Page 33 of Ensnared
“Sit down, Simmy,” Colson ordered, his tone darkening.
“This is ridiculous! You can’t marry her. You look like a fucking old fool,” she spat, her words dripping with venom.
I clenched my jaw, glancing at Easton, who offered me a look of sympathy. Vaughn, on the other hand, seemed to relish the chaos, a smug grin tugging at his lips. I kept my mouth shut, willing myself to stay composed.
Colson let go of my hand and stood, his height imposing as he glared down at Simone. “If you don’t like my choice, that’s too bad. I don’t answer to you. Now get out of my sight,” he barked.
Simone stormed out of the room, her heels clicking furiously against the floor. I carefully folded my napkin, placing it next to my plate. “I’d like to go upstairs, please,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.
Colson leaned in, pressing a possessive kiss to my lips. “8 p.m.,” he commanded.
I nodded and quickly made my way out, hurrying up the stairs. The last thing I wanted was to run into Simone, still seething with rage. All I needed was an hour to myself before facingColson again. Just one hour to breathe, to gather my strength before I was back under his control.
Chapter 13
The door to Colson's suite opened silently, revealing he was waiting for me. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him in nothing but white lounge pants, his muscular chest bare and inviting. Despite my reservations, I felt myself falling under his spell once again.
Colson's eyes darkened as they raked over me. He moved with predatory grace, closing the distance between us in a few long strides. "Josephine," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine.
With a gentle push, he closed the door behind me, the soft click echoing in the charged silence. His hand found the small of my back, guiding me towards his massive bed. The covers were already rolled down, exposing crisp white sheets that practically begged to be touched.
"Do you like what you see?" Colson asked, a hint of amusement in his tone as he caught me staring.
I swallowed hard, struggling to find my voice. "I... yes," I admitted, hating how easily he could affect me.
In one fluid motion, Colson wound his arm around my waist, pulling me flush against him. The heat of his skin seeped through my clothes, and I could feel the unmistakable evidence of his arousal pressing against me.
His lips brushed my ear as he whispered, "I'd like to strip you bare and use my mouth on you."
A shudder ran through me, equal parts desire and apprehension. "You promised," I reminded him, my voice trembling slightly.
Colson pulled back just enough to meet my gaze, his eyes dancing with mischief and barely restrained lust. "I'm not going to fuck you, Josephine," he said, his tone seductive and reasonable all at once. "I promised I wouldn't. But..." He trailed a finger along my jawline, his touch feather-light. "I didn't promise I wouldn't do other things to you."
My heart raced as I processed his words, torn between the urge to give in to the pleasure he offered and the nagging voice in my head warning me to be cautious. "What... what kind of things?" I asked, cursing the breathy quality of my voice.
Colson's lips curved into a predatory smile. "Why don't you let me show you?" he murmured, his hands already working at the buttons of my blouse. "I promise you'll enjoy every moment."
As his fingers grazed my skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake, I found myself nodding almost against my will. The lines between right and wrong, between desire and manipulation, blurred further with each passing second in Colson's intoxicating presence.
Colson's fingers deftly undid the buttons of my blouse, his touch leaving trails of fire on my skin. I shivered, caughtbetween desire and trepidation as the garment slipped from my shoulders, exposing my black lace bra.
"Beautiful," he murmured, his eyes drinking in the sight of me. "You have no idea how long I've waited for this, Josephine."
His words snapped me back to reality. "Colson, wait," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Are you sure we should…"
He silenced me with a finger to my lips. "Shh," he soothed, his other hand tracing lazy circles on my bare back. "Let me take care of you. Trust me."
As he lowered his head to my neck, his lips ghosting over my pulse point, I found myself melting into his touch. My eyes fluttered closed, my body betraying my mind's lingering doubts.
Colson guided me backwards until my legs hit the edge of the bed. With gentle pressure, he lowered me onto the silky sheets, his body following mine. The weight of him above me was both thrilling and terrifying.
"Open your eyes," he commanded softly. When I did, I found his intense gaze locked on mine. "I want you to see me, Josephine. I want you to know exactly who's making you feel this way."
His hand skimmed down my side, leaving goosebumps in its wake. As he reached the waistband of my skirt, a flicker of uncertainty must have shown on my face.
Colson paused, his expression softening slightly. "We can stop anytime you want," he said, though the tension in his body belied his words. "Just say the word."
I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. Did I want this to stop? The sensible part of me screamed yes, but the part of me thatcraved his touch, that longed for the pleasure only he seemed able to give, was winning out.
