Page 31 of Ruthless King
“Why not? You’ve seen mine; I think it’s only fair.”
“I didnot—” Heat surges up my neck and blossoms across my face.
“Please, you couldn’t get enough of it.”
I whirl around, teeth clamping over my lower lip before I say something stupid. I eye the shower and the massive rainfall showerhead.Dio, after the day I had it would be like heaven.
“Or you could try the bath. The bubbles would probably cover more….” Without turning around, I can hear the smile in theidiota’s voice.
He’s not wrong either. I can’t remember the last time I took a bubble bath. Our shitty apartment had no such luxuries.
I spin at him and stalk toward the tub. “Will you at least be a gentleman and close your eyes until I’m in?”
“Then I’d only be punishing myself, princess, and this is supposed to beyourpunishment.” He smirks wider, and irritation gathers along my brow.
“Seriously, Luca?”
A dark chuckle splits his full, pouty lips. “Fine. But you’ve got ten seconds before I open my eyes.”
I spin both faucets until steamy heat pours out and dump a capful of scented bodywash into the tub.
“I’m starting now,” he calls out. “Ten, nine….”
I cant my head over my shoulder to make sure his eyes are closed before peeling off my sticky tank top and tossing it onto the marble floor. Then I shimmy out of my jean skirt and hazard another peek. Even with his eyes shut, every nerve ending prickles at his scrutiny. Unclasping my bra, the weight of his unseeing stare bores into me.
“Five, four, three….”
I slip out of my panties and tuck it under my skirt.
“Two, one….”
Dipping my toes into the warm water, a faint groan escapes my lips.Dio, this is heaven. I sink into the bubbles, and the sweet scent of lavender fills the room. My eyes slowly close, and I lean my head against the edge of the tub. For an instant, I forget all about the broody mob boss perched by the sink.
A piercing gaze rakes over me, the intensity so powerful it forces my lids to open. I meet a pair of dark, bottomless orbs, pupils so blown out they completely eclipse his irises. My center begins to throb at that unrelenting stare, and I’m filled with the most overwhelming desire to touch myself to relieve that aching pulse.
Dio, I’ve never had such a primal reaction to a man. My own father abandoning me to the mob must have broken something. I’m completelypazza.
Luca’s tongue glides over his bottom lip, and I imagine that tongue licking up my center.Cazzo, what is wrong with me? This man is keeping me here against my will. Sure, he says he won’t hurt me, but how can I believe this criminal? And still some stupid gut feeling trusts this man that I’ve only known for a few hours. This must be some sick Stockholm’s Syndrome or something.
“Do you mind?” I hiss as I strategically move some bubbles around to make sure all my important parts are covered.
“No, not at all, princess.”
“It’s kind of hard for me to wash myself with you staring.”
“Why’s that?” A devilish grin curls the corners of his lips. “You prefer to touch yourself in private?”
“Yes … I mean, no!” Ugh. I sink beneath the bubbles to escape his piercing stare. When I finally emerge, it’s only because my lungs are about to explode. Those eyes latch onto me again, and the sparks only grow hotter. “Stop staring,” I hiss.
“I can’t help it. You’re all beautiful and wet…. Why shouldn’t I enjoy it, and why shouldn’t you?”
“Oh, I don’t know, a perfect stranger, the head of a freaking criminal organization, nonetheless, watching you bathe shouldn’t be uncomfortable at all, right?”
“I’m not a—I can’t believe you don’t remember….” His jaw snaps shut a second later, and I’m not certain I heard him correctly.
“Remember what?” I blurt.
He shakes his head, the mischief lighting his eyes only a second ago vanishing, and his expression shutters. Then he slides off the counter and stalks toward the door. “Punishment over. Finish up and get ready for bed.” Without another word, he slams the door behind him.
