Page 76 of Heart of The Night

After a few more mouthfuls, I set down my fork. His cooking deserved to be devoured without restraint, but for fear of getting a bloated stomach, I resisted a second helping. I wanted to look my absolute best when I took off my dress.

‘This was delicious,’ I said, gesturing toward my empty plate. ‘I’m looking forward to dessert, though,’ I added, giving him a sultry look as I raised my glass of wine to my lips.

He chuckled. ‘You know, there’s actually a real dessert on the menu – homemade sorbet and ice cream.’ He tilted his head, his eyes wandering up and down my body. ‘Though, to be honest, I’m craving something a bit hotter. I wouldn’t mind skipping ahead to the part where I get you out of that dress.’

I averted my gaze, trying to hide my sudden panic. I needed to get him into those handcuffs quickly because I knew I could only stall his lust for so long.

‘Let’s clear the table first,’ I murmured, pushing my seat out. A quick glance in his direction showed a humoured expression on his face, his eyebrow raised as he studied me, as if to say: Right… What exactly are you up to?

I grabbed my plate and went into the kitchen with it, rinsing it off. I was just about to stow it in the dishwasher when William came in. As he brushed past me toward the sink, an electric charge surged between us, begging me to move closer, preferably into his arms. But I held back, maintaining a safe distance.

‘I’ve got something for you,’ I said.

He glanced at me, his features a mix of surprise and curiosity. ‘What?’

I grinned, excitement bubbling up inside me. He had no idea what was coming. ‘Wait here.’

I could feel his eyes on me as I turned and went to the hall to fetch my purse. My heart raced as I returned, peeking around the corner. William leaned against the worktop, hands in his pockets, looking both amused and intrigued.

‘What are you doing?’ he asked, raising a brow. A smile played on his perfect mouth.

‘Turn around,’ I said, still partially hidden behind the corner.

Slowly, he swivelled around.

‘Don’t look,’ I said, my heart beating faster and faster. ‘If you do, I’ll be really upset.’

‘I won’t,’ he replied, his voice smooth and low. ‘But I can’t promise my imagination will behave.’

My pulse thumped in my throat, every muscle tense with anticipation. I reached into my purse, pulling out the handcuffs and hiding them behind my back. The jingle of the metal seemed impossibly loud. Hopefully he hadn’t recognised the sound.

My chest tightened as I cautiously approached. I barely dared to breathe.

‘If you’re in nothing but lingerie when I turn around, Cara, then I won’t be able to stop myself. I will completely lose control,’ William warned.

I clenched my teeth. Damn it. He must have noticed my underwear somehow, even though I hadn’t undressed yet.

‘Is that a fantasy of yours?’ I asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.

He cocked his head from side to side. ‘One of many – all featuring you, by the way. Only you.’

I smiled behind him, my cheeks prickling with affection. ‘Give me your hands,’ I said, ‘but don’t turn around. It’s a surprise.’

Please, let this work.

Slowly, he withdrew his hands from his pockets and reached behind him. My heart raced as I brought forth the handcuffs and quickly snapped them around his wrists. He stiffened for a moment, then suddenly jerked against the confines.

Squealing in fear, I jumped back several feet. Oh my God, I had actually done it. I had managed to subdue William fucking Night.

He spun around to face me, his eyes smouldering. ‘Cara.’ It was a threat. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’

Steadying myself, I dared to step closer. ‘Changing the game. Think you can keep up?’

My hands glided over his powerful chest as I leered up at him. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and I saw his pupils dilate. Holding his gaze, I gave him a lascivious, confident smile as I slowly sank to my knees before him.

He exhaled sharply, eyes widening. ‘Fuck.’

17 | let’s begin, shall we?

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