lion’s mouth, and I can’t help but wonder if this man is my horse or my lion.
His cough interrupts my thoughts. “Oh, cherie, I fear you may have been right. I feel…”
I quickly lean forward, suddenly panicked. “Oh shit, really?”
A deep, husky laugh expels from his lips. “I tease. The only thing that has me out of sorts is the beautiful woman across from me.”
Yep. He’s definitely the lion.
“Please join me. Let me bask in your enticing presence.”
Okay. Maybe he’s the horse.
I bring the glass to my lips, our gaze never breaking, and take a sip. The sweet liquor is a pleasant surprise on my taste buds, the bubbles tickling my tongue. A subtle moan filters up my throat, but I’m not sure if it’s from the delicious cocktail or the way Macareus is watching me. His intense stare has this overwhelming power over me. He’s seated across the table, but again I sense his hands on me. Fingers gripping into my thighs. Heat against my neck. Teeth grazing my flesh—
“How are you…it’s impossible. You’re—”
“You say we’ve never met before. But why are my palms etched with every curve and dimple of your body?”
“I—I don’t know.”
“Maybe we were star-crossed lovers in another life and we’re finally coming back to one another to rekindle the forbidden love we once had.”
“You’re crazy. That would be crazy.”
“But not completely unprecedented.”
He’s lost his mind. Clearly both of our drinks must have been spiked. But then explain why you still feel the heat of his touch against your thighs. Because I’ve gone mad. Completely freakin’ bonkers. “Listen, I can’t explain what’s happening, and quite frankly, it’s starting to freak me out, so if you don’t stop looking at me like that, I’m going to get up and leave.” No, you’re not. Yes, I am. Nope. Not moving.
“Well, then we both agree…”
“That what?”
“You’re not going anywhere.” Gah! He needs to get out of my head! “I promise I will not lay a hand on you. But I cannot say the same for you.”
Hold up. “Wait, you think I’m gonna make a move on you?” Look calm. Look calm. Don’t fall for the trap of his curving lips. Plump. Super kissable. “What? I’m not. Why are you smiling like that?”
He keeps me on edge, stalling as he takes a sip of his drink. Lips. Adam’s apple. Sneak peek of his smooth, chiseled chest. I wonder if he would mind popping open another button of his dress shirt to appease my growing appetite.
“Shall we end this useless debate, or did you want to continue lying to yourself?”
Lying to myself sounds good. “There’s no debate. I’m not like that.”
“Like what?”
Good question. Because I am like that. I’m not saying I’m not adventurous. Hell, I had sex with James in a public bathroom within hours of meeting him. And I can’t say it was the first, second, or third time I’ve ever done something crazy like that. I did used to be spontaneous. Before he ruined that. “I don’t just meet someone and throw myself at them. I have respect for myself. I have morals.”
There’s no doubt in my mind he’s secretly calling me out on my bullshit. And let’s be honest, I wouldn’t be opposed if he challenged that theory and lured me into the bathroom to prove me wrong.
He’s yet to say anything more, and it’s making me anxious. I try to avoid his penetrating stare, finding myself chipping at my nail polish as if it’s the most fascinating thing in the world. When he finally speaks, his voice causes me to jolt in my chair.
“As you wish, cherie. But beware, this town has a sexual allure. People come here to embrace their unknown desires. Wide variety of play. But as you say, you have no interest. So I won’t press. It is up to you when you accept your hidden passions. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to use les toilettes.” He stands, humor in his eyes as he winks and turns, vanishing through another velvet draped door.
I, on the other hand, sit frozen in my seat, my mouth dragging along the floor. How does he keep doing that? Reading my mind? I haven’t taken my eyes off where he disappeared to. Is he expecting me to follow? Indulge in my wild fantasy of passionate sex with a mysterious god. Shit, is he hearing my thoughts right now? I take that back! I’m not that kind of girl!