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Chapter Twenty-One

Cohen

Securing my Rolex Submariner on my wrist I glance at the time. It’s half six, I need to be going, I don’t want to keep Scarlett waiting.

Before leaving the hotel suite, I take one last look around, making sure everything is perfect, just like she deserves. I upgraded my room from a standard luxury suite to the KnightsBridge suite, for the extra privacy and to indulge Scarlett in romantic weekend. Nothing but the best. Two bathrooms, a lounge, large bedroom with fireplace and dressing rooms may be a little much. But I plan to have her in every single room and on every surface. I adjust myself as I imagine her in the black and white marbled bath as she comes apart under my touch.

I’ve only told her to pack a bag for the weekend, but she doesn’t know all of my plans. She intends to play tour guide, but I’m taking control of this weekend and taking her on a proper date. A date for for a queen. A weekend of pampering and ecstasy.

Sliding my fingers one last time through my thick black mane, I study myself in the lounge mirror. I’ve left a bit of stubble because I know how much she likes it. It’s bristles scratch as my palm runs over my chin.

I do look like him. As much as I don’t want to admit it. I hope looks are all I inherited from James Black. I don’t want to hurt Scarlett the way he hurt my mum.

I can’t fathom doing that.

But you’re still keeping secrets. My conscious chimes in.

Not for long. I’ll tell her. I will. Just not tonight...after this weekend.

After I make her need me as much as I need her.

The ride to her house seems to take forever even though it’s only a few miles. I help myself to a drink in the back of the hired car, just to take the edge off. A bucket of champagne is chilling on ice, but I go for the amber liquid, the once guaranteed to settle these nerves.

The oaky scent hits my nostrils before the sweet taste of bourbon invaded my mouth.

We pull up to her flat and I down what’s left of my drink, before climbing out of the car.

The walk to her door is torturous. The last time I was here I ran away, I tried to escape what she was making me feel.

But it didn’t do any good. She followed me, her scent, her taste...her witty mind and even her darkened, battered heart.

Raising my fist, I knock on the glossy back wood.

So here I am. Back for more. I just have to remember to maintain some semblance of control.

The door squeaks open and all the breath is sucked from my body.

Scarlett stands at the door in a cobalt dress wrapped tightly around her body like bandages. It barely brushes her knees. My eyes sweep from her polished toes, feet covered on strappy black heels with point toes have me sucking my bottom lip into my mouth to keep from growling. Gorgeous, creamy skin is exposed until the deep blue fabric, which hugs her hips and waist, all the way up to where her breast are perched and just shy of being on display.

When I still haven’t spoken, she clears her throat, and my gaze moves up her slender exposed neck to find ruby lips begging to be kissed, and dark eyes filled with desire. Her platinum blonde locks, fall down her shoulders in smooth curls.

“Wow.” Is all I can manage, stepping over the threshold to pull her into my arms.

“You like my dress?” She laughs?

“That’s not a dress.” I murmur, reminding myself not to muss her all up before dinner. “That’s temptation, seduction and dessert all wrapped into one.” Breathing in her sweet and spicy scent, I nibble on her neck to spare her lipstick as she purrs into my ear.

“Miss me.” She whispers, seductively.

“What do you think?” I press my body tightly to her, so she can feel just how much.

“Same.” She wraps her arms tightly around my neck, threading her fingers in my hair.

We stay frozen like this for just a moment, enjoying the feel of being wrapped in each other’s arms and blanketed with silence.

Two people who are used to taking what we want and walking away, are standing on the threshold of something neither of us knows how to handle.

Two seconds into this date I’m already in trouble. Because I can already feel the control slipping.