Beautiful Seduction

But I would delve deep into her psyche, discovering every delicious element of her being. When I turned the corner leading to the hotel, she sat forward, shifting her arm away from the seatbelt. There was a glow in her eyes highlighted by the flashing lights as I drove closer. It had been a long time since I’d bothered to notice how beautiful portions of the city could be.

When I pulled against the curb, she tensed just as she’d done before. I could tell she wanted to say several things to push me away. Instead she remained quiet, which only managed to entice the beast from his cage.

I buttoned my jacket after exiting the vehicle, scanning the sidewalk in front of the hotel before moving around the front of the Mercedes.

“Mr. Vincheti,” the valet said as I handed him the keys. “It’s good to see you again.”

“And you as well, Brant.”

“Will you be spending the night with us?” he asked, immediately heading toward the passenger door.

“That remains to be seen. Keep the car up front.” I handed him a hundred-dollar bill then shifted around him, opening the door myself.

“Will do, sir,” he said, heading to retrieve her bag from the trunk. The single suitcase she’d brought with her was expensive, but the condition was worn, as if the four-hundred-dollar bag had been given as a gift years before. The picture I had of her life in my mind was coming into focus. She’d been well educated, her family with enough money to provide her with everything she’d needed to become successful, but she insisted on doing things her own way. I took her hand, leading her toward the set of glass doors, Brant scrambling to open the door.

As I led her inside, I was given respectful nods by several of the employees, the girl at the desk offering a bright smile as we approached.

“Mr. Vincheti. Would you like your usual suite?” she asked, barely darting a glance toward my companion.

I felt the heat of Cassidy’s glare. I didn’t need to look in her direction to know she was less than impressed.

“That would be just fine, Gina. Thank you.”

“Your usual suite? Let me guess. You bring every blonde bimbo here,” Cassidy muttered.

“Here you are, sir,” Gina said as she handed me two keycards.

“Just one will be needed, Gina. Please have a bottle of Krug Brut Rose send to Ms. Rochester’s room along with a crudité. And however many nights my guest is staying, make certain all her needs are filled. You can bill my account at the end.”

“Of course, sir. Enjoy your stay.”

I handed Cassidy the single key, studying her impassive expression. I hadn’t impressed her in the least.

Not that I was trying.

“Unbelievable,” Cassidy said as I led her toward the bank of elevators, another steward already trailing behind with a cart holding her suitcase.

As soon as the doors opened, the steward walked inside, Cassidy following. I remained where I was, sliding my hands into my pockets.

She turned around, cocking her head as the elevator doors started to close.

“I’m not the monster you think I am.” My words seemed to surprise her.

A series of emotions flashed in her lovely eyes. Then she shoved her arm between the doors, pushing one side away. “Valentin. I…”

“It’s your choice, il mio piccoro fiore.”

She chewed on her lower lip then lifted her arm toward me. “Come with me.”

I contemplated what I was about to do, but the decision had already been made.

I would enjoy breaking down her walls, showing her the kind of passion that only a man like me could provide. Then it would be over as quickly as it began. As I stepped inside, the electricity swelled between us, enough so the steward was visibly uncomfortable, keeping his head down.

She backed against the elevator wall, her lower lip trembling. I planted my hands on either side of her, lowering my head as she tilted her chin. When she dragged her tongue across her voluptuous lips, I was forced to control my actions, refusing to expose even an inch of her beautiful body to a stranger.

I wanted her all to myself.

“Make no mistake, Cassidy. There’s no turning back. I’m the kind of man who takes what he wants. I suggest you remember that.”