Sure, he’d had orgasms too. But he held something back, focused on her pleasure. She wanted to drive him as mindless as he did her. Crack the control he always seemed to hold on to like a shield.
Oh, he wanted her. Whenever she was near him his eyes coloured to the dark green of a hailstorm. His nostrils flared as she came close, right before he swept her into his arms and took her on another journey to ecstasy. And she could always feel him through his clothes. So hard and ready. But when she tried to take over and give him something with no thought for herself he didn’t relent. Only whispering the words, ‘It’s all for you.’
Well, tonight it was all for him. She knew a thing or two about control, and this was a battle she’d win.
She looked in the mirror and fluffed her hair till it hung messy and wanton. He liked it long and loose, so he could bury his hands in it as he held her tight for a searing kiss. She shivered. No. This was about Christo. His pleasure, not hers.
She smoothed her dress. Black. Fitted. The fabric soft and silky against her curves. She’d decided against a bra. A teardrop gold pendant hung low in her cleavage. She turned to look at the back. Saw the way it hugged her rounded backside. It was her least favourite feature. Though Christo seemed to love it, from the way he’d grab her and draw her close as they kissed.
Thea smiled over her shoulder. She had an idea... She bunched up her dress and shimmied out of her underwear. Nerves fluttered in her belly. There. He’d know the minute he touched her. She’d soon see if he could stop himself tonight. He’d lose himself in her. She’d ensure it.
She’d organised a candlelit meal on her favourite terrace. Secluded, peaceful. She reached the beautifully appointed table and took a glass of champagne to quell her nerves. She had no doubt Christo would make her mindless with pleasure, but could she do the same for him?
Best not to think too hard... Simply act. Touch, tease, tempt...
‘Thea.’
She whipped around as the sound of his voice caressed down her spine. He tugged his tie through the collar of his shirt, winding it around his hand before tucking it in a pocket. Then he undid the two top buttons. She swallowed, her mouth dry.
‘Have some champagne.’
She poured for him. As usual, he feasted on her with his gaze. Scorched her with a head-to-toe appraisal that had her wanting to shed her clothes and bare herself to him.
How could he do this to her? Needing this man had never been part of their arrangement. Yet the ferocity of her desire seemed as natural as breathing.
He took the glass she handed to him and placed it on the tabletop, drew her close. His lips were upon hers before she could think. His tongue explored her mouth greedily as his hands slid over her body. She turned liquid, her core aching.
He pulled back, an eyebrow quirked. ‘Nothing under the dress?’ He chuckled, a low and throaty sound that wound through her on a fiery journey. ‘Koukla mou...’
She’d taunted him in the past to say those words with feeling. Tonight they were rough and coated with desire. The way she’d dreamed of them being said. And the need in his voice punctuated every syllable.
She slid her arms around his neck and looked into his face. The hunger smouldering there almost cut her off at the knees.
‘Have dinner with me,’ she said. ‘Let me take you to bed. Make love to you.’
‘I thought that was what we’d been doing.’
‘You know what I mean, Christo. You said you’d give me anything. Now I want to give you something in return.’
He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear and smiled. ‘Ah, the demon that’s been unleashed. My beautiful temptress. You should’ve been called Eve.’
‘I want you.’
She dropped her hand between them and brushed it across the hard bulge in his groin. His breath hitched.
‘I want this. One word and you’ll have me on my knees, showing you how much.’
‘Never kneel for me, Thea.’
Kneel for him? She’d worship him.
‘You’re worth more than you know.’
He hesitated, a look of something like uncertainty on his face. It was striking in a man she’d once thought was certain of everything.
‘I’m not—’
‘Shh...’
Thea placed a finger on his lips and stopped him. She wrapped her arms around his neck. He dragged her close and plundered her mouth. Drove her back till she hit the balustrade. His hand went to her left breast, teasing the nipple until it pinched and hardened through the soft fabric of her clothes.
She’d have him here. Now. Out under the stars. She didn’t care who could see. She’d never get enough of this man.
He groaned her name. Hitched up the back of her dress and smoothed his large, warm palms over her bare buttocks. Slid a hand between her legs and stroked her.
‘Wet. Perfect. Ready for me.’
‘Always. Please.’
Thea gripped the front of his shirt, crushing the smooth white fabric. If he didn’t do something soon she’d combust.
She fumbled with the front of his belt, trying to undo it.
‘Protection...’ he said.
‘No time. Don’t care.’
He took a step back and stilled her hands. ‘We do have time. You should care.’
He couldn’t do this to her again. She wanted to feel him naked against her. Hear him groan and shout her name as he found release, lost control, all because of her.
She stifled a sob. ‘I need to be yours.’
Christo bundled her into his arms and whispered fiercely in her ear. ‘We’ll go to my suite, and I will use protection.’ His thumbs grazed her nipples and she shivered. ‘Then I am
