Page 29 of Caruso
I catch a smile. “It is.”
I pride myself on our favorite toy. This jet cost millions of dollars but is worth every penny. We use it rarely, but when we do, it’s a pleasure that never gets old.
She stares at the double bed that sits to one side, and I point out the two couches.
“These convert into beds, and there are two screensthat can be pulled across for privacy. It’s rare that we use them, but occasionally personal space from my brothers is desirable.”
She gazes around the room in awe, and I decide to test the control I have over my new toy and sit on the edge of the bed and say casually, “We are doing you a huge favor today, Taylor. We are ridding you of your fear of your past and your stepfather.”
She nods. “I’m thankful for that.”
“We are also turning a blind eye to your felony yesterday. Covering up a murder isn’t something that comes easily.”
She swallows hard. “I know.”
“Then tonight I will take your virginity—at your request.”
She nods, her eyes burning brightly as I whisper huskily, “That is three favors I have granted you, and now I want something back.”
“Okay.” Her voice shakes, and the sadistic bastard in me cheers as I growl, “I want you to stand in front of me and slowly unzip the catsuit. Let it fall to the floor and then turn slowly in a full circle.”
Her eyes flash as she says nothing, and her fingers fly to the zipper, her gaze not wavering for a second as she slowly does as I say.
The air stills as she slowly unzips the catsuit unemotionally, almost indifferently, as the fabric falls to her feet.
My mouth dries as I take another look at the body that captured my attention on the terrace last night. I openly stare at her body, noting the soft skin, her fullbreasts and the tapering of her waist against her hips. Her legs are long and shapely and, fuck me, they go on forever, courtesy of the high heels that she is owning right now.
The air is still, tense, straining between us, and I interrupt it with a husky, “Now get on your knees.”
To her credit, she does as I say, but the fierce flash in her eyes tells me she’s unhappy at my request.
“Have you anything to say, Taylor?”
My voice is calm, even, measured, and she nods. “I have something I want you to know.”
She stares deep into my eyes as she whispers, “I am doing this because I want to.”
“You want to be on your knees naked in front of me.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I have never been in this position before willingly.”
A sudden spike of heat roars through my veins as I say gruffly, “Willingly? Explain that statement.”
Her eyes cloud over. “I never realized that when I ran from one monster, there would be many more waiting to take his place.”
I say nothing, and she continues. “I told you that you were my final chance. My last opportunity to stay in Vegas. I could have changed towns and started again somewhere else. I didn’t need to go home, but I’m tired of running, Mr. Caruso. When I found you, I had already made the decision that I was done hiding. I want to control my fears, and you are the best person—I believe,anyway—who can help me with that, so I will bend to my knees naked before you if that is your wish. I will do it happily knowing that I am giving you pleasure in return for you saving my life. This is on my terms, of my will and my pleasure, and I just want you to understand that.”
She lowers her eyes, and I’m left with an alien sense of hopelessness. With one carefully controlled speech, she has made me feel like an asshole, and as I stare at her kneeling before me, her head angled down, I hate every minute of it.
“Look at me.” I attempt to regain control of the situation, and as she obeys, I drown in the gray eyes of a sorceress. Somehow, she says and does everything I ask but retains her superiority over me. I am fascinated by that and say huskily, “Do you trust me, Taylor?”
“Of course.”
I have no reason to disbelieve her, and something tugs at my heartstrings.
