Page 9 of Untamed
“I was wondering if you’d like to dance.” He smiled at me, the expression that of a naughty schoolboy, and despite my angst, I found myself charmed.
“All right.” This was what I would do on any other night, after all—socialize, flirt, enjoy the company of others. And I didn’t have any reason not to tonight. It wasn’t as if Jasper and his hot and cold reactions to me meant that I couldn’t.
“I’m Jackson.”
“Cari.” I let him hold my hand as he guided me to the postage-stamp-size dance floor in the middle of the bar. As I went, I felt Jasper’s stare burning a hole in my back.
Sure enough, when Jackson gave me a quick twirl, starting us in on a lively country song, I caught sight of my bodyguard. He was in the exact same spot, standing beside the bar, massive arms crossed over his equally huge chest. His eyes were narrowed, and every muscle in his body seemed to radiate displeasure.
It pissed me off. What was he upset about? That I was putting myself in danger by dancing with a stranger? Well, that was what he was there for, wasn’t it? Because surely he wasn’t upset that I had my fingers twined with another man’s.
“Everything okay?” Startled from my thoughts, I glanced up into my dance partner’s face. His smile was bemused as he dipped his head, nodding in Jasper’s direction. “Ex-boyfriend?”
“No,” I replied curtly. “Definitely not.”
“Hmm.” The music slowed, most of the others exiting the dance floor. Jackson threaded his fingers through mine again, pulling me gently toward him, giving me plenty of time to back away. “If you say so.”
“He’s nothing.” I let myself be tugged closer, Jackson guiding one of my palms to rest on his chest. It was hard beneath my fingers, his pulse a steadfast beat against my skin.
He was warm and smelled good, and when I looked up into his eyes, I saw nothing but appreciation. Here was a man giving me a clear signal.
I could distract myself with him if I wanted. He’d be a willing participant. He was hot. Any woman with a pulse would be attracted.
But I felt none of the electricity that had whipped through me when I’d met Jasper. And with that connection still snapped tightly into place—though ignored by one party—I couldn’t convince myself to be interested in anybody else.
“Let’s just dance,” I suggested, pulling back a little and taking Jackson’s hand once more. I twirled myself around so that my back was to him, gasping when he tugged me flush with his body.
“Any man who isn’t worshipping at your feet is clearly insane.” The words were low and warm, whispered against the shell of my ear. “But if that’s what you want, let’s give him a show.”
He placed his hands palm-down on my stomach, low enough to ignite some sparks. I hummed with pleasure, dipping my head as he slid them up just a bit, his thumbs grazing my rib cage.
“He’s watching,” he whispered again. “What do you want him to see?”
Oh.Jackson’s hands on me awakened a hum of arousal, but the thought of Jasper watching—and I knew he was—intensified it, took it deeper.
I had to look at him. Had to see if he was watching. If he cared.
If he wasn’t, what would I do?
“Do whatever you want.” Those hands at my waist urging me on, I finally relaxed into the touch and did as I was told. Reaching back with one hand, I slid a palm over Jackson’s thigh, tracing the muscles beneath the thick denim. He made a deep sound of pleasure, tightening his grip on me, sliding his body along mine.
I could feel his arousal, his cock stiffening against the curve of my ass as I pressed back against him. Feminine satisfaction gave me the confidence to lift my head, to finally seek out the one this was all for.
My emotions stuttered, stumbled, then sent me flying as my eyes found him. He was watching—oh hell yes, he was—but it took me a moment to understand what I was seeing.
Those pale green eyes of his seemed to glow as he stared at me pressed up against Jackson. But where I thought I’d see jealousy or emotion there was something else entirely, something that made me pause, not because I didn’t like it but because I couldn’t quite believe it.
“Well, that’s interesting.” One of Jackson’s hands slid up just a bit more, his thumb now brushing the underside of my breast as I closed my eyes. He went so slowly, gave me so much time to stop him that his touches were welcome, fanning the fire inside of me. “Looks like you’ve got his attention.”
“Hmm?” I opened my eyes, then sucked in a breath. Jasper was right in front of me. The rough planes of Jasper’s body were rigid, but there was no mistaking what darkened his stare.
Lust.
Need.
Watching me with another man turned him on.
Looks like you’ve got his attention.
