He caught a glimpse of her in the window. Pacing. Like a caged animal.
God, she was beautiful in that rebellious way he found so intriguing. Sharp-witted, with an IQ rumored to be near genius, Shaylee Stillman had fire and looks, a lethal combination. Her eyes smoldered and narrowed, and she wasn’t going to accept her forced admission into the academy easily. Maybe she was ripe for the plucking; he could offer her a position that would elevate her status, give her some special privileges over time. She was young; she could be molded.
He rubbed the tips of his fingers together in anticipation and felt a rush of heat on his skin, the warmth of his blood flowing through his veins. His cock twitched, coming to life at the thought of her soft, supple, willing body.
He imagined himself leaning on his elbows, staring down into her wide hazel eyes. They would be round with anticipation. Hungry with need. She’d moan as he touched her hair and kissed the crook of her neck. Her sinuous body would respond, her back curving upward as his knees parted hers. She would be his willing servant, offering up any sexual favors he requested.
Shaylee. Even the sound of her name caused a rush of blood in his ears.
Don’t do this … you can’t. Remember Lauren? Didn’t you learn your lesson? What if she denies you? Throws your advances back in your face? Worse yet, what if she talks? Lauren made it easy, but this one, what if she calls you out?
Who would believe her?
He watched Shaylee walk to the fish tank, and all of his concerns faded.
In his mind’s eye, he saw her naked body lying beneath him, her full, firm breasts waiting to be touched, to be kissed, to be teased with his teeth….
His knees went weak at the thought. He would have her; he would. And she would want him, her desire fanning his. He wouldn’t make the same mistake he had with Lauren. And he’d make room for her to be a part of his secret disciples, to warm his bed.
His throat was dry, his erection hard. He reached for his fly, just to take the edge off until he could be with her. His fingers grazed his zipper.
Creeeaaak.
A door opened in the rooms below.
Damn!
He couldn’t be found!
Not like this.
His cock shriveled instantly.
With one final glance through the window, he saw her toss her dark hair over her shoulders before looking up-ward, through the glass, as if she knew instinctively that he was watching her every move.
His breath was lost in his lungs for just a second before he convinced himself
she would never be able to see him in the shadows. Then, without making a sound, he stole down the back staircase and wondered how long it would be before his erotic fantasy became reality.
CHAPTER 6
“Hey, Jules!” Eli’s voice boomed through her cell phone as she pulled into her parking spot at the condo. “Analise said you were here. Sorry I missed you.”
“No big deal.” She pulled on the emergency brake and cut the engine, wondering why Eli was calling. This was the first time ever. He’d always been friendly enough at family gatherings, but he’d never taken the initiative and called her or dropped by. “What’s up?” She juggled her purse and phone as she climbed out of the car and locked it. Rain was drizzling from the gray sky and running down her neck.
“You wanted some info on Blue Rock, right? Because Shay’s enrolled?”
“Uh-huh.”
“So … why all the questions?”
“I wanted the inside scoop on the place.”
“Analise said you weren’t crazy about Shay being sent there.”
She snorted as she dashed to her front door. “I’m not.”
“Why?”