“You know, you have the most unusual shade of green eyes I’ve ever seen. They are quite mesmerizing,” the senator murmured.
She choked on her champagne when his hand squeezed her knee. Shit. What the hell? She smiled at the man despite feeling grossed out by him, needing his compliance to get her into the after party. But when his hand rubbed the skin above her knee, the prickling heat returned. She had no choice but to cross her legs, dislodging his hand.
“So I’ve been told, but they aren’t the only assets I possess, Senator.” She leaned over, staring right at him and willing him to focus solely on her.
Isabella, you are playing a dangerous game, compelling him in public. What if it doesn’t work?
Compelling a human was not something to be messed with and a new skill she had to try, but a rush of pure instinct took over, driving her.
“Later…you’ll take me as your guest to the after party. Okay?”
The senator’s pupils flared, and he opened his mouth. “Would you come with me to the after party?”
“Of course I will, but please don’t be rude and talk to Mrs. Harrington, the lady on your right. Ooh, one more thing. Please, keep your hands to yourself.”
The senator did as she instructed, and she smiled. Satisfied she had the man under her influence, she sat back and glanced sideways. Roman laughed at the woman’s joke, and she pressed her lips together, reaching for her glass. After everything that had passed between the two of them, working together like this as if nothing had happened seemed surreal. She glanced down at her ringless hand. Perhaps the fact the handfasting ceremony had not taken place was a blessing. She was free and single. There were plenty of handsome males in fairly good shape, who she was sure wouldn’t mind a quick romp with a persuasive stranger. A sudden desperation and craving tingled in her core.
Don’t even think about it.
Get out of my head, Roman. I can have sex, if I want. We’re not together anymore.
Since the handfasting, Isabella hadn’t desired sex. The idea of being intimate with anyone had vanished, but right now as she licked her lip, letting her gaze prowl around the busy ballroom, it was the only thought occupying her mind. Sliding out of her seat, she left the table in search of a suitable partner. If she could compel the senator to do her bidding, then it made sense to believe she would have no trouble gaining the cooperation of some pliant male. Strolling toward the dance floor, she eyed the eligible men. But Roman grabbed her hand and swept her away, taking her right into the center of the dancing couples.
“How dare you. Let me go.” She pulled her hand away.
“Not until you tell me what the hell is going on with you,” he said as he led her in the dance. The music suddenly switched pace to an upbeat melody. Roman had removed his jacket and rolled his sleeves up to his elbows. A black waistcoat drew attention to his tapered waist. He spun her around and she shook her hips to the Lambada, the forbidden dance.
How apt. She should have known that Roman would be an excellent dancer. Unable to resist the arousing tempo, she shimmied up against him, the thrumming passion and desire possessing her. His touch over her skin inflamed her. When Roman smoothed his hands down her sides before twirling her away, it was as if it was just the two of them in the ballroom. No one else existed. Roman reeled her back in to slap against his chest.
“I need…I need…” She gasped.
“I know what you need…”
As soon as the music ended, Roman whisked her away to stand once more in the muted shadows on the deserted patio. He leaned her against the stone wall. The beat of the music vibrated through the walls as the music echoed outside. Isabella arched her neck and he trailed delicate kisses there until he nipped her earlobe.
A frantic need overwhelmed her. “Roman…”
“Shh…I’ve got you.” He lifted her dress.
A short while later, an owl hooted from a nearby tree as Isabella adjusted herself and Roman paced back and forth in front of her.
“Isabella…”
“No, we’re not doing this, Roman. This—” She waved her hand between the two of them. “This will never happen again. I’ve had too much to drink. I’m fine now.”
He arched an eyebrow at her as he rubbed his neck. “You know alcohol doesn’t affect us like humans. We need to talk. I don’t think you going to the after party is a good idea.”
Unable to think straight and angry at how easily she succumbed to Roman, she didn’t want to hang around. She left him, running away before she fell apart. Right now, her emotions were out blowing in the wind for everyone to see and she couldn’t contain them. Having reckless sex wasn’t her. What the hell was going on? Being a vampire meant she could control her feelings, but the overwhelming stirring and desire had been irresistible. Her need insatiable.
As she reached the entrance to the gala, the senator walked out and glanced at her. Leaving his guests, he meandered to her side.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes, lead the way.” She tucked her arm in his.
“Very good. It’s this way.” The senator led her upstairs and she quickly looked back to see whether Roman was around, but there was no sight of him.
I’m close by. So is Jake.
Hearing his voice comforted her and she smiled at the senator, who opened a hidden door at the top of the carpeted landing leading to a long corridor. Once they reached
