“Well, that’s a relief.” His tone is harsh and accusatory. “Because I didn’t like it. At all.”
I open my eyes and pull his hand from my face. “You don’t own me, Gabriel. You barely know me. I can dance with whomever I feel like.”
He smiles down at me and places his hand on my neck, stroking the sensitive flesh. Desire pools deep within my belly, and it takes everything I have not to throw myself at him right now.
“You’re right,” he smirks at my willing response to his touch. “I don’t own you, but I would like to.”
I pull back again, this time filled with real anger. “What the hell does that even mean? I’m not a possession. Nobody will ever own me.”
This time Gabriel grabs my hips and pulls me closer to him as he moves against me in an overtly sexual way. He brushes my hair back over my shoulders, his lips moving against my ear as he kisses me softly.
“Oh, I think I would have to disagree,” he whispers. “I think you would like to be owned by me. Knowing that you are mine to do with as I please. I have a feeling, that if you gave me the chance, you would like it very much.”
Holy crap. How does he make that sound so hot? He just told me he wants to own me, and I can barely contain my giddy enthusiasm. I can’t find the words to reply, so I do the only thing I can and keep dancing.
I swivel my hips, pressing my back into his broad chest, snaking my arms up and around his neck. He growls into my ear with satisfaction as his hands travel over my hips and pull my ass into his groin. His erection digs into me, making me ache between my legs.
When I glance over, Alanna and Trevor are gaping with their mouths open. Reckless me just doesn’t care. She keeps on dancing, reveling in the feel of his body against mine. And then without warning, he whips me back around to face him, plunging his lips to mine. I part my lips in invitation and he accepts greedily. The kiss is brutal and possessive, leaving my lips swollen and wet when he pulls away.
He stops dancing and holds me at a distance with a pained expression on his face. “Victoria, I have to stop now, or I’m going to fuck you right here on the dance floor and I don’t care who’s watching.”
I don’t know if it’s the alcohol, but I want this and don’t give a damn about the consequences right now. I playfully pull him back to me. I’m enjoying the fact that he can’t have me but wants me so desperately.
“So, fuck me then,” I challenge. He wraps his arms around me and groans into my ear before nipping at my neck. “I will. But not tonight, and not like this.”
He pulls away again, leaving my sexual frustration at an all-time high. He kisses me on the cheek before leaning into my ear. “You already belong to me, you just don’t know it yet.” And with that he turns and walks away, disappearing into the crowd behind me.
It’s only now that I see the horror on the faces of women all around me. And worst of all is the waitress from earlier. If looks could kill…
Is this why? Because she wants Gabriel to herself? Of course. It all makes sense now. He’s a hot commodity, and apparently I’m in the way. I can’t help but shoot her a little smirk. But in all honesty, I don’t get it either. Why, when he has his choice of women, does he want me?
Within a minute Alanna and Trevor descend upon me, their excitement palpable.
“Oh my God, was that Gabriel?” she asks.
“Yes, Alanna.”
“The entire club was staring at the two of you. It was so weird!”
“I know.” I roll my eyes.
“And look at you smiling like the cat that got the cream!” Alanna continues, “He is so fucking hot. You have to tell us everything on the ride home.”
I nod in agreement and then turn my attention to a woman who is approaching me. She has her cell phone in her hand, and it looks like she’s trying to take a picture. I quickly cover my face and grab Alanna’s hand, darting for the door in a panic.
Chapter Eight
Gabriel
Sitting at my desk, I rummage through the news alerts that popped up online overnight. Speculation is rife about who this new mystery woman is. Article after article with pictures of me in the club, dancing with Victoria, and one shot of her with her face in her hands, presumably after I left. My anger is about to boil over. I can’t believe I was so stupid, losing myself in her like that. Out in public, no less. It makes me look weak… an easy target. Because if one woman can make me lose it, then that means others can too.