“That didn’t answer my question.”
He stepped close to her.Like,realclose.Her body responded nervously with quick, shallow breaths that made her heart speed up.
“Are.You.Hungry?”
The way he framed that question made it seem a lot dirtier than it should’ve been.
“I, uh, could eat,” she said, trying to keep her voice even.
“Good girl.”He guided her to the bright kitchen.“Let’s see what we have in here.”
He opened the refrigerator, then the pantry, then cabinets.All were empty.Now she was confused.Did he not eat in his own home?
“It seems I have nothing to offer you,” he muttered.
“It’s fine,” she said, inching backward toward the door.“It’s late, and I should be getting home anyway.Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.For taking care of me.”
He captured her hand, halting her retreat.With a tug, he pulled her into his arms, and something flared to life.She couldn’t help but look at his mouth.To imagine how it would feel against hers.He was magnetic and although she shouldn’t be thinking about kissing him, she suddenly wanted to know how his lips would feel against her own.
“You should run,” he breathed, bringing her closer.“I’m not a good man.”
“You told me that.”
“I’m a sadist at heart.”
Was that literal?
“Are you trying to scare me away?”
“Perhaps.It might be best for you.”A ghost of a smile tilted one side of his mouth up.“If you stay, I can only give you one night.That’s it.”
The message was loud and clear.He wouldn’t give her any more than tonight.If she walked away, she’d never see him again.If she stayed, she still would never see him again, but she’d at least have the memories.Did she want those memories?
Was she actually contemplating having sex with this man?
“Why do you think I want one night with you?”
“Because I bet your nipples are hard and your panties wet.Should I check your tight, little cunt?”
“Crude.”
He smirked.“I’m a crude man.But I can make you come so hard you’ll see stars.”
“You’re full of yourself.”
“Confident.Give me one night, Cora.”
The pros and cons streamed through her head.Never did she think this evening would end with sex with a virtual stranger.A man who readily admitted he was bad news.Was she really going to do this?
“One night,” she agreed.
She rested her hands on his chest, and the heat of his body seeped from his shirt as his muscles flexed under her touch.Something arced between them.An awareness that hadn’t been there before.The strength coiled through him exuded power, but for some unknown reason it didn’t scare her.Maybe because he’d already promised he wouldn’t harm her.Maybe because he was the most dynamic man she’d ever met.She knew, instinctively, she’d be measuring all guys against him for the rest of her life.As she stared up at him, he got quiet and his gaze fell to her lips.Nervous, she licked them, and his dark gaze narrowed, focusing on her mouth.Her heart sped up as he stepped into her space, and she didn’t even try to fend him off.If she was smart, she wouldn’t allow his touch because something told her he had the power to hurt her, far more deeply than anyone else.
“Do you know what I want to do with you?”he asked.
His hand came up and encircled her throat, but she still wasn’t scared.Little by little, he slowly tightened his grip until her airway was severely compromised.Still, she didn’t budge or plead for him to stop.His touch was completely different from Steven’s.With Hades, she didn’t feel threatened.How far would he take this?How far would shelethim?The richness of sandalwood and spice teased her nose as his breath fanned over her face.
God, he smells good!
