Page 64 of The Mastermind

Iaffectedhim, and that boosted my confidence even more.

“I’ve stared at that magazine too many times, wondering when you’d wear something like that for me. I’ve looked at that photo whenever I missed you and needed release.”

Liquid lust pooled at my core from his admission, and I let out a quiet breath.

A smile edged his mouth as if he knew what he had just done. “Does it turn you on, knowing that I think about you all the time? That I want to do all kinds of things to you?”

Though the words and lust in his eyes showed he wanted me, I had to know where we stood. The game we’d been playing no longer sustained me. I needed something solid.

He walked around me, studying without touching me. Acutely aware of his presence, I sucked in a breath, trying to calm my body’s wild reaction to his nearness. His presence had always overwhelmed me, but even more so as his gaze seemed to burn away the last two garments on my body.

“I don’t want to play games anymore, Remi.” My voice came out more breathy than I wanted.

Loosening his immaculate tie, he shoved off his jacket, tossing it over the same chair as my blue dress. The tie came off next. I liked the look of him wearing the dark vest over the cream shirt. He cut a magnetic and stunning appearance that made me want to remove his clothes and see what mystery lay beneath.

“I think you should leave now,” I said, walking past him to my drawer to retrieve the set of pajamas I’d brought with me.

He pulled me to him, one hand at the small of my back while the other cupped my chin. “I’m not going anywhere until we settle this between us.”

“Whatisbetween us, Remi?” I searched his eyes, and desire darkened them.

He swallowed and brushed a finger down my cheek. “I suppose I’m bedding you tonight.”

“What?”

“I went to see Alice.” A smirk curled his lips.

My stomach twisted into uncomfortable knots. “Then what are you doing back here with me?” I didn’t like that I couldn’t control my jealousy.

He flicked me an all-knowing look. “I had a conversation with her. That’s it.” He lowered his lips to my ear and nibbled. “She said you challenged her, and your secret is barbecue sauce. I guess I’m an expert at it.” His lips skimmed down to my throat, sending chills through me. “I choose you. I’ll always choose you.”

I sucked in a breath, my stomach quivered wildly. There was no amusement on his face, just honesty.

“Alice and I didn’t have a relationship other than a physical one, which lasted for a few months at most.” He wrapped both arms around me, his hands settling on my lower back, and his fingers toyed with the strap of my thong. “She said those things to test you and see how you’d respond. She wanted to know if you were one of those girls after my wealth and status.” His hand cupped my buttocks. “She was acting as a friend, trying to protect me. She was the only woman who wasn’t after my money.”

“That’s because she already has money. She was after your body.” I wrapped my arms around him too. “She still has feelings for you, Remi. I saw it in her eyes.”

His hands lowered and molded my buttocks. “I can’t do anything about that. I can’t control how people feel about me, good or bad. I can only control how I feel. I lost it today when I saw you with another man. I don’t want anyone else touching you but me.” His eyes turned to the tundra blue that made him look dangerous.

An explosion of need burst in me, and my heart raced as I repeated, “I don’t want anyone else touchingyoubut me.”

He crushed his mouth to mine, devouring me with a hunger that matched my own. I moaned, and his tongue slid in, seducing mine with zealous strokes. He sucked my tongue and lips before dropping kisses to my jaw and neck as though he wanted to absorb every inch of me, fearing I’d disappear.

A storm of sensations erupted as I tasted a hint of champagne, spices, and bacon in his mouth. The scent of him was a shot of steroids that boosted my sexual need. His musky cologne mixed with his unique scent provoked my wild side.

“You smell sinfully divine,” I purred. Did that sound really come from me?

“So do you.” Remi smirked and nipped at my throat, his lips lingering at my pounding pulse.

In the full-length mirror, I drank in the provocative image of Remi still fully clothed while I wore a racy, see-through bra and thong, and sharp heels that could kill someone. The image turned me on more than I expected.

“I’m having you tonight,” he said in a low rumble that vibrated in his chest. I shuddered from the sexy sound.

He cupped my breasts, squeezing them and teasing my sensitive nipples over the thin fabric. “So responsive. So perfect.”

I arched into his roving hands, wanting more of his touch.

Remi unclasped my bra and dropped it to the floor, then stared at my chest, desire straining his expression. Licking his lips, he captured a nipple. I cried out with pleasure as his mouth and tongue did wonderful things to one breast, then the other.

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