like a prostitute minus the money part of the deal.
“Pretty much yes.”
I peek at him from underneath my lashes. “Do you even remember their names?”
“Why should I?”
A wave of disappointment takes over and my mood dampens. I didn’t expect anything out of this, but I never thought I would be such an insignificant stop.
I’ve given him what I haven’t given anyone before. Hell. He showed me I had parts I didn’t even know existed. I hate that they mean nothing to him. I hate that he showed this to a thousand before me and will show them to a million after me.
“After all,” he continues in a slightly biting tone. “You don’t remember the names of all the men you did something like this with.”
My temper flares. You know what? Screw him. I had enough adventure to last me for a lifetime. It’s better if I save myself from him now before he touches a deeper layer and shreds me to pieces in full sociopath fashion.
I cross my arms. “Yes, I do remember the names of all the men I slept with and they happen to be one.” I stand. “I was thinking of making them two today, but it’s not worth it.”
With as much level-headed voice as I can muster, I throw the napkin on the tray. “Bonne journée.”
My cool retreat isn’t cool anymore when I remember that my clothes are in the lounge area. Well, good. I don’t want to change in front of him.
I square my shoulders and walk to the door of the bedroom.
Fait demi-tour. Fait demi-tour…
The demon on my shoulder chants. Everything in me is craving to go back and live this moment to its fullest, but my pride forbids me.
Pain and disappointment drop my stomach when Dominic doesn’t even call after me.
I reach the door. The moment I open it, a palm slams it shut. Warmth radiates down my back as a deep, dark voice hisses near my ear. “Where the fuck do you think you’re going?”
Chapter Ten
The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. My body is almost melting back into Dominic’s hard – and very naked – chest.
Hell. He’s all naked.
I try not to think about that as I speak in a clear tone. “I’m leaving.”
“No. You’re not.” He grits out with a hint of irritation – or frustration?
Although every part of me is itching to scream Bordel and just stay, I don’t. This has to do with my self-worth. I might want an adventure, but I won’t be a forgettable name.
My parents didn’t raise me like that. Papa always taught me to respect myself. If I don’t, no one will.
I keep facing the closed door. “Yes, I am. You can’t make me stay.”
Dominic clutches my shoulders and although he’s touching me over the robe, my skin tingles. He whirls me around. My back hits the door as I face him.
A mischievous gleam sparks in the depth of his dark eyes. “Maybe I can.”
“Sorry to blow your endless ego, but no.” I’m thankful my tone is calm. “I’m sure you will recover with the next nameless woman.”
“You’re not nameless, Camille.” He enunciates my name as if proving a point. “You’re so fucking challenging and the attitude is grating at me. Hell. I should let you go.”
“Then do it.” I fight the hurt trying to slip through.
“I can’t.” He blows a breath as if he doesn’t want to admit it. “I fucking can’t. I want more from you.” His fingers trace my jaw. “I have this need to break you and watch you come apart, knowing that deep down you want this.” He stares at me with something I can’t fathom. Awe? “You like the darkness I offer and fuck me if I will let that go.”
Something crumbles inside me. I don’t know if it’s the last wall of resistance or the sheer reaction I have for this man. Ever since I first saw him, he hit something in me. The more he touches me, the more I feel myself disintegrating.
It’s like I’m losing myself to him and enjoying every second of it.
“You have the other women.” I pretend to be nonchalant.
“The other women run away once I give them a way out.” He traces a sensual finger down my cheeks, tone amused. “They certainly don’t pass out on me.”
I swallow as a tint of heat smothers my cheeks. I’m not sure why he sounds so proud of that particular moment. Is it because he likes that I take whatever