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I was beginning to doubt the claim given the heat resonating throughout my body.
“That’s better. Perhaps you’re trainable.” He said the words casually, as if he already had me pegged. “Technically, I’m a master, but I’ll allow you to call me sir given we’ve just met.”
Trainable? Was he kidding me? And what was he the master of? There was a fire in his eyes as they pierced mine, the simple gesture making me even more uncomfortable. I struggled but managed to break the electric connection, perusing his beautiful office. I don’t know what I’d expected but the space was anything but stark and cold.
My eyes were drawn almost immediately to the swords hung on a dark crimson accent wall. I found myself walking closer, curious as to why he owned them. They were beautifully crafted pieces of art, ornate in detail, some more vivid in splashes of color than others.
I wasn’t certain whether they were meant to terrify those who were summoned to his office or to give people the understanding that he was a dangerous man.
“Samurai swords,” he said in a softer tone than before, suddenly appearing behind me. A lump formed in my throat, his voice tickling my senses.
“The Samurai were the military nobility of Japan, the Katana their weapon of choice.”
“I’m surprised you’re familiar.” He flanked my side, standing a little too close for comfort.
“Why, because I’m a woman?” I found myself incapable of looking anywhere else but at his chiseled face.
He shook his head. “No, because it’s an ancient form of combat. While widely revered, it is often misunderstood.”
“It’s very sad the Samurai don’t exist today. It’s illegal to carry swords in Japan.”
“You are a fascinating woman, which is a welcome surprise.”
“Fascinating is often a word used when vocabulary fails.” When I reached my hand to touch one, he snapped his fingers around my wrist.
“Be careful. They are very sharp. You are not allowed to touch anything in this office without my permission.”
His touch was exactly as it had been before, my blood pumping from the rush of excitement, heat building in every muscle and cell. I wanted to jerk my arm away, but his hold was too tight. I found myself more than willing to comply. What kind of power did this man have over me? “I suppose you know how to use them safely.”
“Yes, I do, as insisted by my father. But that’s not the reason you demanded to be in my presence.”
He had a way of stating things that made them seem dirty. I tipped my head, studying his eyes. I could see why women so easily fell into his web. He wasn’t just gorgeous, the combination of rough around the edges while holding an air of complete sophistication far too tempting.
“You are correct, and I’m certain you’re not used to being told what to do.”
“That’s something I don’t need to worry about any longer. I am in charge.”
Why did the words tickle my skin from apprehension spiced with excitement?
While he released my arm, he remained close, everything about the man oppressive.
No, that wasn’t the correct word.
Possessive.
I backed away on purpose yet found it impossible to drag my eyes away from him. “Is it true your family is involved with the mafia?”
His eyes opened wide, amusement crossing his handsome face. “Once upon a time, my ancestors ruled Scotland using whatever method they deemed necessary. But we’re no longer in the stone ages, Lark. Is that why you were determined to see me tonight?”
“I’d like a tour of the club and I’m not talking about Blackout.”
He chuckled as if I was joking. “Not possible.”
“You don’t provide prospective members with an advance preview of what they’re paying for?”
The way he crowded my space left my mouth dry. “Are you suggesting you’d like to fill out an application?”
“Perhaps, but only after seeing and experiencing what you have to offer.”
