declaration was a powerful aphrodisiac. It even boosted her ego, but this was physical, and she wasn’t sure she could separate sex and emotions. Eventually, emotions always got in the way.
She took a shaky breath. “You don’t know anything about me.”
“Don’t I?” His eyes held a challenge. “I know what matters.”
She stepped away from his touch. She couldn’t think while he was stroking her jaw in a way that seemed both gentle and possessive. “Like what?”
He dropped his hand. “I know you’ll like it in my bed, because making love is like flying. You want it hot and wild. You want someone else to take control. Come to bed with me, Katherine. Surrender that control you want to let go so badly.”
Her breasts hardened painfully. No man had ever been so direct with her regarding his sexual intentions. She was pulled between her body’s desire and her heart urging her to run.
“I’m not asking for your life,” he said, his voice patient even if the set of his shoulders was rigid with tension. “Give me thirty days. In return, I promise you unequalled pleasure.”
Did she hear right? “You want to have sex with me for a month?”
“Just a month, and then I’ll set you free.”
A tremor ran over her body at the thought of his hands on her skin.
“When we’re together, you’ll be mine in every sense of the word.” He smoothed his palms over her arms. “We need to talk about rules.”
“What rules?”
“For the duration of our agreement, starting today, you stay here with me. Since our time is limited, I want you by my side day and night. You can work from here. I’ll bring in anything you need. I won’t keep you from your studies. On the contrary, you’ll have unlimited access to the library and my resources.” He paused, giving her time for his words to sink in. “I expect your exclusivity.” He grasped her chin. “I won’t tolerate another man’s hands on you or your touch on another man. Is that clear?”
She nodded in his grip, and by doing so, realized with shock that she was making it seem as if she not only agreed to his proposal, but also to his rules. She tried to pull back, but this time he held fast.
“I like to fuck, so I’ll take you often, but I won’t do so if it’ll harm you in any physical way. All I ask, is that you don’t deny me unnecessarily.” He brushed his thumb over her lower lip. “I’ll provide you with medical reports dated yesterday, stating that I don’t have any sexually transmittable diseases.”
The clinical statement pulled her back to reality and somewhat cooled the heat that surged through her. “I can’t do it.”
“Why not? You want me, and don’t try to deny it.” She opened her mouth, but he didn’t give her time to make a snappy remark. “You’re not in a relationship. What’s there to lose?”
Her heart. But she wasn’t going to admit to her fear of her emotions.
At her prolonged silence, he said, “Don’t make this a battle of wills. I already know you’re a strong woman. You don’t have to prove it to me. You can fight me, but I’d hate to have to break your will.”
All of what he said was true. She wanted him. She was resisting, not wanting to get burned, but he could break her will. It wouldn’t take much. Surely, she could handle thirty days. It took her longer to fall in love with Mac. They’d been dating for at least six months and sleeping together for three before she fell deeply and madly for him. A month couldn’t leave such a bad mark.
“I’ve never done this before,” she said, her voice barely audible.
He smiled. “Neither have I.”
His statement surprised her. It pleased her, knowing she’d be the first. Her skin was on fire and her body throbbing with need. Still, her mind warned her to practice caution.
“Lann, this is crazy.”
“You’re a passionate woman, Katherine. Don’t be frightened to take what you want.”
Could she? Wasn’t this her fantasy? Already she felt her resistance sliding as practical questions started taking over in her mind. “So, if I agree to your proposal, you’ll need me to have tests done?”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ve already seen your medical records.”
Nothing Lann said should have still shocked her, but it did.
He released her. “Any questions?”
Was she seriously going to have a relationship with Lann Dréan, the most evasive man on the continent, maybe in the