Dangerously Tempted

Chapter 14: Ice

Odile

I had her exactly where I wanted her. Exactly where I needed her. My self-control was hanging by a thread; the urge to pull her close right there in the parking lot nearly overpowered me. But like I'd told her, I didn't like sharing. The sight of her, out of breath, her cheeks flushed under my touch—no one else should get to see her like that.

I know for sure I was speeding on the way home. Every minute felt like an eternity, my hands tightening on the wheel as anticipation thrummed in my chest. The second we got inside, I tossed the keys aside and pulled her right back to me, our bodies colliding with a barely-contained urgency.

"Oh—" Isabel gasped as I fumbled with the buttons of her blouse, my fingers grazing over the strands of Enzo's fur that still clung to the fabric. She started backing toward the stairs, tugging me along with her, but I had something else in mind.

"Wait one sec." I pulled back, ignoring her look of disbelief.

"What?" Her cheeks were flushed, eyes wide. "But—"

"Just one second. Go ahead upstairs," I told her, barely resisting the pull to stay wrapped around her. I spun toward the kitchen, glad that Duncan had left hours earlier. Moving quickly, I grabbed a glass and filled it with ice, a slow grin spreading across my face as I thought of how she'd react. This wasn't exactly original, no, but it would do. And besides, this was her "punishment" for that damn waiter.

I hated the memory of his lingering glances, and her hand on his arm, even if it was just a game. Watching it drove me mad, though I'd never admit I was jealous. Jealousy would imply I had even a sliver of doubt that she'd look at anyone else. She wouldn't. But that possessive streak? Oh, that was alive and well. She was mine.

Ice in hand, I took the stairs two at a time, not willing to wait another second. She was standing at the top, brows raised, lips curled in that knowing, playful smirk of hers.

"Change your mind?" she teased, voice sultry.

"Not a chance," I murmured, stepping toward her, the chill of the glass a sharp contrast to the heat simmering between us. Her eyes flickered to the cup, her intrigue unmistakable. I'd show her exactly how far my possessiveness could go.

"Come on then." I guided us into the room, my hand warm around hers as I led the way. Once inside, I turned the dimmer slowly, filling the room with a soft, ambient glow. Isabel's gaze flickered up, her breath catching as she felt the shift that the lighting brought—a new kind of intimacy settling between us, heavy and electric.

I moved to the bed and set the glass of ice down on the side table, letting the silence stretch for a moment. "I just want to get a few things straight." Isabel turned toward me, her eyes following my hands as I pulled my sweater up and over my head, leaving me in just my sports bra and pants. Her gaze locked on my stomach, and I couldn't help but smirk at the effect.

"First," I tossed the sweater aside, stepping closer, "I don't get jealous." With a swift tug, I took hold of her half-unbuttoned blouse, pulling her to me. Her breath hitched as I finished the buttons, letting the fabric slip open, framing her like a painting. She shrugged the blouse off, revealing her bare smooth skin beneath.

"Second," I murmured, lowering myself to my knees, my fingertips tracing a slow, deliberate path down her waist to the waistband of her skirt. I tugged it down with excruciating slowness, savoring every breath she drew in and the way her eyes darkened, a smoldering look that mirrored my own hunger. "You're mine, Isabel. Not some random waiter's who can't keep his eyes to himself."

I pressed a lingering kiss to her thigh, feeling her shiver beneath my lips, the pulse of tension between us making every inch of space unbearable. I let the warmth of my breath linger on her skin before looking up, taking in the sight of her—breathless, vulnerable, utterly captivating.