Julia nibbled on the end of the pen as she pretended to think it over. “If ever I experience it, I’ll let you know.”
He gritted his teeth, saying, “What about witty? A man who can make you laugh is like a rare gem.”
“A man who listens when I speak is even better.”
“You need someone who is strong, a man well able to protect you.”
“If he can rearrange my furniture, even more better.”
He ran his tongue over his teeth, clearly exasperated. “Do you want a man who shares your interests?”
“It’s not a requirement. But never drinking straight from the milk carton is.”
Tristan began pacing, a dark storm cloud seeming to hover over his shoulders. He held his hands behind his back, his gait stiff. Uttering a frustrated sigh, he shoved a hand through his hair. Stray locks tumbled across his forehead. “Some men offer thoughtful surprises. Does this please you?”
“A thoughtful surprise…like remembering to put the toilet seat down? Then yes.”
He growled low in his chest. “Will you take this seriously?”
“Fine. You want serious? Here it is. I want a man who cares for me. Who will make me ache and my senses reel. Who wants me as much as I want him. Who tells the truth and treats others with kindness.”
Frozen in place, Tristan fixed her with a hot stare. “That is truly what you desire?”
“Yeah.” She glared up at him. “You got a problem with that?”
“A problem? Nay.” His violet eyes sparkled, mesmerizing her. “Not when I meet your requirements.”
“Wh-what?” He’d wanted to make a list so he could put himself at the top?
He ticked off his attributes. “I am not ugly on the inside. I appeal to your emotions. Have I ever fallen asleep while you were talking?”
“No,” she answered, still shocked from his announcement.
“That’s right. I listened. And I am strong enough to move your furniture—I’m strong enough to move your house. I care for you, and I have pleased you with my touch on more than one occasion. I am perfect for you.” He smiled, slowly, seductively, sending a current of desire throughout her entire body. “Now you will entice me…if you can.”
Her first thought? He still wants me!
Joy wrapped around her, a silken cocoon. He gave her a hungry once-over, mentally stripping away her clothing, piece by unwanted piece.
She did the same to him before batting her lashes at him. “Entice you? Oh, I will.”
Diabolical and wicked, his eyes gleamed with delight, making the irises glow like crystal fire. “Prove it.” With that, he simply walked away.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Worship Your Mistress’s Body
JULIA STARED AFTER his retreating back. He’d asked her to seduce him…yet he’d left her alone in the kitchen. She didn’t understand. Unless she was supposed to follow him?
In a trance, she followed after him.
He’d stopped in the bedroom and now perched at the end of the bed.
Her limbs trembled as she approached. “I…I don’t want to be in charge, Tristan. Can we consider you enticed?”
He grinned and stood, revealing a tie he held. “We can.” Striding over and moving behind her, he ran that tie through his fingers. “Fear nothing I do.”
A wave of uncertainty drifted through her at such ominous words, but still she nodded. “I-I won’t.”
He wrapped a blindfold around her eyes, and darkness engulfed her. Once he tied the strings, careful not to tug her hair, nervousness mingled with her desire, making her tremors worse.
“What are you doing?” she asked and licked her lips.
“Still trust me?”
“Yes.” Without a doubt.
“Then ask no more questions. Focus on what you feel.”
“No questions.” Julia drew in a deep breath, relaxing. She felt good. Amazing!
Outside, a deluge of rain splashed hypnotically. Tristan’s masculine scent enveloped her, stronger—headier—with every breath. His body heat burned her cells.
“Repeat after me,” he said. Ah, his voice was like rich brandy and smoky cigars, so intoxicating she was instantly drunk with arousal. “I am beautiful.”
Tears welled as she realized his purpose. “I am beautiful.”
“I am worthy.”
“I am worthy.”
“I am precious.”
“I am precious,” she whispered, her voice cracking.
His praise, and her own avowal to the affirmative, seeped into her consciousness. For the first time in her life, she believed she was beautiful. She was worthy. She was precious. The day of the prom, Brian and his ugly insides hadn’t been worthy of her.
“Do you know what you do to me?” he breathed in her ear, then placed a lingering kiss on her nape. “How you make me burn? If you do not, you soon will, for I plan to make you melt wherever I touch you. My fingers will be hot, like a brand. They will scorch your skin as they explore every curve, every hollow…every luscious inch.”
With his words, he cast a stronger spell of love and lust around her mind. This was what she’d dreamed about all those many years she’d spent alone at night, hoping, dreaming, praying.
“Once we come together, sweet draga, you’ll only want more,” he vowed. “So much more.”
Small, delicious tremors rocked her. But he wasn’t finished.
Reaching around her, he palmed her breasts through the fabric of her shirt, and she gasped. “I’ll touch you here—” He slid a hand down her stomach, stopping only when he reached the apex of her thighs, not touching where she needed him most. But he said, “I’ll touch you here, as well. And everywhere in between.”
Warm breath stroked her neck, a buttery-soft caress. Electrical currents sailed through her blood, torching every insecurity she’d ever harbored. He untied the drawstring of her sweat pants; the thick material floated to her ankles, cool air kissing her overheated skin.
To her shock, she had no desire to cover herself. No, she wanted to take off more clothing and show herself to Tristan. He would find her beautiful. Arousing.
He helped her step out of the pants. When she steadied, he dipped his fingers inside her panties, moving lower, lower still, until his hand rested
