Page 44 of Pleasure Games

“The question is, why? Why do you want to be here? With me?”

She tugged on her hand but he held it firmly. So instead of pulling away, she squeezed. “Honestly? I can’t quite explain it. I just know that at this moment in time, there is nowhere I’d rather be.”

Luca regarded her carefully. Though he gave very little away, the fact that his thumb caressed the back of her hand told her he was pleased by her answer. But his question did stay with her as she sipped her wine. What was it about him that compelled her to act so irrationally?

God. It was everything about him. His tone of voice—the French accent didn’t hurt—his intense stares, his touch, his words, his mouth, his hands, his hard body...

Yes, it was all of that, but most of all it was the fact that he desired her.

Her.

That, in itself, was the most intoxicating thing.

* * *

What was it about this woman that made him so hard? She was stunning, particularly right now with her dress glowing against the darker tone of her skin and her large eyes that seemed to capture what remained of the sunset, only to reflect the light back at him. She was absolutely beautiful. But, Luca had been with beautiful women before. No. There was something else about her. Maybe it was her passion tempered with a delicious degree of innocence. Luca couldn’t really pinpoint what drove him to want to give this woman what she asked for.

Non, Luca didn’t want to give her what she asked for; he wanted to give her more. Much more. Starting right now. “Do you have a good imagination?”

“Excuse me?”

“Do you like to fantasize?”

Jasmine made a strange face, like she’d been caught in a lie, which was an interesting reaction.

“Everyone fantasizes, Jasmine. It is not a crime.”

“I know,” she said quickly, suddenly finding something very interesting about her wine glass. “Of course I fantasize about things.”

“About sex?”

“Mm-hmm.” It was more of a squeak than an acknowledgment.

“Tell me one.”

“You want me to tell you what I fantasize about?”

“Yes. You said you aren’t afraid to ask for what you want, right?”

“Yes.”

“Well, our fantasies are our deepest desires. So, tell me one of yours. What is it that you want?”

Was she blushing? He reached across to touch her cheek. Jesus. She was burning up.

Why did her charming blush send blood right to his balls?

“Have you ever envisioned being tied up?” he asked when she didn’t supply an answer. The question just came out, revealing more about himself than he should be sharing.

She sucked in a breath and nodded.

“Why don’t you tell me about it?” he pressed.

Jasmine swirled her wine glass, thinking. Luca could hear her breaths, coming faster and faster. What was going on in her head? Was she envisioning something right now?

Softly he asked, “Have you ever imagined a man taking control of your body?”

Her gaze rose to meet his. He noted both excitement and fear in her fevered gaze.

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