Page 15 of Controlled

“Oh, come now. I’m certain you’re very talented.” I allowed a hint of defiance to slide into my voice, which seemed to amuse him.

“Perhaps in business, yes, but I’m not very creative. However, the Saint brothers are attempting to expand their horizons.”

Why did his name ring a strong bell? He was powerful. That was obvious. Rich? You bet. Where did I know him from?

When it dawned on me, I was floored by the fact he’d sought me out. I was also back to being concerned that he had.

The Creed Saint. He’d been in every Chicago newsletter and online magazine. I hadn’t paid close attention, but I knew enough to realize the man was as rich as he was dangerous. Sadly, I couldn’t remember the reasons why. I’d been in my little cocoon for so long that the outside world seemed untouchable. Still, I was nobody in comparison to a wealthy man who could have any woman on his arm.

“Bella Rothschild.” While he already knew my name, saying it out loud seemed the appropriate thing to do. Why did the man make me so nervous? I held out my hand for a polite handshake and he lifted a single eyebrow, the corners of his mouth turning up. While he took my hand into his, he brought it to his mouth, brushing his lips back and forth.

I wasn’t the kind of girl to swoon over any man. At least that was one decent thing my mother had taught me, but Creed was dangerously close to pushing every button I had, the longing increasing.

“You look very familiar. Have we met before?”

There was a strange glint in his eyes as he asked me the question. I had a feeling he recognized me from the club, maybe thinking I was easy. The thought alone infuriated me. “I don’t think so, Mr. Saint. I’m a good girl trying to make a better world for herself and nothing more. You’re a rich man with a fetish for control.”

“My goodness. You think you know me and we just met. However, oddly enough, you are correct. I came to ask you if you’d consider having a drink with me tonight.” He acted as if he didn’t want to let my hand go, finally doing so and adding a more mischievous grin.

The invitation shocked the hell out of me. I was flustered and floored at the same time, unable to say anything at first. I didn’t care if he was a famous person in the dark coils of the Chicago underground or in the upper echelon of society and highly respected. Neither precluded him from being a possible freak.

Or worse.

At least I didn’t need to come up with a plausible excuse. “I’m sorry, Mr. Saint. Tonight, I have a party for the ballet company I’m required to go to. It’s part of my contract with the ballet. We’re trying to raise money.”

I had a sense my answer made him angry. I was teetering on running away, but I stood my ground.

He took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds before letting it out. “Yes. Of course. Perhaps another time.”

“Maybe. Unfortunately, my schedule is very busy right now with the various performances and practices.”

“Yes. I understand. However, I’m not the kind of man who usually takes no for an answer. I will enjoy spending time with you, Bella. It’s rare to meet the one person you know is supposed to be in your life.” He stepped closer and instead of feeling crowded or overwhelmed, I was more electrified than ever. Since I was still in my leotard from the last performance, it was easy to tell my nipples were rock hard, the throbbing between my legs intensifying.

But the moment he lifted his arm, curling his fingers before rubbing them across my cheek, he set my entire body on fire. I was stunned by my body’s reaction, my heart racing as it had never done before.

Every aspect of the man screamed of power, his aristocratic features only part of what took my breath away. Why did I have the distinct feeling he was dominating, his earlier answer only the beginning of his need to possess a token of prey?

I was building a fantasy world like in a crazy romance novel, only in my mind a serial killer didn’t serve well for achieving a happily-ever-after. His touch was gentle, stroking me as he would a kitten he was holding in his lap. I almost found myself purring, which was as silly as my body’s immediate reaction.

As quickly as his tender touch from his hand had begun, it was removed, the absence of the rough pads of his fingers creating a hole in me. Wow. That was the only word I could think of for my reaction.

I purposely broke the mesmerizing moment, taking a deliberate step away. “Thank you for the flowers, Mr. Saint. I apologize but I need to get changed for the party.” I was thankful I’d found my voice and my usual defiance, breaking the obvious spell he had over me.

His heated look became even darker, much more possessive than before. “Until we meet again, sweet dancer, and please call me Creed, Bella. And I assure you that we will meet again. And when we do, it will just be the beginning. We’re going to become very close, you and I. Soon, I’ll make you a star.”

The hunger increased, the possessive need keeping me on a steep precipice.

With that he turned around, taking careful steps away, acting more regal than before. And for far too many reasons, I wanted to ask him what beginning he was talking about.

I’d been right.

He’d come for me.

And once I was captured, he would never let me go.

CHAPTER 6

Bella