Marc watched the crimson blush crawl up along her neck and bloom across her cheeks. Desire radiated off her in slow pulsing waves. She wasn’t thinking about Elise; she was thinking about sex! Fulfilling her fantasies had been the only offer she’d found interesting. He had to push this advantage.
Her teasing excuse for a dress left the graceful indentation of her spine bare to the middle of her back. She’d drawn her hair over her shoulder and was nervously working it into a thick braid. No way he’d let that continue. He wanted to rake his fingers through the curly strands and bury his face in its softness.
Stepping up behind her, he ran his index finger down her spine and watched her shiver. “Is all your skin this sensitive?” He wrapped his arm around her waist, dislodging her hands and freeing her hair. “I’m going to give you a taste of what the next few days could be like.”
She started to protest, but he turned her and dipped her over his arm. Pride wouldn’t let her agree to his offer, but she wanted it—needed it. He could sense a hunger in her just as demanding as his.
He settled his mouth over hers, exploring the shape and texture of her lips. He put his whole being into the kiss, desperate to draw out her longing, to make her achingly aware of her need. This was for his daughter; seducing this woman was Elise’s only hope.
Gently, he cupped her face, teasing the sensitive underside of her jaw with his thumb. For a long time she seemed frozen within his embrace, neither responding nor struggling. He traced the delectable fullness of her bottom lip and she shifted restlessly. He gently sucked it into his mouth and she groaned.
“I never go where I’m not welcome, Tuesday,” he whispered. “Part your lips. Invite me in.” Slowly, her mouth opened and Marc smiled against her damp lips. “Thank you.”
He eased his tongue into her mouth, stroking her, tracing the even line of her teeth. The slick heat beckoned him deeper and he was happy to answer the call.
Her hands pushed into his hair. She arched, pressing her breasts against his chest. Slowly. He had to move slowly. If he frightened her now, she’d never let him touch her again.
But he burned for her! She fit so perfectly, molded herself so eagerly into the hard contours of his body. Desperately, he formed the image of Elise in his mind and held on for dear life. He needed Tuesday to lose control, but he couldn’t afford to get caught up in his own trap. Focusing entirely on his purpose, he gradually distanced himself from the demanding passion this woman unleashed within him.
He kept each touch feather light, stroking her arms and back, all the while kissing her deeply, leisurely. Easing her zipper down to the small of her back, he slipped his hand inside and caressed every silken inch of skin available to his seeking fingers.
His warm fingers brushed ever closer to the curve of her bottom and Tuesday mustered the feeble remnants of her sanity. She shoved him back, quickly stepping out of reach. “I’ve never been desperate enough to pay for sex!”
Her breasts heaved, her nipples hard aching peaks, rasping against her bra’s thin lacy cups. His gaze, hot with male appreciation, lingered on her body, mocking her inability to control herself. Stubbornness alone kept her arms at her sides when everything within her screamed to cover her shame. Oh, how she wanted his hands on her breasts, his fingers firmly plucking, his mouth…oh God, his mouth!
“How long has it been?”
The teasing purr in his voice slapped her even harder than his smoldering gaze. “None of your damn business! Leave me alone.”
Clinging to what little remained of her dignity she hurried into the kitchen. But her captor was a step behind.
“It was just a kiss, Tuesday. Why are you so upset?”
She couldn’t look at him, couldn’t bear to see the knowing gleam in his eyes. After fighting with her zipper for a second or two, she left it halfway up. She braced her hands on the countertop and closed her eyes. Vivid, painful memories assailed her, forcing out a tear from beneath her long eyelashes.
Gently, he finished zipping her dress, his warm hands lingering on her shoulders. “You’re crying.”
He sounded astonished and she whipped around. “I am not! He isn’t worth my tears. Never was.”
“He who? Why did kissing me make you think of another man?”
She leaned against the countertop and crossed her arms over her breasts. “You’re not my friend and you’ll never be my lover, so cut the crap. My personal life is none of your business.”
“Everything about you is my business as long as my daughter’s life hangs in the balance. I won’t let up. I don’t have the luxury of being nice.”
“And I can’t give you what you want, so you might as well shoot me!”
He laughed. The arrogant jerk just laughed and walked out of the kitchen.
