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I know it’s lust that’s driving me, that it probably means nothing to him. He didn’t deny being a womanizer, after all, though his admission that he was a one-woman-kinda-man surprised me. I wonder if he’s telling the truth or if it’s just a line.
Khristian could get any woman he wanted. There is nothing that could be beyond his reach. Yet, he’s sitting here with me, listening to my pathetic life story.
I never realized how sad my life actually sounded until I said the words out loud.
I don’t admit that I thought about giving Nate another chance, reasoning with myself that he didn’t cheat. He was honest about wanting to see other people and about being tied down. It still broke my heart, hearing those words, but I’d agreed to end it too.
But to compare him to Khristian is like comparing apples to oranges. The two couldn’t be more different.
“I met the most wonderful man,” I say, and it feels like light is bursting through my chest. Just thinking about our night together sets me on fire all over. “He treated me like I’ve never been treated before. He was kind and patient. He knew what he was doing, and for once I took control and let him do whatever I wanted.”
He rests his chin on his fist as he regards me. I wish I knew what he was thinking. “And how was that?”
“Amazing,” I admit. “Liberating. Freeing. All the things I never imagined I could feel after my ex.” I don’t hate Nate, far from it. But I also don’t want to utter his name in front of Khristian.
“He hurt you.” It’s not a question.
I take a small sip of my wine. “He did, but I didn’t want to admit to myself that we’d outgrown one another. I wanted the fairytale, like most girls do. I wanted the happily ever after.”
“And you think that those men don’t exist in real life?” He’s referring to my earlier comment.
I did say that.
“I… I don’t know,” I reply honestly. “Not in my experience.”
He leans farther toward me as I try not to stare at his mouth, knowing what it can do. “It can be real life.” His voice is low, sexy. “Every fantasy you’ve ever had can be real, my Krasavitsa. You’re the one in control. What I do, I do for your pleasure. Does it please me too? Of course, but my enjoyment comes from you. You hold all the power.”
It’s like his words have a one-way ticket straight between my legs. I know he has power over me, I’m not stupid, but I’m also not so sure that I mind.
I know how long he can go for. I know how long he can use his mouth as a weapon.
“You’re doing an excellent job of making me realize that being single is the best thing I ever did.”
His lips twitch in that way that tells me he’s not saying what he’s thinking.
I decide it’s my turn to catch him out. “Say it,” I blurt out, liquid courage doing all the talking.
“What I’m thinking?” He frowns in question.
“Yes. I’m starting to read you a little better.”
His eyes bore into mine and it’s unnerving. I squeeze my legs together and hold onto my glass for dear life.
“You are?”
“Yes. People aren’t that hard to work out, if you pay attention.” I tuck back into my meal, feeling a little more at ease than I was earlier.
I can feel his eyes on me, watching me like I somehow fascinate him. I don’t know how. I live a pretty boring life.
“It seems I’m letting my guard slip,” he muses, taking a sip of his wine. I love how his lips curl around the glass… and I’m caught staring.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. If I let my guard slip, then surely you can too? Or do big-shot CEOs not do that kind of thing?”
He dabs his mouth with a napkin. “This big-shot definitely doesn’t, so consider yourself unique, my little rose. I rarely let anyone in.”
I can’t help but feel my skin prickle at the little names he calls me with affection.
“Isn’t it kind of lonely?” I blurt out. I set my glass back down. I don’t think I need any more ‘liquid courage’.
