“Just for a few minutes longer? Please?” She lowered her eyelashes. “Besides, I cannot return home until my companion awakens.”
She pouted, hoping it would work. This gesture always seemed to help other women get the upper hand over a man, or so her cousin had told her.
He laughed out loud this time. “Now who is putting on a performance?”
“I’m just trying to get my way.”
He ran his finger and thumb across his mustache, drawing her attention to the gentle curves of his lips. A mouth that might be heaven to kiss.
She silently scolded herself.Stop it! You must stay strong.
“I assume you always get your way.” His voice lowered.
“Usually.”
“Has anyone ever refused you?”
She shrugged. “On rare occasions.”
As Nash continued to rub his mustache, his gaze moved over her face and swept down her neck. His close inspection made her squirm. As he ceased toying with his facial hair, he peered into her eyes and smiled.
“I, too, rarely lose, but it seems after meeting you tonight, that is all I have done.” Closing the gap between them, he leaned closer and touched her chin. “I have a deal to make with you that will proclaim us both winners this evening.”
“And what is that?” Her voice shook, and she prayed she could regain the control she had just lost.
“You give me what I want, and in exchange, I shall give you what you want.”
Did he mean what her wayward mind thought? Her face burned, and her throat turned dry. Anticipation rushed through her. Her chance to charm him into submission had finally come. She had to, but she had to remain professional about it and not let the emotions get the best of her.
“What do you have in mind?” she asked in a voice she almost didn’t recognize as her own.
Her heart hammered out of control as she tried her best to appear calm.
Chapter Three
Despite her boldattempt, Nash detected an underlying innocence about Maxey. She couldn’t hide her timid nature, no matter how hard she tried. He had been with plenty of experienced women, and Maxey was certainly not in that category. So now he wondered what game she played with him.
He teetered between doubt and amusement, knowing he shouldn’t laugh at her expression. He cupped her face, enjoying the way she snuggled against his hand.
“You are very beautiful.” He inched her face closer to his. “And it makes me wonder if you use your beauty to get what you want.”
“I fear I don’t know what you mean.”
“I will explain myself.” His lips hovered closer to hers. “But first, I want a quick sample.”
When his mouth touched hers, a small sigh breezed through her lips, but she didn’t pull away. Her shoulders stiffened, yet her lips moved with his. He took his time, savoring her tender flesh, nibbling on her top lip and then the bottom.
This woman tested his strong control and drove him to the limits of his endurance. The newfound feeling exhilarated him—and confused him.
She caressed his neck, and he slanted his head to deepen the kiss. Maxey moaned, and his heart soared with triumph. Finally, she was under his spell.
Her kiss seemed quite inexperienced, which told him his suspicions were correct: she wasn’t the type of woman he was used to consorting with. Was it her bold personality that made her so courageous? He would love to find out and perhaps be the one to teach her about passion, but at a different time. He couldn’t cross that bridge until he received some answers.
Ending the kiss, he placed a few smaller pecks on her lips before pulling away.
Her eyes opened half-mast as she looked at him. “Is that what you wanted?” she asked, passion still laced in her voice.
He detected a hopeful note and grinned. “Not exactly.” He paused for a moment before scowling. “I want to know why you have been following me. Why did you sneak into this party without an invitation? And why is it so important to know personal things about my past?”
