For a moment, Anna forgot about everything but him, as she stared at him in wonderment. Since the moment they'd met, Shayne never ceased to surprise her.
Opening the large box, she gasped at the gorgeous black wrap. It, too, was sequined with a thin fringe, perfectly setting off her dress. He pulled her to the mirror. It only took seconds for him to place the wrap around her body. His eyes met hers in the mirror, warm and soft as he looked at her.
“It’s so beautiful,” she said, her voice tight with emotion. Shayne treated her in a way that she never dreamed possible. Running a hand along the fabric, she thought of how considerate and attentive he was. He made her feel like a princess.
Not able to hold her feelings in anymore, she quickly turned and wrapped her arms around his waist in a huge hug. He felt so right, and her heart swelled with emotions she was almost too scared to believe in. “Thank you,” she said, simply. “Not just for the wrap but for the whole outfit.”
Words couldn’t express what he’d done for her. Shayne had saved her life, initiated her into her sexuality, and showed her how it felt to be cared for. She knew there weren’t any guarantees about a future for them. She was just happy to have him for the time she did.
Raising her chin, he gave her a long and satisfying kiss. Then he quickly swept her up in the air, making her squeal. “Are you ready to see what Las Vegas has to offer?” he asked, grinning.
“Yes!” she burst out, with a laugh.
“Your wish is my command.”
Chapter 9
SHAYNE’S PREDICTION that Ian wouldn’t show his face for a few days was wrong, but he chose to ride in the car following them instead of the limo. Ian looked awful, with bloodshot eyes and a large bruise. He gave a curt nod to Shayne when he walked outside. It would take a while for them to get over the events of the prior night.
After depositing Anna into the limo, Shayne gave the sign that he was ready to leave. Ian hopped into the other vehicle with Nate and Luke, two other endurers who had been assigned to guard duty that night.
Shayne paused for a moment, with one foot in the door. It was dangerous what he was doing, taking her out for a night on the town. He could sense how much she needed it, though. For the first time in her life, Anna needed to see what it meant to be highly desired above all others, and he was just the man for the job.
Shayne was determined to give something back to her. She appreciated everything about him. She wanted him. Not for his money or good looks, but for him alone. His chest swelled with pride. She needed a real man to take control and show her how it felt to have someone who cared. It was a long time coming, although the selfish part of him was glad another man hadn't seen the light.
After the night out was over, he was going to make his claim. But first, he was going to show her how it felt when a man placed her needs, wants, and desires above his own. It was that simple. His lips curled up in a self-assured smile. He was going to satisfy her so completely she’d never want to leave him.
With a tap on the roof, he hopped in and they sped off. The night awaited them, for whatever pleasures they wanted to indulge in.
THEIR FIRST STOP WAS Alfonso’s. It was an upper-scale restaurant, which only catered to the rich. The lighting was dim, and the food superb. Shayne had requested a private room, as he knew it would be the perfect place to wine and dine her.
He escorted her through the doors, while the other three endurers discretely trailed behind them. Considering the clientele that frequented the restaurant, bodyguards were not unusual. The headwaiter recognized Shayne immediately, and without any delay, he led them through the restaurant.
Only Nate and Luke followed them to the table, both men stoic and silent. Ian slipped away, much to Shayne's relief. His presence would have been awkward after the night before, and the last thing he wanted Anna to dwell on was her seduction by another man.
Just the thought filled his body with anger, something Nate and Luke caught on to. Instantly, they went on alert, scanning the restaurant but unable to locate the source of his tension. Behind Anna's back, Shayne got their attention and shook his head. He would have to watch his reactions. The endurers didn't need his jealousy distracting them from her protection.
Anna sat down with a wide-eyed expression on her face, as she took in their luxurious surroundings. Shayne knew she was impressed. The private room was tastefully decorated, with gold decor and opulent red velvet curtains. A huge fireplace took up the opposite wall, the flickers of the flames casting a golden glow across her smooth features. The dim lighting from the muted bulbs of the chandelier and candelabras completed the romantic setting.
“This place is amazing,” Anna whispered, her voice full of awe. “Do you come here a lot?”
The waiter arrived with Shayne's favorite champagne. Shayne thanked him before pouring a glass for each of them. His eyes met Anna's, and they both laughed. “I guess that answers my question,” she said, with a rueful expression on her face.
“It's one of my favorite places to eat. I thought you might like it. A beautiful woman like you should be taken out and showed off—often.”
She blushed at his words. Shayne heard a low snicker behind him. Turning, he shot Luke a dark glare. Luke pretended to ignore him, but Shayne knew where the sound had come from. Nate was
