Page 67 of Captivated By You

He slipped my blouse down my arms and dropped it on the floor.

“Scream as loud as you like, Kiana. In fact, I insist upon it.”

Chapter20

Asher

Sex in my parents’ library

is one of my finer ideas.

Kiana appearedfrom the adjoining dressing room, and I came damned close to blowing off the party. I made a mental note to thank Alexandra, my go-to designer whenever I needed something very special. I hadn’t seen the dress until now. When I’d asked for a photo to make sure it met the brief I’d given her, Alexandra had replied with “Trust me.” And so I had.

I’d never question the woman again.

The midnight black of the floor-length gown contrasted with Kiana’s blonde hair to perfection. She’d worn it up, a few tendrils hanging down here and there, leaving her neck exposed. The dress sat off the shoulder, and the way it cinched underneath her tits, pushing them up and together, showed off a cleavage worthy of suffocation.

“Dear Lord.” I unfolded myself off the couch and prowled toward her.

“Don’t.” Her hands came up, warding me off. “You’ll crease it.”

“Right now, I’m not sure I care.”

She shook her head. “I’m nervous enough about tonight without arriving with just-fucked hair, rumpled clothes, and smelling of sex.”

I’d had the chance to introduce Kiana to my uncles and two of my cousins at lunch. They’d all promptly fallen in love with her. But Penn’s flight had been delayed because of the remnants of a hurricane passing through New York, meaning he hadn’t gotten here until midafternoon, by which time Kiana and I had gone sailing in Dad’s boat. And Johannes had only shown up an hour ago, according to the text Dad had sent me.

Typical.

“You worry too much.” I slid my hands around her waist, tugging her to me. “Do you like it?”

“The dress? I adore it.”

“So if I rip it, you’ll be mad?”

“Jesus, Ash. If I’m worried about you creasing it, then read the room. No ripping.”

I chuckled. “Not even a tiny tear?” I ran my fingertips up to mid-thigh. “Just to here?”

“No,” she stated firmly. “No tearing the dress.” She hit me with a devilish smile. “Not until after the party, anyway.”

“Now you’re talking.”

She wriggled out of my arms, then touched her hands to her hair. “Does my hair look okay?”

I kissed my fingertips. “Gorgeous.”

“Maybe I should have gone to a salon.” She patted it again. “I hope the pins stay in.”

I sighed. “Kiana, please stop worrying. Just relax and enjoy yourself. You’re not on trial. I thought you’d have figured that out by now.”

She took a deep breath through her nose, releasing it slowly through pursed lips. “You’re right. I don’t want to embarrass you. That’s all. I mean, look at you.” She motioned her hand from my head to my feet. “It should be illegal for a man to look that good in a tux.”

“You couldn’t embarrass me if you tried.” It physically pained me that she felt less-than, based on money. Some of the richest men and women I knew couldn’t hold a light to Kiana. She exuded a warmth that was impossible to fake. She was kind and considerate of others’ feelings. Not to mention she had a sassy mouth. And, my God, could she use it. As she’d shown me last night.

“Come on. Let’s make our way downstairs to the ballroom before my mother sends out a search party.”

“Ash, wait.”

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