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She was so aware of every movement, every breath that he took. She must be going mad. Up until yesterday she’d never felt anything for any other man. The offers she’d received from boys and men had never made her want them. Her own fears had always gotten the better of her. All Duncan had done was touch her knee, and she felt like she was coming apart at the seams. She didn’t want to give men the wrong impression of her. Did Duncan think she was some kind of hussy? She never felt it was right accepting offers from men who were clearly looking for something more from her than friendship. Her books were her only satisfaction. That was until Duncan James. Was it possible to feel this powerful emotion for someone who you’d only known for one day?
In the matter of a day she’d accepted a wedding proposal and a kiss. She knew she couldn’t love him. The fight inside her was over her attraction to someone she didn’t like very much. He was controlling, manipulative, and would do anything to get his own way.
Yet here you sit wanting to have more with him than anyone else.
What was it about him that called to her?
He wasn’t a nice person. In fact he reminded her of what Erik was like most of the time. He used people to get what he wanted. She’d been on the receiving end for most of her life.
Duncan closed the distance between them. He caught her face in his hands turning her to look at him. “Your skin is so soft.”
“Why are you doing this to me?” she asked.
“Because I can. Admit it, Tess. You want me to.” He captured her lips in a gentle kiss. There was no demanding pressure as he kissed her. Just a brush of his lips over hers. She was panting for more of him. It wasn’t enough for her. She wanted the passion he could give her.
He pulled away. “I bet your pussy is dripping wet.”
“You can’t talk to me like that,” she said. Her pussy was wet. No man had ever been so blatant with her.
“Get used to it, baby. This is who I am, and I’m not going to change for you. I’ll tell you what I want, and how I tell it, you’ll learn to accept.”
Duncan claimed her lips once again, his hand going farther up her leg underneath her skirt. She cried out when he pulled away, his hand leaving a fiery trail as he moved out of reach. Her heart was racing, and the pulse between her legs was getting worse. She’d never felt so burnt up before.
“It’s time you knew what a real man could do for you,” he said.
I’ve never had a man before. You’re nothing like the heroes in my romances. You’re sinful.
She mentally shook herself. Tess was doing that a lot since she’d met Duncan. He had a way of messing with her head.
It is his fault.
He unnerved her unlike any person throughout her life.
“Here we are,” he said, interrupting her mental confusion.
She turned to see what he was pointing at. Her nerves kicked in double time. She looked at him wondering if he was joking. She had expected a simple little restaurant. But he’d actually brought her to a restaurant in a hot spot where the media knew the celebrity world visited. They were all there taking pictures of men and women as they entered.
Tess recognised the name of the French restaurant. She remembered reading an article in a newspaper about the huge success it was having. The chef was a man known for working his way from the bottom to the top. It was the place to meet celebrities and millionaire bachelors like Duncan. It was the place to be. A million light years away from her. She shook her head. Tess couldn’t do this. The moment she got out of the limo she’d be known to be with Duncan. That was too much.
“Why have you brought me here?” she asked. The tears were close to the surface. This world wasn’t for her. She never wanted to be part of anything bigger than herself. She wouldn’t be able to handle the public display in all the newspapers as Duncan James’s latest conquest. This was a nightmare waiting to happen.
He’d done this to humiliate her. She was sure of it.
“I want to take you to dinner, and this place is superb. What better place to start spreading the news about our upcoming nuptials than the local hotspot?” He threw it off as if this was an everyday occurrence.
Tess shook her head. “This isn’t fair. You did this on purpose. Why?”
“Let’s just say I want our engagement known.”
It may be an everyday occurrence to him, and he may want to get their upcoming relationship known, but what about what she wanted? Most of her nights were spent at home reading a book or watching a movie. He was about to make her simple life impossible to live.
She saw the paparazzi being held back by a sea of bodyguards. There was no way they’d get through without getting a picture taken.
“I’m not exactly wife material for you. This is all wrong. Take me somewhere else, please.” She hated herself for begging and for showing weakness to him. She couldn’t do this. Her eyes welled up with tears. She felt even further humiliation as she heard him curse. Tess couldn’t stop the sob from escaping her lips. The tears stayed inside, but her heartache released out of her.
He cupped her cheek turning her to face him.
“I will be the envy of every man there.” He placed his finger over her lips as she began to deny his words. Duncan shook his head “I want you on my arm, Tess. There is no other woman I’d want to replace you.” She wished she believed his words. The fact he’d said them meant more to her than anything else. She took a few deep breaths to try to gain control of the craziness in her head.
“And to help this along.” He retrieved a small case from his pocket. Duncan opened the case bringing out a small diamond necklace and a small lady’s band for her finger. “I bought this for you. I want you to wear it now. I want the world to know who you belong to.”
He lifted her hair out of the way, then placed the necklace around her neck.
The moment the gold lay on her skin she’d signed the deal of ownership.
Tess brought her hand up to cover the expensive necklace. It was small but beautiful. Duncan grabbed her left hand then placed the delicate ring on her finger.
“Is this an engagement ring?” she asked.
“Yes, by the end of the night the whole world will know that Duncan James is off the market.”
The ring felt heavy on her finger. He’d picked the right size. The ring fit her finger perfectly.
She took a deep breath before looking out at the chaos. The sounds were dampened by the lush, soundproof limo.
“Are you sure about this?” she asked as she glanced back at him.
He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed each one.
“I’ve never been so sure of anything. One more thing, Tess.”
She glanced at him waiting.
“I need you to look like you’re in love with me.” He opened the door.
Chapter Six
He wanted her to look like she was in love with him. The sounds outside invaded the peace of the limo as he opened the door.
She took his hand and allowed him to help her out of the limo. The paparazzi hadn’t seen them yet, but already bodyguards were moving forward to help Duncan James to the restaurant. He kept a firm grip on her hand as they made their way to the door.
The press must have been alerted by the bodyguards’ movements because they were suddenly surrounded by paparazzi. The flashes of the camera shocked her vision. Duncan placed an arm around her waist. She knew that would be on one of the papers or magazines tomorrow.
Questions buzzed over them.
“Mr. James, is it true about your latest takeover bid?”
“What happened to the American model, Lyla?”
“Are you currently fighting a custody battle?”
All the questions whirled around her head. His hand tightened on hers as the one on her hips gripped her firmly against her side. She followed him as he continued up to the front door.
“Who’s your lady friend?”
“Is she your latest acquisition?”
“Does she have a name?”
He ignored it and continued until they were at the door. She felt sick. How could people handle this kind of life?
“Sorry about that, sir,” one of the guards said to him.
“Don’t worry, Tim. It’s hard to get anywhere without them these days.”
She watched as the two men shook hands before they moved to the entrance of the restaurant. The moment the doors shut behind them she was greeted with silence once more.
“Are you all right?” Duncan asked.
“A little shaken. Is it like that all the time?”
“Only when I go to hot spot places like this.” He titled her head back. She held his waist as he stared into her eyes. He leaned down and kissed her. The rush of endorphin coursed around her body in a rush of heat.
When he pulled away she saw the cameras flashing on the other side.
“Was that for me or for the cameras?” she asked.
