The pounding music began to fade as they reached the second floor, a soothing hush wrapping around them as he headed toward the end of the hall.
“They’re for people who want to—”
Her words faltered as he halted in front of a door, then astonishingly, produced a slim key card so he could push it open.
“To what, princess?” he pressed as he stepped into the room, kicking the door closed behind him.
With a soft click, the lock slid into place, and something dark and utterly dangerous slid through her.
A need. A hunger that terrified her.
“Dammit,” she breathed. “I’m not in the mood for your condescending sense of humor.”
Slowly Liam lowered her to her feet, his fingers gently pushing her long hair from her face.
“You think I’m condescending?
She shivered, feeling oddly lightheaded.
It had to be from being carried around like a sack of potatoes, she told herself.
It couldn’t be because she was alone in a sex club with Liam Freaking Conner. Or that her ass still tingled from his touch…
“I’m well aware you think I’m a silly, worthless brat who was given her position because her father is Vigo Angeli,” she forced herself to rasp. “I’m just a joke to you.”
His eyes narrowed, his hand moving to cup her chin. “Don’t tell me what I think. You have no idea.”
She jerked free of his disturbing touch, turning to take a quick survey of the room.
Holy…shit.
She didn’t know what she’d expected, but it wasn’t this.
The room looked amazingly normal with an opulent crimson and gold décor that gave off a Chinese vibe. A four-poster bed dominated the center of the floor, and next to it was a large black lacquer cabinet that no doubt held all sorts of strange devices.
The only thing to indicate that this was anything but an upscale hotel room was the wooden X that was nailed to a wall. Padded handcuffs hung from a bar just above the polished boards, and beside it was a low shelf where half a dozen different whips were arranged.
Another dark thrill jolted through her, making her pussy wet and her nipples harden with an unwelcomed anticipation.
The knowledge pissed her off.
Dammit. She was furious she’d been hauled up here by a man who devoted his life to making her miserable.
Right?
“How did you get a key to this room?” she demanded.
He shrugged. “The usual way.”
Oh. She blinked. He’d reserved the room? Maybe even scheduled a partner who was looking for a meaningless hookup?
“Good god,” she said, refusing to examine why she felt so…disappointed. “You’re into this stuff?”
He prowled forward, looking indecently gorgeous in the muted light.
“I’m into pleasure.” His voice deepened to a low invitation that brushed over her skin, making her shiver. “However my partner prefers to experience it.”
“Yeah well, good luck with that,” she muttered, unconsciously backing away. Suddenly he seemed to fill the room with his raw, savage energy. “I have a cold margarita and a half-naked man waiting for me.”