I’m beginning to think maybe I’ve underestimated myself.
I sit across from Ryan, my black silk skirt hitched up a little at the side as I sip my mojito. Getting him to agree to meet me was easy. Filling him full of alcohol while I nurse the same drink for an hour was even easier.
Only half listening, I nod and giggle at his lame jokes as he openly eyes the cleavage peeking through my sleeveless cream-colored blouse. He’s sitting way too close to me, and every time his hand accidentally brushes my thigh my stomach lurches. I’ll do many things for a story, but sleeping with Ryan isn’t one of them. The guy just plain creeps me out. Not to mention what he’s done to Jaxon.
God, Jaxon. My skin prickles at the memory of his lips caressing my body. I’ve never met anyone like him. He’s so completely different from any other guy, yet I’m drawn to him. I trust him, yet I have no reason to. Being that open and vulnerable is not a feeling I’m used to.
“So, what do you say?”
I jump, my attention turning back to Ryan, who is leaning forward, his glazed expression a clue to how inebriated he is. He can barely balance on his seat.
“What?” I mumble. My stomach twists nervously. Why do I feel I’m not going to like where this is headed?
“I’ve booked a room if you want to join me.”
“And what would your wife say about that?” I snap before I can stop myself. His eyes narrow.
“That from the woman who tried to seduce my eighteen-year-old daughter?” he retorts. My face heats. He’s right. I’m really no better than he is. “If this isn’t why you asked me here, Charlotte, then why did you?”
“To talk,” I say. Even before I complete the statement I’m aware of how stupid it sounds. The only way I’m going to get to this guy is through his pants. Guys like Ryan don’t trust anyone. The idea of his pouring his heart out to me is ridiculous, and I’m stupid for thinking that might work.
No, the only way this is going to go down is if I play to his ego. Give him what he wants, then try to trip him up. Sighing, he stands up, muttering under his breath what I can only imagine are insults directed at me. I reach for his hand, catching him by surprise.
“Has anyone ever told you you’re a cock tease?” he growls, his eyes growing dark. He yanks my hand forcefully as I stand up, sending me tumbling into his arms. “Two things you need to know, Charlotte. I always win and I always win.” My heart pounds as I smile at him. This asshole is begging to be taught a lesson, and I’m aching to be the one to teach it to him.
“So, where is this room of yours?” I ask, raising my eyebrows. He smirks and leads me out of the bar and over to the elevators.
What are you doing, Char? This is going to end badly.
I ignore my inner voice and focus all my attention on Ryan. This isn’t even about the story anymore. My career, my safety—they’re the last things on my mind. This is about Ryan and making him pay.
We exit the elevator on the tenth floor and I follow to his room. Once inside, he removes his jacket. Tossing it over an armchair, he walks over to the small bar.
“Wine?”
Ryan holds up a bottle of white, waiting for me to answer. I nod. I need something to dull my nerves. I walk around the room, pretending I’m taking in the decor when all I’m really doing is trying to avoid standing still. If I’m not moving, I’ll start thinking, and if I start thinking, I’ll start panicking.
“I was surprised that you called me,” he admits, walking over to me. He hands me a glass, which I take with a smile and lift to my lips. “I’m even more surprised that you agreed to this.” He waves his hand around. My gaze falls on the bed and I feel sick. What have I agreed to? There’s no way I’m going to sleep with him, and as soon as he realizes that he’s going to be pissed. Pissed enough to take what he wants…I shudder, his words ringing in my head. “I always win…”
“Are you okay?” he asks, raising his eyebrows. “You’re looking a little green.”
“Too much alcohol,” I fib, not sure what else to say.
I tune out his voice as I try to wrap my head around what I’m about to do. How am I going to get out of this? He inches toward me, closing the gap between us. My heart pounds as his gaze travels over my body. His hand rises to the knot of his tie. I swallow hard, watching, as he loosens it and discards it on the floor. One by one, he undoes the buttons on his charcoal gray shirt. His mouth twists into a smirk, as if he’s imagining what he’s about to do to me.
Suddenly he’s in front of me, his arm curling around my narrow waist. My breath catches in my throat. He grins at me, his dark eyes burning into mine. Can he smell the fear inside me?
“Do you mind if I use your bathroom?” I ask, thinking quick. It’s only going to buy me a few minutes, but I’ll take what I can get and pray to God I come up with something. I smile at him, my lip catching on my teeth. His hand travels down my bare arm, leaving chills in its wake. I hold his gaze, giving him no reason to doubt me.
He pulls my body toward his until I can feel his excitement. A whimper escapes my lips as his hand locks around the back of my neck possessively. I close my eyes as he kisses the curve of my shoulder. His lips wander up my neck, his scent lingering on my skin.
“Go right ahead,” he murmurs, pulling away. “I’ll get us another drink.”
I move quickly across the soft, carpeted floor and into the safety of the bathroom, locking the door behind me. My heart pounds in my chest as I pace the small space. I feel dizzy, struggling to get enough air in my lungs.
I need an escape, but one that won’t drive him away. If I blow this, it’s over.
Then it hits me. I grin, my eyes locking on my ticket out of this mess. I reach into the shower, turn the hot water on full blast, and wait anxiously as steam fills the bathroom. Please fucking work.