Nadia gave him a sidelong glance. “What do you mean?”
“It’s standing in my way,” he remarked, his lips curling into a slow smile as he appraised her once more. Nadia sensed the hunger in his gaze, a familiar ache stirring within her as her pulse quickened in response.
The welcome light evening breeze cooled her when they stepped outside, alleviating some of the heat building beneath her dress.
“Good evening, Miss Moore. Lovely to see you again.” Armand held the door of the limousine open for her.
“Thank-you Armand. I hope Ryan hasn’t been running you ragged getting things ready for him this evening.” Nadia pursed her lips into a coy smile as she glanced back towards Ryan.
“Not another word Armand, I can’t have you revealing all of my secrets.” Ryan clapped Armand on the shoulder appreciatively and ushered Nadia inside, closing the door behind him.
As soon as they were tucked inside the limousine, Ryan smothered her mouth with his, kissing her passionately. Nadia eagerly opened her mouth to him, sucking at his lips and tongue while wrapping her hands around his neck, pulling him against her.
Nadia fumbled with the buttons on Ryan’s jacket, her passion overwhelming her fine motor skills. Her breath was already coming out in gasps, her single mindedness spurred her forward in her pursuit of his body. She arched powerfully as Ryan bit her neck, his animalistic fervor igniting a wildfire within her. She grabbed his belt line and pulled his hips towards her.
“Oh god I want to be inside you,” Ryan rasped in her ear as he thrust against her.
“So, take me, Ryan,” Nadia dared him, as she went for her zipper at the side of her dress. She had it partway down when Ryan pulled away from her and grabbed her hand, halting further advance of the zipper.
He cupped her face in his hands, drawing her close until their faces were mere inches apart. His intense gaze locked onto hers, holding her captive as he spoke, “I am going to be inside you tonight, Nadia. I am going to possess you until you forget every name except mine.”
Nadia’s heart was pounding so hard with desire she could hear her own blood rushing in her ears. She longed for him to touch her, knowing he could make her burst in ecstasy with one stroke of a fingertip.
Ryan released her and leaned back into his seat. “Patience, patience. Let’s have our night out first. We need to show up looking put together, not disheveled from passion.” Ryan leaned over and gently pulled up the zipper she had loosened a moment ago.
“Ugh, how the hell are you able to just shut it off like that?” Nadia slumped against the seat and tried to ignore the throbbing between her legs.
“Shut it off?” He grabbed her hand and held it against his rock-hard manhood. “I haven’t shut anything off Nadia. I am painfully aware of how badly I want to feel you wrapped around me.”
Nadia squeezed him through his pants. “So why are you making me wait?”
“I am simply following your instructions.” A devilish smile spread across his face as he reminded her, “you want to get to know me first.”
“You have got to be kidding me.” Nadia silently cursed herself for even hinting to Ryan that she was anything but on fire for him.
Ryan produced a red silk handkerchief from his pocket, attempting to wipe the lipstick off his face. “Did I get it all?”
Nadia chuckled at the sight of Ryan’s lips, tinted a cherry red hue with smudges around them. “I think you might’ve missed a spot,” she teased, planting one last quick kiss before offering him a makeup wipe and the compact from her clutch.
“You’re going to want to do the same.” He rubbed at his face vigorously and handed the mirror back to her.
Once they were all cleaned up, Ryan produced a gift box seemingly out of nowhere, causing Nadia’s breath to catch in her throat. She recognized the shape of a jewelry box instantly.
“Open it.” He set the box in her lap.
Nadia’s fingers trembled slightly as she lifted the lid of the velvet box, revealing an exquisite Bulgari diamond and white-gold earring and necklace set. The diamonds in the necklace sparkled brilliantly, casting shimmering reflections in the soft lighting of the backseat.
“It’s from the Corona Collection by Bulgari. I thought it would complement the dress.” Ryan gestured for her to take it out of the box. “What you have on looks lovely of course, but if you would do me the honor of wearing this, I would be very pleased.”
“The set is gorgeous! Of course I’ll wear them.” Nadia pulled out the necklace and earrings, examining them more closely. The necklace resembled a regal crown, its delicate design adorned with small, flower-shaped diamond settings that cascaded gracefully along its length. Designed to sit just above the collarbones, it would add just the right touch of elegance to Nadia’s attire. She passed the jewellery to Ryan to hold onto while she took hers off.
Nadia shifted in her seat to turn her back to Ryan so he could put the necklace on her. As he delicately looped it around her neck he blew a tendril of hair out of the way, causing Nadia’s flesh to prickle all the way down her back.
Ryan fastened the necklace and pressed a gentle kiss at the juncture of her neck and shoulder. Nadia melted into his embrace, purring softly with contentment. In his presence, every gesture, every caress, every glance wrapped her in a comforting blanket of warmth.
Ryan swung open the mini fridge, retrieving two wine glasses from the side compartment. With a smooth pour of Pinot Noir, he filled both glasses, offering one to Nadia. He raised his glass in a toast, meeting her gaze with a smile. “To you and me, and possibility.”
Nadia laughed. “Was that supposed to be poetic or something?”