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It had been a mistake though, because even now he could feel the warmth of her skin lingering on his fingertips, as if the very touch of her burned him. Just as it had been a mistake to have this dinner with her, to sit here with her velvety dark eyes focused on him, her deliciously husky voice telling him that now she knew the truth, he didn’t have to pretend.
And all he could think about was how great a relief that would be. To have just one person he could be himself with, because he hadn’t had that in years.Theos, if he’deverhad it.
Hungry, he’d said to her and he was. Hungry for someone who saw beneath that mask of his, who sawhim.
Just as he saw her, no matter how hard she tried to hide it. She wanted him and it was obvious.
‘I...I don’t know what you mean,’ she said thickly, grabbing her wine glass and taking a healthy sip.
He shoved his chair back from the table. ‘Then come here and I’ll show you.’
What are you doing? You don’t want to go down this particular path.
No. This was a game he played with women who knew what they were doing and who liked a challenge just as he did, not with inexperienced innocents like her.
He should be walking away, putting some distance between them, not sitting here staring at her and challenging her to come closer.
Yet he didn’t move and he didn’t look away. Fury and hunger had him in its grip and he couldn’t get free.
You don’t want to get free. You want to feel something for the first time in years...
Yes, he did. He couldn’t deny it.
Glory put her wine down, her expression turning wary. ‘Why? What are you going to do?’
‘I think you know exactly what I’m going to do.’ He held himself very still, tension gripping every muscle. There was no charm now and all his smiles had disappeared. She’d told him not to pretend and so here he was, not pretending. If she didn’t like that after all, well, she knew where the door was.
A long, aching moment passed and then, strangely, concern filled her velvety gaze. ‘You’re angry with me.’
The sudden change of subject made him catch his breath. ‘What?’
‘You’re angry with me—I can see it in your eyes. Was it something I did?’ Her hands moved nervously in her lap, fiddling with her napkin again. ‘I shouldn’t have fallen asleep, should I? I’m sorry. I was just so tired.’
Theos, did she really think all of this was about anger? Could she not see the desire that burned in his eyes? Or was it simply that she didn’t recognise it?
Why would she recognise it? She’s had no experience with men, as you know very well.
Castor gritted his teeth. He didn’t want to have to explain himself, but it wasn’t fair to let her think she’d angered him. Especially when it was obvious that mattered to her since she kept apologising.
‘Of course I’m angry with you,’ he bit out. ‘I’m angry with you for falling asleep and letting me find you all curled up, with your hair across the cushions and your denim skirt up around your thighs. Looking like Sleeping Beauty waiting for your prince to wake you with a kiss.’
‘But I—’
‘You made me want to do that, Glory. You made me want to kiss you and more. And yes, that made me angry. Because I wasn’t going to touch you. Yet all I can think about right now is whether you still want your virginity.’ His voice had deepened into a growl and he let it. ‘Because if not, I’m quite happy to take it from you right here and now.’
Her eyes went very wide, her mouth opening. Her hands stilled and a tide of colour crept up her neck and over her cheeks, contrasting beautifully with the white of her T-shirt.
‘You are?’ Her voice had gone hoarse. ‘Why? I’m not beautiful. I’m not special. I’m ordinary, remember?’
‘I told you that I was wrong about that. And as to why, I don’t know. What I do know is that I want you,mikri alepou, because you told me that I didn’t have to pretend.’ He paused, staring into those beautiful eyes of hers. ‘So, I’m not pretending.’
Something shifted in her gaze and her mouth closed, her chin suddenly getting a determined slant to it.
She put her napkin down, pushed back her chair and rose to her feet. Then she moved around the table, coming closer to him.
He waited, anticipation tightening inside him, joining his hunger to create something thick and hot. This was a very bad idea and he knew it. He couldn’t afford to indulge himself with someone like her, not when she was part of his mission. And certainly not when all he had to offer was a night of pleasure and nothing more.
Glory stopped beside his chair and looked down at him. She smelled of soap and a sweet, musky scent that was all her. It made his mouth water. He wanted to position her between his thighs and make her stand there as he ran his hands up her legs and over the curve of her bottom. Watch that hungry look turn to flame in her eyes and know that it was him she wanted. Really him.
