SILENT DESIRES

She put her hand out. “Thank you for an interesting evening. The food was wonderful and you could charge admission on the view from your terrace.” She said,

She said nothing about the company and he felt the urge to smile at her spirit in spite of his anger.

He took her hand, but instead of shaking it, used it to pull her into his body, so he could walk her inside. “I will take you to your room.”

Her small body was stiff in his hold. “I won’t argue because it won’t do me any good to tell you I would rather walk alone.” She said,

His lips twisted wryly. “You have said it.”

“And it didn’t do me any good.”

“I would be a poor escort if I did not see you to your door.” he said.

“Cro-Magnon man has nothing on you for primitive.” Tess replied.

“Good manners are the mark of civilization, not the lack of it.”

Her response to that was a disdainful sound that could only be described as a snort. He ignored that and led her into the elevator, not displeased by the lack of other guests in the small space. He had indicated to his security that he should wait outside, so no one was with them to witness her obvious irritation. She was staying on the fourth floor and the ride up in the elevator was charged with silence.

As the doors slid open, he asked, “Which room?”

“Four-twenty-two.” She pointed the way with a flick of her hand.

As they walked to her door, he noticed another one further along the hall opening. Blond hair above glowering masculine features identified the spying neighbor as David. Tess might not accept his possession, but he was determined that David would recognize the fact of it.

He pulled her to a stop just inside the door and turned her to face him.

“Good night,” she said in an obvious attempt at dismissal.

“Good night,” he replied as his head lowered toward hers.

He watched as her eyes widened and her mouth opened to protest, but his lips prevented the words from expelling. Taking advantage of her open mouth, he slid his tongue inside to taste the sweetness he had quickly learned to crave.

She blinked, her green eyes darkening even as she tried to push away from him. He moved his hands down her back, pressing one against her ribs and using the other to cup her behind. Her eyes went unfocused and then slid shut as she surrendered to his touch. He kissed her with the intent of claiming her body even if her mind denied the truth of his possession.

He kissed her until he heard a distinct curse and a slamming door. He kissed her until her body was totally pliant against him and her mouth moved in innocent arousal against his own.

He was tempted to push her back two feet, shut the door and make love to her until she agreed to marry him. He sensed, though, that she would be ashamed afterward, that it would hurt her to be won by such means.

He did not want to hurt her. She was not part of her father’s scheme. He was sure of it now. He was almost sorry about his plan to divorce her in the future, but he had no choice. It had to be done for him to get what he wanted.

But he would treat her right. He would would treat her with the respect she deserved.

It was harder than anything he had done since burying his father, but he gently disengaged their bodies and set her away from him.

Her eyes opened. “What…” she began.

He smiled and touched her lips with his forefinger. “You belong to me. Your body knows it and soon your mind will accept it as well.” he said.

“What about my heart?” she whispered, her expression dazed.

“It is only right for a woman to love her husband.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Husband?” she repeated.

Now would be a good time for a strategic withdrawal. “Yes. Husband. Think about it, Tess.” he said.

He waited to hear the bolt slide home before he left.

As he walked by the door that had opened earlier, he thought a few words with David would not go amiss.

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Think about it, Tess thought.

She shoved her suitcase closed and zipped it shut with undue force.

The fiend.

That was all she’d been doing since last night.

He’d kissed her until her hard-won composure had melted in the heat of their mutual desire. Then he’d pushed her away and left, but not before making the disturbing announcement he intended to marry her.

Well, he hadn’t actually said that. He’d said a wife should love her husband, but they’d been talking about him and her, so didn’t it follow he meant he was thinking of her as his wife?

Only what if he hadn’t? What if she was reading all sorts of things into a comment he’d meant in jest. He’d admitted at her father’s party that his jokes didn’t always come off right.

But she could have sworn he wasn’t joking. What if he had meant it? What if Dash Black became her husband? The mind boggled. Could she survive marriage to such a devastating man? She’d decided to stop living in the shadows, but she hadn’t considered a move so close to the burning power of the sun.

What was that saying about being careful what you wished for? She’d been dreaming of Dash for the past three years, but she had never considered those dreams could become a reality. They had been safe, a way for her to allay her loneliness. Dash Black in the flesh was not safe, as he’d proven each time he had kissed her.

She lost her soul when they kissed. Or found it. Either way, they terrified her -these feelings he could evoke.

He was so arrogant and possessive. Look how he had reacted to David just holding her hand. While she was a modern, if slightly introverted, woman. How could a marriage between them work?

She knew the answer. It wouldn’t work.

She was too independent to accept the long-established role of his wife. He was too bossy not to interfere in her life in ways that would no doubt infuriate her.

It was crazy.