Gentleman Sinner

‘Where are we going?’ I ask, admiring all the huge gold-framed portraits as we walk.

‘To my private quarters.’

Private quarters? ‘Sounds posh.’

‘It’s peaceful and . . . private.’

I conclude that to mean he doesn’t need to be on his guard constantly, alert to any possible touch. ‘And what’s the Playground?’ I’ve heard that mentioned on more than one occasion.

We reach a set of heavily carved double doors, and I stop as Theo opens one, making way for me to enter. I look up at him when I get no answer. He seems a little tense. ‘I’ll show you one day. Let’s get to know each other better first.’

My lips press into a straight line. ‘Better?’

He flicks his head in indication for me to enter, ignoring my question. ‘In before I strip you naked right here.’

I nod mildly, thoughtfully, as I study him, concluding quite quickly that he’s diverting me. He can have his way. For now. ‘Clever,’ I muse with a playful pout, wandering into Theo’s private quarters, the doors opening up into a huge lounge area. Just like every other part of this mansion that I’ve seen, it’s ostentatious and indulgent – the furniture large, the walls covered in huge paintings, and the carpet thick and luxurious. An over-size marble fireplace dominates the room, the flames dancing hypnotically. But despite the extravagance of the space, I’m comfortable and warm, not intimidated. It’s exactly how I feel in Theo’s presence.

I look back to find him watching me take it all in, standing quietly by the door. He strolls lazily over to me, coming to a stop behind me, and my entire body rolls with a shiver when he reaches past me and relieves me of my wineglass and places it on a nearby table that’s decorated with a huge vase of stargazer lilies. ‘Let me take your coat,’ he whispers in my ear, placing his hands gently on my shoulders and pulling the material away. I swallow as he drags my mac off, keeping his mouth close enough so I can hear his shallow breaths.

I begin to feel anxiety take over, not because of where I am, who I’m with, or the potential of what’s about to play out. No. None of that. Those thoughts set my blood on fire. What’s not so welcome is the knowledge that I’ve just worked a tough twelve-hour shift and I could really do with a shower. ‘I’ve been at work all day,’ I say quietly, pushing the side of my face into his lips when he places them on my cheek. The feel of his bristle makes me hum, my eyes closing in bliss, every part of his front pushed into my back.

‘Would you like a shower?’ he asks, smiling against my flesh.

I feel my cheeks heat a little, embarrassed, and I nod against him, holding my hands by my sides. ‘Please.’

‘May I?’ he asks, sliding his palms down my arms to my hands and holding each one firmly.

‘May you what?’ I pull away and gaze at him, his chin resting on my shoulder. His hard face is so soft and lovely.

‘Shower with you.’

My eyes with nothing to look at except Theo’s wet, naked body? I can’t promise I’ll be able to keep my hands to myself. ‘Will I be restrained?’ I ask. Does he need a controlled environment in the shower, too? Begrudgingly, I expect so. But I’m quietly hoping.

He turns me into him, bringing my hands up to his shoulders and lifting me from my feet. I inhale, my breasts pushing into his chest with every beat of my excited heart. ‘For me to truly enjoy it, then, yes.’ He starts pacing leisurely across the room, taking us into a bedroom. His bedroom. I can sense the scale of the room, yet refuse to disconnect my gaze from his, falling deeper for the intentions shining through the blue. ‘I need to be relaxed.’

I feel my heart sink a little, but try not to let it show as I dip my lips slowly, giving him plenty of time to prepare for my kiss. When I see his lips part, I close that final distance, breathing in as I slip my tongue into his mouth. He hums as he entwines his with mine, a deep sound full of pleasure and calm, and my fingers flex on his shoulders, itching to move up to his head and fist his hair. Yet my instinct is keeping them where they are. But then he nods, deepening our kiss, and I read his silent message, sliding my hands up his thick neck and into his hair. I feel him tense, hear him inhale. But he doesn’t stop me. My body naturally moves closer to his, my mouth working slowly but deeply. His tongue is demanding and firm, his taste divine. It’s exclusively Theo, and it’s making me so drunk on him, his distinctive, gorgeous scent helping me along.