Page 39 of Black Velvet

I look at him, a coy smile playing at my lips. "Yes. Yes, I did."

The expression on his face is hard to read as it shifts back and forth, never settling on either pride or astonishment, and sometimes looking downright confused.

"And that's why you're crying?" he asks. "Because I made you come?"

I shrug. "It may be as simple as that, yes."

"That doesn't make any sense."

"Oh, and emotions always make sense to you?" I counter, regretting it a moment later when he jerks up, putting an inch of distance between us that wasn't there before.

Why did I have to say that?Emotions. I know it's a word that makes most men want to run.

"I cried because I was overwhelmed," I explain. "It was a surprise, a beautiful surprise that almost shattered me to pieces because it was so intense. I... had a hard time dealing with it, believing it, for a moment there. Is that better?"

He smiles at me, finally giving me a facial response I can work with.

"I'm glad I could make that happen for you," he says. "Now I just need to know one thing...."

He leans down closer to me and lifts my chin up to face him, moving his face so close that our lips almost meet for a kiss.

"Do you want this to happen again?"

Chapter 23

Damon

Three days. I haven't seen her for three days. It’s been three days since I made her adhere to my rules. Three days since something was manifested between us. A set of rules and regulations that will guide both of us.

I need it to be like this. I don't want to lose her too soon. I don't want the same thing to happen to her that has happened to all my other conquests. I want things to remain as foreign and exciting as they are now, even if it changes who I am in everyday life.

It has become hard for me to focus lately. I haven't been this preoccupied, this addicted, in a while. And it has been even longer since my obsession has lasted longer than just a few days. Elene has been on my mind for more than a week now. I've had a first taste, but there's still so much promise attached to her, so much that has yet to be discovered.

Taking it slowly with her was the best idea I ever had. The appeal might already be lost if I had taken her the first moment I could.

Maybe. Maybe not.

There's something about her that I can't quite grasp yet. Something odd and misplaced, pieces that don't quite fit together. Her surreal allure has me mesmerized.

An escort girl who has never had an orgasm with a man? How can that be? You'd think she'd be an expert, not only in seducing men, but also in realizing the realms of pleasure—giving and receiving.

How has she been able to do this job for so long if she doesn't even get the reward of a climax, ever? It's still hard to believe that she has worked as a professional for so long while still maintaining innocence and a lack of experience that almost equals the purity of a young virgin.

She's a walking contradiction. It's no surprise I feel so drawn to her. I've always been mesmerized by the peculiar, by everything that is more than new, more than unique but wonderfully distinct—just like her.

The afternoon sun is bathing my living area in a warm light. I'm sitting on the couch, holding the phone up to my ear. The late-day sunlight bathes the otherwise cool and monochromatic room in colors it usually lacks. I hear Dean's voice talking into my right ear, but I barely listen. The poor guy will have to repeat almost everything he just told me when I see him next.

Just as I decide to tune in and actually listen to what he’s saying, he decides to address a topic that I would love to ban from my life.

"Mr. Cook asked me to remind you of your appointment with him the day after tomorrow at...."

"Five o’clock," I finish the sentence. "Yes. I haven't forgotten about that."

"Ah, yes, five o’clock," Dean confirms. "He said there's a chance for parole?"

I sigh. "The eligibility date is drawing closer, yes."

"Well, that's good news," Dean says, sounding as if he's trying to tutor me.

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