Page 21 of Balthazar's Fire

“Sir.” An exquisite bloom of color blossomed on her cheeks as she ceded and he watched her lips curl.

“You make that sound as sexy as hell,” he praised, fisting her hair a little tighter. “What do you need, Cherie?”

“More of you,” she replied breathlessly.

“Are you sure?”

Not that he didn’t appreciate her sentiment—far from it— Balthazar was more than ready to devour her. Monroe had ruined their groove at the lodge, but the townhouse provided idyllic privacy. If the chimera came within half a mile of the property, Balthazar would sense and destroy him. He was more than attuned to Monroe’s filthy presence by now.

“I thought you wanted to wait?” he pressed. “I’d understand if you did.”

“So did I,” she concurred. “But being here with you, like this…” her focus fell fleetingly to her lap, before rising back to his eyes. “It’s driving me mad. This is what I want. You’re what I need.”

“I feel the same,” he purred, tilting her head back so he could kiss the soft skin of her neck. She groaned at the caresses, her fingers tightening at his back.

“I like that, sir,” she breathed, her chest rising and falling as her breathing accelerated.

“Me, too.” He grinned as he straightened, guiding her head gently so her gaze met his.

Cherie was intelligent, gorgeous, and kind, like a shining gem that had been stuck in Monroe’s mud. But she wasn’t buried any longer, and Balthazar would fight tooth and claw to ensure she could shine.

“I want you,” he assured her. “But we haven’t had the chance to talk about our needs.”

“Needs?” she whimpered, her green gaze searching his face. “What do you mean?”

“You mentioned that you liked the idea of calling me ‘sir’?” he started, watching her reactions. Balthazar hadn’t intended to have this conversation tonight. He thought she’d curl up and sleep after everything Monroe had put her through, but he’d been wrong to underestimate Cherie. Despite her diminutive frame, she was powerful and resilient.

“Yes,” she agreed with a seductive smile. “I do.”

“You have no idea how happy that makes me,” he told her. “Because when it comes to the bedroom, I insist on being in charge.”

His thumb stroked over her hair, conveying that despite his desire for dominance, Balthazar would still treat her with the utmost respect. It had been a long time since he’d felt a tangible connection with a woman, but Cherie had captured his attention from that very first moment in Monroe’s office. The way she’d blushed at his interest, playing coy while still maintaining her professionalism, and ultimately how Cherie had told her boss where to go—that was the kind of woman that turned Balthazar’s head, the kind that got under his skin and demanded his time.

“In charge?” she repeated, her lips twitching as she registered his words.

“Yes,” he replied.

“Of me?” Her breath hitched as her hand rose from his back to his nape.

“Oh, yes.” He couldn’t hide his smile as her delicate fingers clasped the back of his neck. “And I want to make sure that you’re okay with that, Cherie.”

“I’m more than okay with it, sir.” There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation in her response. In fact, Balthazar noted how her smile widened. “I’d love for you to take charge.”

“That’s good.” It was better than good—a fact his swelling cock was happy to testify to—but he didn’t want to frighten her off by being too excited, too soon. Balthazar had told her that he liked to lead, and that’s what he intended to do. Any sexual encounter they enjoyed was about more than only his satisfaction. As far as he was concerned, it should be a sensual event, like a musical concerto where he played the conductor. “But since we don’t know each other well, we should take things slowly.”

“Okay.” Her eyes gleamed with possibility as she gazed up at him. “What do you suggest, sir?”

“A little light bondage, perhaps?” Releasing his grip on her hair, his hand moved to his tie and tugged it loose.

“You want to tie me up?” Cherie’s voice trembled, though he couldn’t be sure it was excitement or apprehension swirling in her veins.

“If you’re okay with it,” he replied. “I know he had you in ropes earlier.” Balthazar regretted the reference, but needed to know. The last thing he wanted to do was trigger some awful memory in her.

“I…” She pulled in a breath. “You won’t be like him. I trust you.”

“You’re right.” He leaned closer and kissed her cheek, holding her gaze as he spoke. “I will never be like him.”

“I know.” She licked her lips. “I’m safe.”

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