Page 11 of His Rules

The drink appeared in front of me and as I lifted the glass, mystery man waited for my reaction. It was as if he could see right through me to the little white lie. I was certainly full of them. The staunch liquid was smooth, more so than I’d imagined, the ripe, smoky taste countering the sticky sweetness still inside my mouth.

“And?” he asked, his tone even huskier than before. If that was even possible.

“Smooth. A hint of citrus with notes of cinnamon and cherry. I even taste a little black pepper. If that’s possible.”

“Aged in cherry oak barrels and your description is perfect.” He lifted his glass for a toast. “Given I was your caped hero if only briefly, can you honor me with your name? First name only.”

He was damn good at playing the game. He’d honed in on exactly what he wanted and I had a feeling he wasn’t going to allow me to simply walk away.

“Kacey.”

“Well, Kacey, I’m Sebastian.”

“The name suits you.”

“And why is that?”

“Rugged yet sophisticated.”

He smirked around his glass as he brought it to his lips again. “I’ve been told it’s too cold, an indication that I’m a ruthless man.”

“And are you?”

“Absolutely. In business and in pleasure.” The look his gave me was full of heat yet subtle like the man. While he’d provided an example of his power, he was also highlighting the fact he could hold back, tossing a lure and waiting.

I’d always considered myself a good girl. I didn’t have one-night stands. I’d never gone home with an unknown man in my life. I obeyed all rules, had never even thought of being engaged in a crime and had made straight A’s all throughout school.

But the images floating in my mind had turned primal, boosting needs I hadn’t known existed. I’d driven men away for so long I had no idea how to crack open the door to the woman inside. And dear God, I wanted nothing more than to let go, to share a few hours with an absolute stranger that I’d never see again.

I was suddenly nervous, which surprised me. No matter the grindstone type of work I did, being speechless had never entered the picture. I’d gotten myself into trouble more times than I could count by saying exactly the way I felt.

“What do you do for business, Sebastian?”

“Is that what you really want to know, or are you curious how I handle pleasuring a woman?” His fiery gaze was a stark invitation.

The question was out there. If I was smart, I’d laugh it off, pay for my tab, and leave the bar.

If I was smart.

But I was alone and anxious, fearful I didn’t have what it took to start over again. And I wanted something warm and solid. The invitation became a beacon of light, the nervous tic in the corner of my lip nothing in comparison to the heated throb in my pussy.

This was reckless and stupid, but for once, I craved feeling alive and wanted.

Yet I’d never see him again. I’d never have to face embarrassment over doing something so… sinful.

“What if I said I preferred knowing about pleasure?”

Sebastian tossed back the remainder of his drink, the hard thud as he dropped the glass onto the bar jarring. “Then I’d need to ask if you have a room in this hotel?”

Don’t do it. Don’t… do it.

But I did.

“Yes.”

He stood, yanking out his wallet and tossing several bills onto the bar. As he grabbed my hand, squeezing my fingers, I wondered if I’d just sealed my place in hell. “Then you’re coming with me.”

CHAPTER 4

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