Page 9 of Hidden Heart

“You’re better at it than you think,” he breathed. “Without even thinking about it, I had control over the evening. At any time did you feel like I was dragging you around on a leash?”

She didn’t miss the flash of excitement in his eyes or the new wave of desire flooding her body at the mental picture of him snapping a leather leash to her neck and leading her about. “No, but I didn’t realize what you were doing.”

“They were little things, small actions. Nothing of great importance, but still important to our evening.” Had it all been a test—to see if she would listen to his directions without arguing?

“You’re a bit arrogant.”

“Maybe. I know what I want, how I want, and I’m not going to accept less.” His hand slid under her hair, holding her neck while his thumb caressed her jawline. Little sparks of electricity jumped over her skin.

“I just as easily could have sat where I wanted. There were other chairs in there,” she pointed out, and he gave a little laugh.

“Exactly my point.”

“Bringing my dish to the kitchen was just me being polite. So was pouring the wine.” She swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. He moved closer, his breath hot on her cheeks.

“True enough. But when I told you to do it, did your alarm bells ring? Did you feel angry or put out by me telling you what to do, even such small things?”

She hadn’t. Not in the least. Only a week ago, she’d snapped at Alex for telling her to move over on the couch so he could have his normal spot. But when Royce had given the small directions, she hadn’t thought twice about it.

“There’s still a problem. You’re a guy, and I don’t trust guys,” she pointed out, and he smiled down at her.

“Well, we can work on that.” He brought his lips down on hers. As powerful as the kiss became, she expected to wilt beneath him. But he didn’t crush her the way she’d thought he would. The way she assumed his confidence would make her react. His lips pressed softly against hers. The kiss may have appeared gentle to an outsider, but everything inside her reacted as though he wrapped her up in him. She leaned into his touch as his fingers stroked her neck.

Remnants of the pinot tinted his tongue as he pushed past her lips, probing and exploring. The demand was there, the insistence of his control, and she didn’t fight it. Instead, she followed his lead…and damn it if she didn’t soften beneath him.

A muffled moan fluttered between them as she wound her arms around his waist. Was it from her, or him?

He pulled away, and she opened her eyes, her lips still parted and a bit swollen.

“Take off your shoes.” He stepped back so she could follow his instruction.

Her heart picked up speed as she obeyed him with little resistance, unsure if the increase of her arousal was from the lingering sensations of his kiss or the dominance that dripped from his voice as he gave his commands. No longer caring which, she kicked out of her shoes.

“Now, remove your sweater.” He sat on the arm of the couch, folding his hands on his knee. She wanted his hands on her again, to feel their warmth on her face.

How far would she let him take her on this little exploration? Backing down now would only prove he’d gotten to her, that he’d made her feel something. She was no prude; she’d been naked with a man before. Although, she couldn’t recall any of them looking at her with such veracity.

She fumbled with the little buttons of the black, cotton sweater. She stood before him in black jeans and a white tank top.

“No bra?” His gaze settled on her breasts, brows raised.

“No,” she answered. An alarm sounded in her brain, but the tingling in her senses won out. His authoritative tone lit a flame in her belly she couldn’t explain—and had no intention of trying to. Everything became so electric, so alive, inside her. What would happen when he actually touched her?

Determined to ward off the sensations his words and looks drew from her, she rolled her shoulders back and stood taller.

“Good. Remove your shirt.” He crossed his arms over his chest, as though to show her he had no intention of reaching for her. He would be patient. But could she? “Now, Jessica.” The firmness of his voice echoed in the room, taking away her hesitation. “Unless this is making you uncomfortable. Not sure how being told what to do makes you feel? I can tell you how you look. Your eyes are lit up with curiosity. You aren’t really sure if you want to continue because you aren’t really sure the warm feeling in your gut is safe.”

Damn him and his mind-reading powers! She played with the hem of her shirt, watching him. She couldn’t seem to stop herself, and his attention brought more heat to her soul than the touch of any of her past lovers. Her tank top slipped up past her breasts and over her head. She held the top in front of her, attempting to hide from him.

He shook his head, and she dropped it to the floor. Of course, he wouldn’t allow her to shield her body from him.

“Hands at your sides, please.”

He might as well have been drinking her in through a straw, his attention was so forceful. His eyes landed on her breasts, and she waited for the disappointment. No one ever dated her for her boobs. Her breasts would barely fill his large palms. The chill in the room brought her nipples erect, and she wanted to cover herself from his judgment.

He dragged his eyes up to meet hers. “Your pants,” he pressed on.

“If I say no?” she asked, worried. Only twenty minutes ago, she’d bolted for the front door, and now she stood before him half naked, considering being fully nude.

---