Page 58 of Cole's Command

“Then, why tell me?” The deepening crease in her brow illustrated her confusion. “You could have just said you liked kinky sex and left out the dragon part.”

“Right.” He sniggered at her suggestion. “But you pushed me about the telepathy.” His voice trailed away. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so impulsive.”

“I mean...” She pulled in a breath, her small fidgets provoking his already eager cock. “I suppose I’m flattered that you trust me so much.” Her lips twitched. “I just didn’t expect the information to leave me locked in a tower on a mountain.”

“It’s a lodge,” he corrected with a grin. “And you can leave any time, although the temperatures are a little hostile.”

“Yeah.” She peered past him to the expanse of window.

“You’re going to need a helicopter.” His tone was wry.

“Or a dragon?” She snickered at the absurdity of her statement.

“Yeah, well.” His grin grew. “You already have one of those.”

“Do I?” Her expression was suddenly solemn. “Do I have you?”

“I’d like you to.” The thought alone was stirring the most wicked ideas in his head.

“I’m being serious, Cole!” She swatted his shoulder playfully. “We’ve barely known each other for five minutes. Doesn’t that seem a little fast to be rushing into decisions about relationships?”

“Logically, yes.” His hand fell to her neck, his thumb stroking her skin. “But apparently I have trouble acknowledging logic where you’re concerned.” He shook his head. “I should never have even told you about the dragon, let alone shifted in front of you, and yet here we are...”

“Yeah, here we are,” she concurred, leaning into his hand. “I won’t lie, Cole. I feel similarly. I’ve never crossed the line with a client before, and yet you come bowling into my office, and within a week, everything changes.” She sighed. “I let you get inside my head and responded to your advances. I should never have let that happen.”

But I can’t bring myself to regret it.

Cole smiled at her concluding thought. “Seems like we both let our guards down.”

“Right.”

“You are ridiculously easy to talk to, little girl.” His voice was full of admiration.

“Why do you call me that?” Rising on her knees, she inched closer to him. “You said you know I’m not a child, and yet still you call me that.”

“I told you.” He approved of her new closeness. She had drawn too far away since they’d been talking. “It seems apt. You’re so physically vulnerable compared to me.”

“Because you’re half dragon!” She shook her head in feigned disgust. “That’s hardly a fair comparison.”

“Who said I was fair?” Wrapping an arm around her middle, he tugged her closer still. “Didn’t I bring you here without consent? What makes you think I worry about parity?”

Oh, God. Her breathing sped up as she processed his words. “True.” Her brown orbs widened as she gazed at him. “But you were fair when you spanked me.” I can’t believe I’m justifying his behavior. “You didn’t go too far.”

“You have me there.” Cole’s erection strained against the joggers, aware of how close it was to achieving his goal. With her skirt still tucked around her waist, the tantalizing prospect of her panties and what they covered was now only inches away.

“I think you’re a good man.” I hope you are. “And if you’re going to keep me as your captive, I think you’ll at least look after me.”

What’s wrong with me? She caught her lower lip between her white teeth. I shouldn’t be leading him on.

“I will,” he vowed, not responding to her increasingly fervent thoughts. “But you should really stop talking about being my captive, little girl.”

“Why?” Her breathy tone was back. “I thought that was why I was here?”

“Because every time you do, I imagine all the things I want to do to you, Eden.” It was the first time he’d used her name for a while, and she swallowed at his pronouncement.

“Like what?” Her pupils dilated as he leaned nearer, her arousal spiraling in her mind. I can’t believe how much I want him. I know I shouldn’t, but I do.

“Well, I’d have to tie you up.” His hand rose to her nape, holding her in place the way he had when he’d kissed her. The memory of that first caress intensified as he rubbed her soft skin. “Otherwise you might get away.”

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