Page 11 of Ivory Obsession
That was an inside thought that somehow managed to become an outside thought. This fucking wine was going to be the death of me.
His expression didn’t falter, but something flickered in his eyes—a shadow of something unreadable. “Well, if it makes you feel better, I can tell you I’m not your mysterious benefactor. But I’m not opposed to investing in science, especially when it’s led by someone as passionate as you.”
“Your word,” I echoed, skepticism lacing my tone. “That’s supposed to be enough for me?”
He leaned in, a half-smile playing on his lips. “It has to be, doesn’t it? Because right now, that’s all I have to give you.”
Okay, maybe it wasn’t the wine. Maybe this man was going to be the death of me.
I felt the pull of the party’s laughter and music beckoning me from beyond the tinted windows of the car park. I was there to do something for my job, not flirt with this tall, gorgeous stranger. “I should go back.”
“Or,” he said, a new edge to his voice, “we could forget the party for a while.” His eyes held mine, unwavering, as if challenging me to deny the chemistry crackling between us.
Before I could protest, his hands found their way to my waist, pulling me against him with a sureness that left no room for doubt. His lips met mine, and I was caught—part of me still fighting to maintain control, the other sinking into the heady sensation of being wanted.
God, he was an incredible kisser–his lips soft and warm and insistent. The taste of him was intoxicating, spicy and bold, like a red wine that was too expensive for my palate yet too delicious to resist. I tried to remind myself that this wasn’t a good idea, to pull away, but it was as if my body had forgotten how to function.
His fingers tightened on my waist, a silent plea that made my heart hammer against my chest. I told myself again, pull away but the more insistent part of me begged stay. The heat in his eyes was addictive, a flame that threatened to burn me yet drew me like a moth.
“Come back to my place,” he whispered against my mouth when he pulled away. My breath hitched, caught between the wild drumming of my heart and the rational part of my brain shrieking in protest. I had to pull away, I was playing with fire. I didn’t have one-night-stands, particularly not with men who had a direct hand in the future of my work.
But he was so sexy.
“I...” My voice was a bare whisper, my eyes locked with his dark gaze that promised sin and salvation in equal measures.
“Say yes, Jade.” His voice was rich and tempting, filling me with anticipation that sent shivers coursing through my body.
For a moment, I faltered, hesitant. This wasn’t me. I wasn’t the type to throw caution to the wind or get involved with a man like Dante Moretti .
And yet... as his thumb traced light circles over my hip bone, sending sparks of heat spiraling into my core, I found myself surrendering to this man’s allure.
“Okay,” I agreed, almost breathlessly. His smirk widened as he pulled me even closer until there were no spaces left between us.
“Good girl,” he murmured against my lips again. “Don’t worry. You’re going to love it.”
I smiled against his mouth, any reservations I had melting away with his touch.
Fuck it, I decided. Ellie was right. I needed to get laid. And this man was beyond out of my league, so…what was the worst that could happen?
Chapter Six: Dante
Jade was nervous, but I was somehow…even more nervous than she was.
It was surprising, I had taken a lot of women back to my place. Not one of them had ever made me doubt myself the way Dr. Jade Brantley had.
But when we got to my apartment building, she didn’t hesitate.
“Lead the way,” she said.
“The elevator opens to my apartment,” I said, sliding my key into the slot. “Top floor.”
“Fancy,” she replied, her gaze lingering on the sleek, mirrored interior. “I bet you have a doorman.”
I smirked. “I mean, who doesn’t have a doorman?”
She shook her head. “Right. Fucking plebs.”
I laughed. “Hey, that’s not what I meant.”