Page 23 of Dark Temptations

At her condo, she undressed and stepped into the shower, hoping the hot water would help her feel better. After, she dressed in old sweats, made herself a cup of hot chocolate, turned on the TV, found one of the movies she adored, and fell asleep.

Several hours later, there was a knock at her door. The doorman was the only one able to come up, but he usually called first.

Her heart about stopped when she saw Xavier through the peephole. How the hell did he get up to her place?

“Babe, I know you’re home. Open the door.”

She looked around, trying to decide if she should ignore him or not.

He started pounding on the door. “Let me in.”

Dammit. He was going to disturb the other tenants. She yanked open the door. “What?” she sniped.

He pushed by her.

“Hey, wait,” she said.

He turned and closed and locked the door.

She shivered when his gaze went slowly down her body and then back up.

“Goddamn. Even in ratty sweats, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

The breath stuttered in her throat. She didn’t expect him to say things like that to her. She cleared her throat and crossed her arms over her chest. “What do you want?”

He pulled off his suit jacket, draped it over the back of the sofa, and then started on the buttons of his shirt.

“Hey, wait. What the hell are you doing?” she yelled.

“I’m stopping this game we have going between us.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“It’s simple. Do you want me?”

“I … oh … well…” she stuttered.

“No lies, Ariana.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “Yes.”

“I want you too.”

She shook her head. “But you don’t. You might like kissing me, but you don’t want it to go farther than that.”

“The problem is that I want you too much. In fact, I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Then why were you acting that way?”

He walked over to her and grasped her shoulders. “Because I’m afraid of showing you how I am.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Babe, I’m turning into a possessive bastard. I’ve never been before, but with you, I know it’s going to take some time to get used to it. If you say yes, there’s no going back. You’ll be mine. That means you’ll have to put up with some shit.”

“Like what?” she asked.

Xavier cupped her face in his hands. “I’m an arrogant bastard and sometimes impatient. I like to be the one in charge. Especially in the bedroom, what I say goes.” His thumbs caressed her cheeks. “And there will be some nights I won’t let you sleep, and do you know why?”

---