Page 46 of Delicious Surrender
“What if I pay you to answer them?”
“That isn’t appropriate or allowed.” As far as she remembered, that wasn’t in the rulebook, but it sounded legit.
His head tilted to one side, and he looked her over. “I will conceal it in your tip, so no one will have to know.”
She pinched the bridge of her nose. “I don’t think that’s agood idea. Are you trying to make me uncomfortable?”
A rumble came from his throat. “Da.” He chuckled wickedly. “I’d like that. In fact, I can think of manyuncomfortablepositions for you, Kiska.” The tone of his voice deepened. “I’ve imagined tying your beautiful body to my bed, spreading you open to be smacked and licked and fucked within an inch of your life.”
Brynne shivered. If she heard those words from a different man, one she trusted, they would be music to her ears. But from Dimitri, they were just unnerving. “Mr. Ivanov, I am sorry, but I am not interested. I’m happy in my relationship.”
“It’s a pity you are afraid of what we could have together. I could fulfill your dark fantasies—in a way that I am sure yourmistresscannot.”
“My mistress knows what I need. Now, please, if you’re finished, I’ll take these plates.”
“You can run, little kitten, but I see the pulse hammering at your throat, and the way your eyes have gone dark.”
“Curiosity won’t kill this cat,” she fumed.
He laughed. “I knew you were curious. At least you admit that.”
He was hoping she would lose her cool and give them another reason to punish her. After a few calming breaths, she went back with the dessert menus. He motioned for her to top up his glass by pointing his finger imperiously at the carafe. He was watching her for a reaction, but she remained calm and managed the task without dumping the wine over his head.
“We have a wonderful tiramisu tonight. Would you or yourfriendlike to try that?” she asked sweetly.
He sat back and his eyes burned with impatience. “Nyet. I only want one thing for dessert, but you are denying me that.”
She looked down at the floor demurely. “Sorry to disappoint you.”
“If only I believed you meant that, Pchelka.”
“What does that word mean?” she asked, trying to ease his darkening mood.
“It meanslittle bee—because you sting me with your words.” He handed her the menu and poured the last of the wine into his glass. “I’ve had enough of this game; I’ll take the check now.”
“Of course.” She expelled the breath she had been holding and scurried to the bar to close out the order and print the check.
Ten minutes later, he was gone. He paid with a black American Express and left her a £1,500 tip. She should be thrilled, except it felt like dirty money.
Bettie was happy to stay and close so Brynne could head out. She returned from her break with a message from Gage, and Brynne rolled her eyes. Sparring with him was the last thing she needed.
She changed into her street clothes before going to his office. That should give him a clue that she was in a hurry. The door was ajar, and she poked her head in. What a stroke of luck—he wasn’t there! She backed up to leave and collided with a tall, warm brick wall.
“Going somewhere, Red?”
“I was looking for you. But you, uh, weren’t there.”
Up went the eyebrows, and her cheeks heated.
“Please…” He pointed to his office and her shoulders drooped in defeat as she preceded him into the room. “Have a seat. We have a conversation to finish.”
Brynne sat in one of the club chairs and stared at her hands.
Gage made a sound between a growl and a bark to get her attention. He was holding a drink out to her.
“Hendricks and tonic is your chosen poison, if I recall?”
Brynne nodded and took the drink from him, her eyes wide. She watched him fold his tall, lean frame onto the couch.