Maddie forced herself to meet his piercing gaze, telling herself she wouldn’t be intimidated by his imposing stature. “What do you want?”
An amused chuckle escaped him. “I believe we have unfinished business. I’ve come to collect.”
“Oh.” Maddie took a step back. The kiss. The Hellhound wanted the kiss. She didn’t know why, but she found herself anticipating it. What the hell’s wrong with me? And since when did that accent sound so sexy? Jean-Luc’s French accent wasn’t that thick. His deep, bass-baritone voice was pleasant to hear. His speech was cultured. But the faint dialect of his native tongue that lingered in every syllable when he spoke made him sound so seductive and exotic. She gulped hard, nervous. “Well.”
“Well?” he echoed in a mocking tone.
“Well, let’s get it over with.”
“Hmm,” he purred like a contented cat. “I almost think you’re actually looking forward to it.”
“Jerk.” Maddie shoved him.
Jean-Luc caught her wrists. “Getting violent, are we?” He yanked her closer, trapping her body between his solid bulk and the dining room table.
Maddie stifled her breath. His large hand swallowed hers and his body felt like a tower before her. She only came up to his chest and she wasn’t exactly a pixie. Her five-foot-seven stature was considered tall for humans. But the Hellhound was a large man.
Jean-Luc let go of one of her hands. He caressed her cheek gently, as if she were a fragile porcelain trinket. A glitter of electricity shimmered beneath her skin, and full blown lust swept over her. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t looking forward to that kiss.
“You’re so beautiful, chérie,” he whispered. “So beautiful, a man like me couldn’t help wanting to claim what shouldn’t be claimed.” He traced the outline of her lips with the tips of his fingers. “You and I aren’t supposed to be together. You’re a pretty thing and I’m—”
“—the walking dead.” She couldn’t help interject.
“I was once a human.”
“How did you become a Hellhound?”
“Redemption.”
“What did you do?”
“A curious cat, I see. I’ll tell you all when you become mine.”
“When.” Maddie snorted. “Kind of cocky of yourself, Mister. Is that all?”
“No, chérie. I promised that when I do collect my payment, I would want your complete surrender.”
“I have to start my shift in ten minutes. My boss is expecting me.”
“He can wait. I can’t. I’ve wanted this ever since I saw you outside Maison Plaisir. And I don’t want to be rushed when I’m enjoying my prize.”
“But—”
“No buts. I’ll claim what is meant to be mine.” Jean-Luc slid a hand on the small of her back and swept her off the floor. He glanced around. “I suppose that is your bedroom?”
Maddie squeaked out a protest. He ignored her and carried her to h
er bed. He deposited her in the middle of the mattress. Seconds later, the bed dipped and his body was on top of hers.
Maddie trembled. He’d said he wanted her complete surrender. His eyes locked on hers. They were blue. They had been blazing red when she’d first seen him outside Maison Plaisir, when he’d confronted her tormentors. An unmistakable hunger emanated from his eyes. A shiver of thrill coursed down her spine. Every fibre of her being hummed with anticipation.
Jean-Luc whispered her name as he settled his lips on hers. Her full name—the name she didn’t dare to divulge. She wanted to ask how he’d found out, but the moment his lips fully claimed hers, her train of thought evaporated like dew under the hot sun.
He slid his tongue into her mouth. He tasted rather spicy. She sighed as he deepened his kiss possessively—he kissed like he really meant it. Hot. Passionate. Demanding. Maddie unconsciously arched her back with every stroke of his tongue, grinding her pubis against his with the sheer desperation of wanting his heat in places other than her mouth. He made her ravenous, like no one had ever done before.
Jean-Luc showered her with more exploratory kisses and nips. Her heart pounded when he started kissing the side of her jaw and the hollow of her throat. He kissed so damn good, it made her want him to do much more. Her nipples ached for his touch. Her clit throbbed in antagonised pulses, wanting a little attention. But Jean-Luc did nothing other than caress her face. Maddie growled with impatience.
A triumphant smile blossomed on his face. “You like my kiss,” he remarked, stating the obvious.