Page 4 of Chandelier Sin
She closed her eyes for a beat. “This is how you seduce your victims?”
“Victims? No. Never. My lovers are considered privileged.”
“How?”
“If you inspire me, and don’t bore me, I’ll take you to the edge of the world and back.”
“Arrogance?” She smirked. “Don’t see much of that around here.”
“I’m serious. I take my submissives on the best adventures—here and abroad.”
She glanced at my inked hands, obviously intrigued. “What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen?”
Thoughtfully, I said, “I hiked in India once. Uttarakhand has a valley filled with flowers. Nothing but orchids, lilies, and rhododendrons. Spectacular views.”
“Flowers?” she mocked.
“I’ve visited over thirty countries. You asked what took my breath away.”
“I asked what’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen.”
I stared at her.
“Smooth,” she added wistfully. “I’m jealous that you’ve left the States.”
The comment seemed strange coming from a woman who dressed provocatively and came across as worldly, even wearing next to nothing.
She seemed to stir from a daydream. “What do you do?”
“I work with my hands.” She didn’t need to know I was a surgeon.
There, I can be just as vague.
Reaching up, I eased off her short blonde wig with the headdress and gripped it like I’d grip her throat, with the hold of a man reluctant to let her go.
Her brunette locks spiraled over her shoulders, and the way her hair framed her face stirred a desire in me to protect her.
God,she was dazzling.
She didn’t even flinch at my gesture.
She met my gaze. “How did you know?”
“Your eyes.”
That seemed to please her.
“Why hide perfection?”
“Why indeed.”
Then I realized;hepreferred blondes.
Wanting to see her face, I slid my devil mask up onto my head. “Now you.”
She inhaled sharply.
I was used to such reactions, with my intense appearance, a blend of Italian American features—chiseled cheekbones, a distinguished nose, and I’d once been told my eyes were a deep abyss that could suck a soul right into them.
