Ashley clung to him, even resting her head on his chest. “And what if I ask?”
A sheer line of adrenaline rushed through every muscle, excitement igniting the embers that had remained burning since their tryst. “Then I’ll release the woman from her cage.” The way she processed his words was telling. She was ready to let down her guard, share with him something he considered special. “Ask…”
Ashley fisted his jacket, pulling away as she looked toward the floor. “I admit, I’m afraid as well as ashamed.”
“Why are you ashamed?”
“Because this isn’t me.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.”
She waited, her body now moving in a perfunctory manner. Only when the song ended did she finally shake her head. “I’m asking.”
He lifted her chin. “Say the words. Ask for exactly what you want.”
“I want…” Exhaling, she tried to get out of his grasp.
