Page 13 of Wicked Dares
He tips his head back and gives me a cool, assessing stare. Moonlight touches his face, bathing it in a metallic glow. It makes him look more menacing, and I’m more eager to hear what he’s going to say. “I don’t do things halfway.” His gaze flicks over me, searching my face. Then his eyes lock with mine, so piercing I feel it all over me. “If I want something, I take my time with it… until I have it completely.”
I still, but a sharp, electric pull sparks through me, equal parts want and warning.
His gaze leaves no room for doubt. He was talking about me. My pulse stutters at the thought, then picks up faster. Not a good sign for my control level.
“That’s… a good way to be.” Even if it sounds dangerously close to a warning.
“Yes. That way, I always get what I want.” He straightens, his eyes burning. “My turn again, Butterfly.”
I nod.
“Is there a boyfriend I have to worry about? Or fight?” His expression softens, but the cockiness remains in his eyes.
I bite back a smile. “Fight?”
“Like I said, I always get what I want.”
I allow my hands to drift in the water. “There is no boyfriend. Is there a girlfriend I have to worry about?”
“No. Butterfly. If there were, I wouldn’t be here. No matter how tempting I find you.”
He doesn’t cheat.Noted.“That’s admirable.”
“That’s just how I am. My turn again.”
I grin in response. “Go ahead.”
“What do you do for work?” He resumes his former stance, stretching his arms against the tub.
The question isn’t difficult. It’s a normal one and a little tamer than what I expected from him. It’s just that I had a dream for my career, but life took me on a different path from the one I planned. I suppose that doesn’t mean I can’t tell him what I wanted to do.
“I studied marketing and advertising in college. I want to open my own company and work with start-ups. Until then, I’m temping.” It sounds small, even to my own ears. I expect it to mean even less to him, but he just smiles, like I’ve said something worth hearing.
“Sounds good. We all have to start somewhere.” He sounds genuine, not like he’s humoring me. “We have two questions left, Butterfly. One each. Choose wisely.”
It’s my turn. My mind stalls for a moment. There’s so much I could ask him. I’m just struggling to think of something wise.
But then the perfect question hits me.
“Why me? Why did you choose me?”
A smooth grin slides across his lips. “Because I noticed you… and I couldn’t stop. Because I haven’t wanted anything in a while, and my attention is still on you.”
His words leave me adrift, caught in the lure of being the object of his fascination. After Reece, I stopped believing men looked at me and saw something worth wanting.
I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this kind of mindlessness before.
I breathe past the tightness in my lungs. “I guess I’m glad I have your attention.”
“Good. Ready for my last question?”
“Yes.” I nod.
His gaze sharpens. “Why did you agree to come up here with me?”
That might be the most daring question he’s asked me.
“It’s not because your friend encouraged you,” he adds.
