“It’s safe to confirm we’ve surpassed that point. Does it bother you?” I won’t admit to the tightness spreading in my chest while waiting for her answer.
The diamonds in her necklace glitter when she shrugs. “I’m choosing to let it slide until further notice.”
I rest a possessive touch on her hip, directing us to our assigned table. “We only have to stay through dinner.”
“Are you in a hurry to get somewhere else?”
“We’ll see, right?”
“Indeed.” A pink hue blooms in her cheeks.
The overpriced meal is served and devoured without incident, as usual. These hoity affairs leave little room for error. I make the mistake of giving Vannah free rein at the silent auction. She’s not being shy spending my money, entering astronomical amounts. I lift a brow at her bidding habits.
She turns to see me peeking over her shoulder. “It’s for a good cause.”
I hold up my palms. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Claiming to know me so well you can read my thoughts?”
“Yep.” She smacks her lips while studying me. “Like right now you’re picturing me naked, wondering how long it will take to leave, and if I’m willing to do the horizontal slide.”
I duck my chin to hide a smile. “Wow, you should join the circus. They need more fortune-tellers.”
“I’ll get right on that,” she muses while jotting down another lofty bid.
When the jazz band begins setting up, I press a palm to her naked back and lean in. “Ready to go?”
Her gaze drifts to the stage. “You don’t want to dance?”
“Oh, we’re going to grind. I’d just prefer if we were alone for that portion of the evening.”
“No longer an exhibitionist?”
“There’s bound to be a mirror in your room.” On the ceiling would be a great location.
Her mouth forms a small circle as she raises her brows. “Kinky.”
I drift my fingers down her spine. “That’s just the beginning. Let’s see what other trouble you can cause.”
Vannah gestures toward the front door. “Lead the way, Lannie.”
The limo retraces our route to my hotel at a lazy pace. Bright lights from the passing buildings illuminate the night sky, flickering across Landon’s stony features. We haven’t spoken since getting settled in the backseat. Our silence is a weighted tension, squeezing my lungs until I’m jittery to escape these cloying restraints. It’s ridiculous to feel anything but carnal attraction and festering aggravation while sitting next to this man. He’s the same guy who’s been my worst nightmare for this past month.
Changes in our dynamic have crawled in the gaps we allowed to exist. I can tolerate him for the sake of more orgasms. He’s damn good at delivering those. If I’m being fair and honest, Landon has been less broody with me recently. There’s not much that will convince me he’s being nice for keeps, though.
Refusing to accept this shift between us is wasted energy that can be better spent elsewhere. A swirling heat curls around my ankles, traveling along smooth skin and questionable loyalties. Morals probably belong in that slinky incline too. I can keep emotion locked out, especially with Landon. There are no qualms about what this would be if I allow it to happen.
My hand is clutched within the confines of his. The gesture is almost protective, which is silly. Landon wants nothing more than to exchange erotic gratification. A girl is allowed to treat herself to pleasure, even if it’s served on a platinum platter by her enemy. This entire evening has been a spectacle to behold, one I’ll never see again. I’m caught up in this whimsical fantasy, the glamor, and charm. That level of fanfare is top-notch. I want to ride the wave until it spits me out, or reality crashes down. Whichever comes first.
Landon isn’t pushing the issue. Perhaps that warms me to him more. He’s done the task of weakening my defenses against him. Landon Winters—billionaire extraordinaire—is within my grasp. How many people can claim that? But that’s not the real excuse I’m leaning on. This crackling chemistry needs to vacate our systems so we can move on… professionally. I’ll resurrect my armor tomorrow. Or the next day.
The precious few seconds to decide tick by when Karl parks in front of the picturesque building. This is my choice to make. I peek at Landon from under my heavily coated eyelashes. “Do you want to come up?”
An animalistic growl rumbles from his chest. “Fuck, sugar. You just made this night even better.”
I flick his bow tie. “I’m sure there’s still room for improvement.”
Before stepping out, Landon addresses his driver. “I’ll call when I need a ride.”
“Yes, Mr. Winters. Enjoy your evening.”
“Oh, we will.” He practically scoops me from the vehicle, getting my feet planted onto the stone walkway in a single move.
We stride into the lobby connected at the arm, but I break apart from him with a twirl. I cut a backward path to the elevator, crooking my finger at him. “Come and get me.”
He prowls forward with a fierce smirk slanting his lips. “Don’t tempt the beast, sugar.”
“You won’t hurt me.” I wiggle my hips to accentuate the taunt.
Landon corners me against the metal walls as we travel to my floor. His mouth seals over mine, our tongues colliding in the next breath. I dig my fingers into his firm ass, pressing him against me. A growl escapes him as I nip his bottom lip. The elevator slides open with a whoosh and we exit with the same frantic speed.
I tug him toward the door by his jacket lapels, tripping over my own feet in the process. We tumble into the room in a tangle of knotted limbs and rising desire. The background fades into a blur as we stumble farther into the suite. Desperation scents the space like a fresh cloud ripe with rain. I’m ready to burst and he’s barely touched me.
“This is easy access.” Landon slides his hand into my dress from behind, wandering upward until he cups my breast.
Thank you, designer of the backless style.
I groan when he tweaks my nipple. “Oh, that feels so good.”
“Only gets better from here.” He adds his other palm into the mix, paying titillating attention to both sides.
“Yes, please.” A squirm has me rocking against the hard ridge in his pants. He’s raring to go, but prodding at the wrong entrance. That salacious tease stokes foreign embers deep within me. Never say never.
“I like hearing your polite mouth, but I’ll love seeing you full of my cock.”
“Let’s hope I don’t choke.” I bump into that impressive package again.
He rumbles low in his chest. “We’ll see if you can handle it.”
Damn, he really is filthy. This dirty talk is getting my engine purring like a fat cat in a sunny window. I rub my legs together in an attempt to alleviate the ache. All that does is make the fire spread faster.
He plucks at me for another moment before abandoning my chest. A clasp between my shoulder blades is all that’s holding the dress in place. With a flick, Landon releases the hook and slinky material pools around my feet. Cool air fondles my nipples and the peaks pebble at being exposed. I shiver, but not from the cold. Whispers of fabric being removed tickle my ears. I turn to find Landon slipping off his jacket.