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I was uneasy around him, but not out of discomfort. Out of need. Filthy, unbridled need.
I forced myself to look away, taking a deep breath in order to break the hypnotizing effect.
“Absolutely. But as I’ve told you last night. I’m many things, some of which you don’t want to learn.”
“We’ve already established that you’re arrogant, opinionated, and full of yourself. You believe you’re superior to everyone else in the room, no matter the situation. You refuse to take no for an answer given you’ve never had to before.”
When he lifted a single eyebrow, I was certain he would burst into laughter. “My. My. You’ve established that in such a short period of time. I’ll remember to wear my mask a little longer next time.”
When he took a step closer, I took one away. My involuntary reaction was met with surprise then a single second’s worth of delight crossed his face. I couldn’t ascertain why at this point.
He seemed amused instead of being irritated. “While most of your observations are correct, I am a businessman, mostly in real estate development.”
“Should I believe you?”
“That’s entirely up to you.”
“Why did you come to the event?” I asked, curious as to how he’d answer or if he would tell me the truth.
“Isn’t that obvious?”
“No.” I stood my ground, cocking my hip as I stared at him. I hadn’t noticed that in certain light, his eyes appeared a deep violet, similar to the pansies my mother had always planted in the fall. It was my favorite color, which was utterly ridiculous to think about at this point.
He took a single stride in my direction and the way he looked at me was entirely different than the night before. “You are already aware I had deviant tastes.”
“I think that goes without saying. I gathered you were dominant.”
“Yes. You’re frightened of me.”
“I think you want me to be. Did you send me the roses?”
His smile seemed genuine, the look he gave me full of desire. “I wanted to show my appreciation to a beautiful woman.”
“You didn’t send a card.”
“I do enjoy the mystery. Don’t you?”
“Did you send me roses months ago?”
I backed away again, not from fear but because I wasn’t ready for him to shatter the illusion of what we’d shared, even if it wouldn’t happen again. When I hit the wall, I took a deep breath, watching as he advanced. I sensed he wasn’t going to answer my question.
He reached out, allowing the tip of a single finger to trail down the side of my face, his gaze following so slowly my heart was in suspended animation. “I’m a brutal man, Eden. Don’t mistake me for anything else, but I do have certain… needs.”
Was he asking my permission or confessing his sins?
There was a light rap on the door a split second before it was opened wide, the loud voices, both men and woman laughing filtered into the room. I blinked before shifting my gaze toward the door. Talon stood just inside, the cold look in his eyes no longer surprising.
“What is it?”
“One of my customers would like to take their painting with them tonight. Is that possible?” Talon’s eyes drifted to the painting, his expression cold.
I took a deep breath. The last thing I’d wanted was to package one of the paintings tonight. “Sure. Okay. But there’s going to be a wait.” Cruz’s eyes remained locked on mine for a few seconds.
Then he turned around, facing Talon.
I had another surprise when I managed to notice the change in Talon’s expression through the gawdy makeup he’d chosen to wear. “Not a problem.” He backed away, instantly closing the door.
A sudden awkward tension filled the room.
