Page 66 of Controlled

She’d remained on the edge of her seat, her facial expressions changing with every switch in the mood of music, even shedding a couple of tears as the production had continued. I’d barely watched the ballet, preferring to bask in her beauty instead. She’d delighted me the entire evening, shedding her rebellion at first in her attempt to control the moment and my mood.

I had to admit she’d shocked me more than anyone had when she’d openly kissed me in front of the reporters. The loving gesture had brought out every animalistic instinct I’d had, the need to possess her more powerful than it had been. And when I’d seen the very reporter who’d been allowed to interview me on two occasions give her a lust-filled look, the bastard had almost felt my fist against his face, the green-eyed monster rearing more than just his ugly head.

However, after our first drink, when dinner had been ordered, she’d calmed down, even allowing herself to enjoy the music as much as I’d hoped.

After that, I’d found myself losing the typical moments of controlling need, enjoying our conversation and her hint of flirting.

Learning about the picture had come close to confirming what Kane had discovered and I’d mentioned it to him in passing when she’d been escorted to the restroom. He was currently ascertaining whether the information on Armand’s whereabouts was correct or a lure into another path leading nowhere.

With the number of pictures that had been taken, at least one of them would turn up in one or two of the morning papers. That much I’d count on. Was I using her as bait? Perhaps, but there was too much at stake and I wanted to be in absolute control at all times.

Nothing unusual.

I also needed to soothe the primal need to force the responsible party into a hunt.

Maybe that would quiet the demons once and for all.

Or maybe my luscious companion would. Whatever the case, I had every intention of enjoying the remainder of the night.

The ballet had been perfect, a cherry on the whipped cream, although dancing with her in front of everyone in the restaurant had been incredible as well, so much I’d never wanted the night to end.

Even the way she’d clung to me after we’d left, walking out of the building to the waiting limo had been endearing as fuck. Too much so. She’d kept ahold of my arm, even resting her head on my shoulder. Meanwhile, I’d scanned the busy street, convinced that the person responsible for the earlier attack was keeping tabs on my whereabouts.

Or hers.

Either way, I’d gone to great lengths to keep us both protected. Kane and another man stood outside the suite’s penthouse door while the other two had gone on a hunt of their own.

Now we both stood on the lower level of the suite in the living room, the Conrad in the heart of Manhattan. The views were just as spectacular as the posh restaurant, but I couldn’t give a shit about the glistening lights of the Big Apple.

I only had eyes for the woman now standing barefoot, swaying to the jazz music I’d selected. I adored watching her dance, the subtle nuances evoking one too many emotions inside of me.

Continually watching her, I removed my tuxedo jacket, tossing it to the arm of one couch, tugging at the bowtie until I was able to yank it from under the collar. I pitched it aside and began to unfasten the buttons on my shirt. I was finished with feeling like some formal penguin.

When she noticed I was staring at her, a warm flush crept up both her cheeks. The hint of her vulnerability made my cock swell, my balls tighten.

“You looked very handsome in your tux,” she said as she eyed me in the floor-to-ceiling window.

“Why, thank you. Keep dancing for me, beautiful creature. I do so love to watch you.”

She laughed and took a sip of her drink. “It’s a little difficult in this tight dress. All I can do is sway to the music.”

“Hmm…” I growled and placed my drink on the piano, taking calculated steps toward her.

The closer I came, the more her face flushed, her cheeks now matching the stunning gown.

“I think I can take care of that,” I told her as I took the glass from her hand, placing it next to mine on the baby grand’s surface. I’d purposely booked the suite at the Conrad because of the piano, not the view.

It was also extremely secure, which was required.

“And just what do you think you’re going to do?” she asked, the tone sounding remarkably like a purr.

I eased around her, running the tips of two fingers down the back of her neck. When I tugged on the diamond comb secured in her hair, I studied her reflection in the glass. She was trying not to feel anxious or excited, but I could sense she was as aroused as I was.

As her hair cascaded past her shoulders, I took a deep whiff of her perfume, savoring the way the fragrance tickled my nostrils. When I started tugging on the long zipper of her dress, her breathing hitched.

“I’ll make it easier for you, unburdening you of the tight confines.” I took my time unzipping, allowing the heat of the moment to swell within both of us.

As soon as the dress was unfastened, I helped gravity take it to the floor, shaking my head at the sight of her matching lacy bra and thong. She didn’t move, didn’t act but so embarrassed at her state of undress as she stepped out of the material.

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