After another subtle but even more powerful growl, he kissed me. Not just any kiss, but deep, raw, rough, and ripped with extreme hunger. His lips were soft, but his actions were hard, as needy as mine and the taste of him was spectacular. Bourbon and peppermint.
Sin and shame.
All wrapped up into exploding passion.
Whether I was allowed or not, I clung to him, arching my back as he swept his tongue back and forth in the darkest reaches of my mouth. The electric tingles were breathtaking, leaving my entire body aching, humming from his touch.
As before, I was lightheaded, yet colorful stars floated in front of my periphery of vision. Even with my eyes closed, I could still see the clear definition of his jaw and high cheekbones, the aristocratic nose that didn’t suit his dangerous persona.
With my hand dangerously close to his heart, the thrill of his ragged heartbeat was a defining moment. He was as interested in what I could do for him as I was with him.
As with what I’d experienced before in all time stopping, the world around us ceased to exist.
At least until the elevator shuddered to a halt, the doors opening and this time unwanted people interrupting our special moment.
“Oh,” a woman said, her male companion chuckling.
My handsome stranger pulled away, taking a deep and aggravated breath. He was obviously used to not being interrupted. Who was this man?
No. I didn’t need to find out. That would lead to complications that I didn’t need.
He gripped my hand, half dragging me from the elevator down the hall. His silence was somehow as sexy as everything else about him.
Neither the lock nor the door was of any hindrance. Within seconds, he’d flung it open, ushering me inside.
My breath was caught in my throat the moment he closed and locked the door. The darkness in the room should be foreboding. Instead, the shimmer of light from the buildings on Bourbon Street coming through the massive layout of windows only added to the once in a lifetime event.
There’d been a lot of firsts the last few days, but I had a feeling this one would linger in the darkest, most provocative reaches of my mind.
Even in the shadows, I could see how large the suite was, the views of the city through the crystal-clear windows stunning.
He tossed the keycard on a small table seconds later, ripping at his bowtie immediately afterwards. I noticed a cart off to the side, the outline of a champagne bottle another indication everyone followed his orders.
Every step he took was predatory, a jaguar stalking its prey. He moved in front of me, taking several deep breaths. I’d never felt so small, so vulnerable yet also so safe. How was that even possible?
I hadn’t realized I’d been clutching my bag until he very gently, very slowly pulled my fingers free. He held onto my hand even as he lowered the bag to the floor. When he pulled my curled fingers to his lips, I shuddered audibly. The way he rolled his lips across my knuckles was certainly one of the more passionate acts I’d ever witnessed let alone experienced.
“Do you believe in magic, Aphrodite?” His question caught me off guard.
“Only black magic.”
My answer brought a stark laugh from his lips. “Love is a strange dark magic. Whereas death cannot destroy it, the softest kiss in the wrong direction could steal it away forever.”
I was more taken aback by the quote than anything so far during the evening. “Atticus. Right?”
“Very good, luscious goddess. The quote is quite fitting.”
I wanted him to tell me how and why, but at this point, I knew better than to ask. The mystery around him continued, which only heightened the excitement.
And the lust.
“Do you believe in the art of black magic?” With the stealth of a lion, he moved toward a console several feet away. Within seconds, the soft sounds of classical music filled the space coming from unseen speakers.
His questions were meant to challenge me. And they did. “Isn’t New Orleans the city of all things dark and dangerous?” In my mind they indicated he preferred a woman with a vast sense of sexual experience. That wasn’t me. A heavy worry about his disappointment almost had me backing out.
I swallowed hard, doing everything I could to shove aside my apprehensions. He turned his head toward me and even in the shadows, I sensed he was once again undressing me with his eyes.
Every time he laughed, an explosion of sensations tore through me. “Very much so.”
