My knees nearly buckled in relief, and how ridiculous was that? This man affected me on such a deep level that my emotions, which I’d promised to tuck safely away, were already engaged. It made no sense. And it frightened me beyond reason.
So I kept pushing, hoping with answers would come clarity. “But there was someone once. Another woman. A stray that your brother mentioned.”
A muscle ticked in his cheek. “I’m a man of few words, and you’ve exhausted those tonight.” His hand slid from my chin to cup my jaw. “I will say it’s in the past.”
“Good enough.”
A smile teased his mouth.
“For now,” I added, lest he think I gave up easily.
A low growl emanated from inside him. Next thing I knew, he lifted me into his arms and carried me out of the kitchen, through the entryway, and toward the two bedrooms in the back of the apartment.
“Gabe, wait!”
He paused at the end of the long hall. “This is the only time you get a choice,” he said, his voice gruff.
My answer depended on which door he carried me through, but I couldn’t give voice to the question, which would only reveal a need for more than sex, one that, though I’d alluded to it, I didn’t want him to see so blatantly on display.
“Time’s up,” he said and kicked open his bedroom door.
* * *
Isabelle: Behind the Chosen Door
Gabe slid me down the length of his body, and I responded with liquid heat to every hard inch I touched.
A soft moan reverberated around us, and I was shocked to realize it had come from me.
“Clothes off,” Gabe said, sounding like a man very much in control.
My eyes opened wide at the command.
I was curvier than the women he dated, had compared myself more than once at the country club, yet I followed his instruction to the letter, pulling on the drawstring, releasing the sweatpants so they pooled at my feet. I shook them off. Tee shirt came next, up, over my head, and onto the floor.
His stormy gaze never wavered, merely darkened as I stood before him in that tiny thong and my one and only bra. At least it was lace, I thought, trying hard not to duck my head in mortification, my hands itching to cover myself. Somehow I knew he wouldn’t allow it, and I kept my arms at my sides.
“Everything, Iz.” He folded his arms across his broad chest.
I noted he was still dressed, yet again, I did as he commanded, never once thinking not to listen. Warning bells sounded in the back of my brain, a place that should have been front and center but was somehow very far away.
The panties, I slipped off quickly. The bra, that wasn’t so easy. I’d always been self-conscious of my br**sts, too big for the rest of my body, except my generous hips and ass, another sore subject for me. Over time, Lance hadn’t been complimentary, and it was only now that I understood why. By making me feel like nobody else would want me, he’d kept me with him far longer than I should have been.
Braver now, my hands went for the back hook on my bra, releasing the clasp and letting the garment fall to the floor.
“Eyes open.” His voice sounded like a clap of thunder, sharp and booming.
I hadn’t realized I’d closed them and forced myself to meet his gaze. Approval and heat—so much heat—lit up his handsome face. There was no doubt that this man wanted me. Every rounded, curvy inch. Liquid trickled from my thighs, and I had no doubt he noticed. He had to, and I wanted to die of embarrassment that his orders were making me this hot. Wet. So needy I wanted to rub myself against him like the kitten he called me.
“Good girl.”
The compliment rippled through me, cultivating a deeper yearning, more moisture.
He walked over, and the powerful scent of his cologne enveloped me like a safety net. I desperately longed for his touch but didn’t know how to ask.
He reached out and cupped my shoulder in a firm grip, and just like that, I settled. My muscles relaxed, and my head felt less heavy. A pleased smile curved his lips, telling me somehow he’d known what I needed and was happy I’d responded.
Confused and so very aroused, I blew out a long stream of air … and waited. For what, I didn’t know, but he seemed to be moving at his own pace, and I was content to allow him the privilege.