She swallows, the intensity of my words not lost on her. "I suppose I will."
The rest of the meal passes in a similar fashion, a blend of tension and unexpected ease. By the time dessert arrives, I can tell she’s more relaxed, the initial shock wearing off.
I reach across the table, taking her hand again. "I want you to understand something," I say, my voice low and serious. "I take care of what’s mine."
Her eyes meet mine, a mixture of emotions swirling in their depths. "I know," she whispers, and I can see she’s starting to accept it.
"Good," I say, a satisfied smirk on my lips. "Now, let’s enjoy the rest of the night."
Chapter 24—Rodeo
24
DANTE
As we pull up to the mansion, I can't shake the feeling that I want to kiss her. My original plan was to ravage her the moment her heels touched the marble floor, but now, I find myself wanting something more. I hold the door open for her, watching as she smiles and walks past me. I close the door and then grab her, forcefully pinning her against it.
She gasps, her eyes widening with fear, but I can't help but harden at the sight. I lean in, my lips just inches from hers.
She swallows, her breath hitching as she looks up at me.
I ignore the nagging feeling that I feel something more than just obsession for her. Instead, I focus on the desire coursing through my veins. I capture her lips in a brutal kiss, my tongue demanding entry. She moans, her body responding to mine despite her fear.
I pull away, my breathing ragged as I look down at her. "Lo0k at you. You want this as much as I do," I say, my voice filled with conviction.
She hesitates for a moment before nodding. "Yes," she whispers, her voice filled with longing.
I smirk, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over me. "Good," I say, my voice filled with authority. "Because I'm not going to stop until I've claimed every inch of you."
I hold her gaze, my hips still pinning her to the wall. Her chest rises and falls quickly, almost panting from the tension and arousal between us. I relish the sight of her like this—caught between fear and desire, unable to hide what she truly wants.
"Upstairs," I command, stepping back but not breaking eye contact.
She hesitates for a split second before pushing off the wall, her legs shaky but determined. I follow closely, every step echoing through the hallway, a reminder of the power I hold over her. We reach the grand staircase, and I place a hand on her lower back, guiding her up each step.
When we step into the room, I let the door close behind us with a resounding thud. The air between us crackles with tension. Aliyah stands still, her eyes fixed on me, waiting. I revel in her anticipation.
"Strip," I order, my voice leaving no room for argument.
Her eyes widen, and she hesitates, her hands trembling. "What if I say no?"
I arch an eyebrow, stepping closer until our bodies almost touch. "Then I'll make you. But trust me, you'll enjoy it more if you do it yourself."
Her hands move to the hem of her dress, and she slowly lifts it over her head, exposing smooth, caramel skin and a lacy bra that does little to hide her arousal. She shivers, either from the cold air or the intensity of my gaze. Probably both.
I take a step back, letting my eyes roam over her body, appreciating every curve, every inch of exposed skin. "Good girl," I murmur, my voice filled with approval.
The sight loosens my resolve even further. I sit on the bed, legs spread, and gesture for her to come closer, unbuckling my belt with deliberate slowness.
She nods, her eyes darting to my straining cock and then back up to my face. As she reaches me, I turn her around and bend her over my knee.
Her breath catches, a soft gasp escaping her lips. "Dante, what are you?—"
I cut her off with the first smack, my hand connecting hard with her ass. The sound echoes through the room, and she yelps, her body jerking in surprise.
"This is for driving me fucking crazy," I growl, landing another smack. Her skin warms under my hand, and I rub the stinging sensation out, letting my fingers slip between her legs.
Her slickness is undeniable, and I groan darkly. "Do you like this?" I ask, my voice low and dangerous.