Karl pulls the limo up to the wraparound entrance at the Waldorf. I sent Vannah a text three minutes ago to let her know we would be arriving soon. That’s about the extent of her knowledge as to where this evening leads. Other than choosing a wardrobe fit for royalty, she’s left the rest up to me. Not that getting her to agree—and blindly trust me—was easy. That’s where her third climax came in handy. My lips tingle with a phantom sensation as if her quivering pulse lingers there. Her tangy essence still stains my tongue, a pungent mix of honey and dirty fantasies. Reminiscing about her taste isn’t doing me any favors in the erection department. The last thing I need is more blood rushing to my cock. I stifle a groan and shift along the wide seat.
An unmistakable redhead with gemstones sparkling in her auburn curls appears just beyond the curtained foyer. Another green dress molds to her curvaceous figure. This one is a floor-length gown, the hem kissing her stilted heels. Her eyes are a similar color, lined in black and demanding notice. Thanks to the summer heat, her shoulders are bare and on display. The diamond necklace I sent over drapes around her slender neck like an affectionate embrace. I allow a smirk to appear as her glittering embellishments catch the light. My brand is marking her, even if the significance is only mine to comprehend.
Karl unbuckles his belt and moves to get out. I hold up a hand to stop him. “I’ve got this handled.”
He glances at me in the rearview mirror. “Are you sure, Mr. Winters?”
“Positive.” I tug at the bow tie that’s still too tight. “No one touches her but me.”
Crinkles form around his eyes. “Understood, sir.”
I step onto the cobbled road, propping my hip against the vehicle. Vannah’s gaze clashes with mine and a slow smile curls her ruby lips. That glossy stain will be a pleasure to remove.
She sashays from the hotel exit in all her strutting glory. Her slinky stride exposes the tantalizing skin on her upper thigh. The slit on her dress nearly reaches her hip. The message she’s sending throbs at my temples. Her glitzy ensemble will attract the attention of the entire guest list. Ladies will turn a darker shade than her dress in envy. The gentlemen will ditch their moral high ground and beg to take her home.
When she’s within reach, I hold out my hand. “You’re quite striking, Savannah.”
She slips her palm into mine. “Thanks to you hiring people to pamper me. I figured playing the role to the best of my ability was the least I could do to return the favor.”
I lift her fingers clutched within mine, dusting kisses along each knuckle. “The end result is better than a wet dream.”
“Someone is in a flattering mood,” she muses. “The hairstylist and makeup artist were a bit overkill, though.”
“Nonsense. You deserve to be spoiled. Tonight is a special occasion.” I gesture to the backseat, assisting her as she settles against the leather.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re heading? In a stretch limo, no less.” Vannah watches me with laser precision as I slide in beside her.
I inhale a gluttonous breath, gorging on her flowery scent until my lungs ache. She smells good enough to eat for every meal. This insatiable appetite will need to be fed. “We’re attending a charity gala to support underprivileged youth. A worthy cause I fully support and already donate regularly to. My check tonight will be enough to feed three families for a year.
“Wow, that’s incredible.” She schools the fascination slacking her features. “Are you trying to win me over?”
Always the skeptic, this one.
“I’m well aware there’s no sense in doing so. That was just me stating facts.” I finger a red wave near her encrusted ear. She’s dripping in my jewels. “Have you forgiven me yet?”
Vannah wasn’t very impressed that Walt barged in on us, to say the least. I left her out to dry or some nonsense along those lines. Truth be told, I kept her drenched and satisfied. Her frustrations poured out with each flick of my tongue.
“What do you think?” She takes a meaningful glance at her exposed thigh.
I trace her seductive peek-a-boo with fire in my gaze. “Oh, this is payback. I should’ve smelled the revenge plot when you first walked out.”
Her pert nose lifts into the air. She’ll fit right in with the company we’re about to keep. “Looking and not touching serves you right.”
“You won’t let me slip under here?” I skate a finger along the silky fabric where it caresses her leg.
“I haven’t recovered from your last apology. My freaking clit is numb.”
“Should I take a look?” I skim closer to the juncture where she’s crossing her legs.
She grabs my wrist, plopping my advances onto her knee. “Maybe in an hour or two.”
“That sounds promising. If nothing else, I want to thank you for accompanying me this evening.”
“Did I have a choice?”
“You can always refuse, and please believe I’ll listen.” I furrow my brow, waiting until she looks at me before I go on. “This is uncharted territory for me, Savannah.”
She turns in her seat to face me. “What do you mean?”
Warning her is probably in our best interest. “I never arrive with a date to these affairs, in any capacity. Inviting you will cause quite a stir.”
“How scandalous.” She presses a palm to her cheek, staging the scene.
“People won’t be able to stop talking about you.” The fact that she’s attached to me is even better. My chest expands on its own accord. I have the beauty of the ball.
Vannah laughs, the tone soft and lyrical. “Providing gossip material for the rich and bored has been on my bucket list.”
I trace the shape of her angular chin. “People won’t be able to keep your name from their mouths. You’re a showstopper on a daily basis, sugar. Tonight is an entirely different story.”
“Dammit.” She curses a filthy slew under her breath.
I can’t imagine what’s her latest affliction. “Problem?”
She’s glaring out the window. “I don’t like it when you’re decent. If you were hauling me to an ostentatious soiree for no reason other than to spend a small fortune on frivolous things, it would be easier on my resolve.”
“Not that predictable after all, huh?”
“Don’t sound so smug.”
“I wouldn’t dare.” We both know that’s a lie.
Vannah studies me for a beat, then crosses her arms with a huff. “Well, for what it’s worth, I’m a little impressed.”
Small or not, any victory against her is monumental. “Does that deserve a reward?”
She bats her lashes in that ridiculous way I’m growing attached to. “Should I straddle your lap?”
I bite my fist with a groan. “You temptress. I’d hate to ruin your flawless appearance.”
A shrug meets my sound reasoning. “I don’t mind being mussed. A pristine presentation is overrated.”
“Not in this case.” I’m all for breaking society’s rigid expectations, but I refuse to let Vannah become a laughingstock. She’s not from this world and doesn’t understand the hell it can bring.
Her expression hardens. “Right, I almost forgot.”