“Come in,” yelled the voice on the other side of the room after she knocked on the door. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders. Here goes nothing. Not often nervous, she was surprised to see the slight shake in her hand as she turned the knob. Oh fuck. Did he have to be that gorgeous? Beautiful, tanned skin bespoke spent time outdoors. Black hair cut shorter on the sides and longer on top. Pale green eyes beckoned her closer like a beacon. His white dress shirt was fitted, promising muscles she wanted to run her tongue across. Especially the V he was sure to be packing, which led straight to her own personal playground. His eyes roved over her as though undressing her, causing a flash of desire to run through her. If they came to an agreement, she would be his after that night.
“Alexandra.” She held her hand out for him to shake. She was surprised when he didn’t shake it, instead turned it over in his palm, rubbed his thumbs over her knuckles before he kissed the back of her hand. He released her hand, and she could feel the heat burning her face.
The wolfish smile showed a perfect set of pearly whites. “I must admit I was intrigued enough by your offer to meet you, but as I said, I don’t sleep with my clients.”
She smiled. “Not ever? I can assure you I’ll make it worth your while. You credit yourself on discretion, but can you say that about the rest of your clients? I work in a high-stakes job, and I need to ensure my reputation remains intact when it’s over with. The only way I see it happening is by dealing directly with the source. You.”
“Touché,” he acknowledged, gesturing for her to have a seat. “Although, if you believe I have any client in my club who’s going to give away any information, you aren’t giving me enough credit. Besides, there are people in here with a lot more to lose than you.”
“I’m sure. But I’m not interested in other people. Name your price.”
Roman chuckled, shaking his head at her suggestion. “You think you can buy me? I make enough money nightly. Money doesn’t interest me. Give me something else.”
She considered his request, but what she had to bargain with was the one thing she didn’t want to use. A connection she didn’t realize they had until she began searching the other night. “What if I told you I could get you access to the Richardson property?”
The glint in his eye was the only indication he’d heard her. “You don’t even know if I want that bag of bones on the edge of this town. And if I did, which I’m not saying I do, it’s not on the market.”
“The beautiful cabin situated on the lake? How do you know it’s not on the market if you’re not interested?” He stared at her, not answering her question. It was unnerving, as though he had all night, and she wanted to break the silence. Part of her role at work meant staring people down. Frequently. She knew she was good at it, but something about this role reversal—something about Roman—made her uneasy. Not something she was used to. Like he was going to unwrap all her secrets and leave her exposed and wanting. “I know the heir, and am more than willing to sign an agreement that you can purchase the property. After a three-month wait, it could be yours.”
He mulled it over before answering. “I don’t know if I believe you, but everything we do will be in writing. I’m not a stud to be mounted but I’m considering your proposition.”
Studying the man in front of her, a quick thrill ran through her at the prospect of having his hands on her, and she was surprised by her attraction to him. She wasn’t sexually attracted to many men, but something about him drew her in and held her by the throat. Anticipating what he could do for her, she sat, crossed one leg over the other to create some friction and ease the ache she felt between her legs.
“Don’t even think about it,” he commanded. His voice slashed like a knife, causing her to immediately comply. With his intense green eyes, he looked down at her legs, gesturing for her to uncross them. What the hell Alexandra? “If we agree to this, your orgasms are mine.”
She raised her brow, not wanting him to get the upper hand despite her quick response to his command. “And if we don’t? You’re not too eager to begin this relationship.”
He shrugged as though it didn’t matter to him either way, but she’d bet all the money in her bank account he was hard as a rock and knew what he wanted. “Doesn’t matter to me. I’ve considered your proposition, and I believe we could be of use to each other. Either we do or we don’t, but I can guarantee no one, and I do mean no one is going to be able to get you off like I will. You know it or you wouldn’t be here.” He’s got that right. I can’t wait to get his hands on me.
Panties wet, she squirmed in her seat. This man was going to own her if she let him, and she craved it in a way she never had before. Someone who was going to give her what she wanted when she needed it. She pulled her legs together, needing to rub herself but unwilling to fail what seemed like the first test.
“So, what happens now?” she asked, not acknowledging his statement about her motive.
“What happens is up to you. You’re the one who reached out to me for my expertise and discretion.” The last word rolled off his lips, his voice dropping an octave, causing her to lean closer. If she thought Roman Valentine was gorgeous seated, seeing his tall, broad-shouldered physique standing was more than swoon-worthy. Heat flashed within her as she imagined her fingers raking down his back as he filled her. She longed to grab his taut ass, staring as he walked to the table where a decanter with brown liquid rested. He poured a generous amount in two glasses, took both, came back, handing her one. He didn’t return to his seat, rather leaned back against his desk and crossed his legs at his ankles. She drank it, enjoying the burn as the whisky coated her throat. It helped her solidify whatever nerves she may have had coming there, and allowed her to approach the deal as she would if she was in the courtroom.
“As I already said, I contacted you because I am in need of a certain service I’m unable to get somewhere else.”
“They all do,” he interrupted, holding his hand out for her to take. She threw back the rest of her drink, then accepted his hand. Leading her toward the side of his office, hand on the small of her back, they moved toward a plain white screen. He flipped a switch, causing it to move and open up to a wall of televisions. Multiple, rousing sex scenes played out in Technicolor behind the glass in front of her, causing her to want to press her nose to the glass like a person who saw something in the store window they craved. Her already wet panties were drenched, and she needed relief immediately. As if knowing exactly what she needed, Roman wrapped his arm around her stomach, pulling her so she was flush against him with his front to her back, erection poking into her spine.
He leaned his head closer, kissing the side of her neck before he whispered in her ear. “You see these people?”
“Yes,” she replied, rubbing her hands to alleviate some of the moisture. This was insane; she knew next to nothing about this man, but was so starved for male contact she leaned back, pushing closer into his erection.
“You like that?” He bit her ear, causing goose bumps to form on her arm. She exhaled, her breath sounding ragged.
“All these people…” His hand traveled to the front of her pants, patting her thighs so she would spread her legs. He continued his movements, stopping at the clasp, waiting for her permission. She nodded, spurring him into action. He unbuckled her pants, opening them enough to trace his finger along the edge of her panties. She held her breath, hoping he would continue.
“All these people have eclectic tastes, and they all have a secret to hide. You’re no different than any of them, except you want someone who’s not on the menu.” He dipped one finger in her panties, tracing her slit, causing her to shiver. She tried to move her hips forward to increase the pressure, but he seemed to know what she was up to because he pulled his finger back.