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“You’re coming with me, my beautiful Aphrodite. And I won’t take no for an answer.”
CHAPTER8
Cruz
Reckless.
That’s what I could call my behavior, but my needs outweighed all rational thoughts. Every second I was with her, my usual anger was blocked from my mind. The hunger I felt deep inside was boiling, refusing to be denied. As I took her hand, drinking in her exotic perfume, my balls tightened. Eden kept her head lifted, her eyes imploring as she searched for even a hint regarding my intentions.
Or maybe she was searching to determine if I was a good man.
She’d soon learn otherwise, but for tonight the fantasy would remain, our real identities shoved aside. I wrapped my fingers around hers. At first, she tried to pull away. Then when I gave her a stern look, she took a deep breath and nodded, giving me her okay to lead her into a night filled with filth and sin.
I guided her through the crowd, nodding toward Jameson. He’d insisted he remain by my side, his instincts telling me that Rodriguez would make a retaliation attempt. While I normally didn’t entertain a bodyguard, given he was the only soldier I’d brought with me to New Orleans, I’d accepted the gesture.
He would prove useful in driving tonight, providing me with an opportunity to spend some time alone with my prized possession. Tonight was all about cementing our connection, leaving her tingling for more. The thought of breaking down her defenses remained appealing. First, I would take her innocence.
Then I would claim the rest.
I allowed myself to envision announcing our upcoming nuptials. Perhaps I’d send an engraved invitation to Devon myself. Even better, I’d hand deliver it. The thought brought me amusement.
“Tell your girlfriends you’re coming with me.” My command was clear. As I led her to the table where her friends were waiting, I noticed their wide eyes, their reactions more of curiosity than concern.
Eden threw another heated look in my direction, pursing her lips as she debated following my order. I allowed her to pull away, approaching the table while I remained in the shadows. Watching her was a feast for the senses, but my needs required more.
“I’m leaving with Zorro,” she said casually, as if we’d known each other for some time.
“You don’t know him,” one of the girls told her.
“I know enough,” Eden insisted. “Stop worrying, Amber. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.”
Another woman approached her, taking Eden’s hand, offering her thoughts in a low enough voice I couldn’t tell what she was saying. But the girl’s eyes remained on mine, a mixture of excitement and disdain her focus.
Eden backed away, providing a slight smile before turning toward me. There was some apprehension in her look but the excitement outweighed everything else by far.
She walked in front of me, heading toward the door. I kept my hand pressed against the small of her back, my cock twitching the entire time. Jameson was already standing just outside, giving me a single nod as he led us toward the awaiting SUV.
I scanned the streets, ensuring we weren’t being watched before opening the rear passenger door, helping her inside. While she didn’t fight me, I could tell she had several questions waiting to be asked on the tip of her tongue. Only when Jameson started the engine did she turn toward me. I leaned in, basking in her aura.
“What did your friend say to you?” I asked.
Her hesitation was only for a few seconds. “That I should kick you in the balls if you tried to hurt me.”
Her comment made me laugh. “By all means do that if you find it necessary.” I scanned the street as I walked around to the other side. Just before I eased inside, I had the distinct feeling we were being watched. Would Rodriguez be so stupid as to have me followed? Perhaps I’d need to have a few additional words with the man. Breathing down my neck wasn’t in his best interest. I eased onto the soft leather, angry the asshole would try to intimidate me.
“You’re an interesting man and you do have a bodyguard. Who are you, Zorro? I mean the real man hiding behind the mask?” she asked, the defiance she’d used the night before returning. “Or are you afraid that I won’t like the reality of who you are?”
“Does it matter?”
The lilt of her laugh drew at my hunger. “Yes. You’re either some famous star I don’t recognize or a man with a dubious life. I envision you as a man with a dark past, the reason you’re hiding from everyone, including yourself. So, which is it? Are you a good man or evil?”
She had no idea how close she was to the truth.
“I’m not a star, Eden. Just a man who enjoys beautiful things.”
“Just a man who refuses to tell me anything about himself. How did you learn my real name?”
I laughed. “The senator does enjoy boasting.”
