Chapter 197 Chapter 197

Chapter 197 Chapter 197

Another direct hit. Not a surprise, really. He’d warned her that everything she’d heard about him was true.

“I apologize for that comment.”

“No need. As I said, I find your direct manner refreshing. At least you’re willing to tell me the truth as you see it.”

A few minutes later, she finished her drink, and he offered to walk her back to her room.

“Unless you still want to get in the hot tub?”

“Probably not a good idea after drinking.” And he might join her.

“Agree.”

He picked up their glasses and the bottle.

“There’s no need for you to leave just because I am.”

“On the contrary, Ms. Ferguson. There are certain things a gentleman should always do for the lady he’s spending time with.”

“It’s different when the relationship is a business arrangement.”

She stood.

“Lucky for you, you’re off the hook.”

“Ah. So you’d like to pretend that kiss never happened, would you?”

Heat chased through her, and she knew it had nothing to do with the bubbly she’d just enjoyed.

“I think that would be for the best.”

“When I kicked Ileana out of my life, I vowed I would never tolerate deception ever again. So you can admit it affected you.” He shrugged. “Or you can lie, knowing that I see straight through it.”

“Mr.—”

“Lucas.”

Feeling a little trapped, caught in the half-truth, she boldly met his gaze.

“You asked for it. It was amazing. And that’s exactly why you should not walk me back to my room. I prefer to put some distance between us.”

“I respect that.” He stood. “You may think I am a barbarian, and there are times you’d be correct, but I have some familiarity with the concept of manners.”

How had he seen through everything that she’d said since the moment they’d met?

“I’ll walk you to your room.”

Since arguing would get her nowhere, she relented.

Being in the elevator with him was no easier the second time around. In fact, being in such a small space now that she’d tasted his possession was worse than before.

When they reached her room, he placed the glasses and champagne on the floor, then backed her against the door and placed his hands on either side of her head.

“You owe me the answer to my question.”

She’d forgotten her rash promise.

“I only want to know one thing. How has no man scooped you off the market?”

Thought was impossible when he stood so close, invading her space, igniting her senses.

“Hmm?”

Knowing he’d see through any subterfuge, she revealed as much as she was willing to, while keeping her privacy.

“Like you, I don’t date a lot. But I haven’t found a man who will give me exactly what I want.”

“And what is that?”

Fighting to keep control of the situation, she shook her head.

“I promised you one question. And I answered it.”

Obviously realizing he’d been bested, he grinned.

“So you did.”

She turned, and he stepped back. Thank God. She wasn’t sure what she would have done if he had leaned in to kiss her a second time. Would she have possessed the resolve to push him away?

Wynter pressed her finger to the touchpad to release the lock. He didn’t leave, even when she closed the door behind her.

For long moments she remained in the foyer, frozen in place, unable to believe that the past hour had actually happened.

She brushed her fingertip across her lips. They still felt swollen, but that might be her overactive imagination.

Her mind still reeling, Wynter showered. Once she’d dried off, she pulled on her sleep T-shirt. She’d gone downstairs hoping that she’d be able to unwind enough to sleep, but she was more keyed up than she’d ever been. No man had affected her this powerfully.

Her earlier fear had been realized. Getting to know him had been a monumental mistake.

So why did she still want to learn more?

She pulled back the covers and sat cross-legged on the bed before giving in to temptation and opening her work app.

Even as she told herself she shouldn’t be doing this, she scrolled to Lucas’s profile and read his information with fresh eyes. Lucas’s two divorces now had some context. She might not like the way he did business, but she understood it a little better.

Still, nothing she’d learned would help her do her job any better.

Though he’d told her about himself, there was plenty of missing information.

She continued scrolling lower. This time, when she touched the asterisk, the special requirements section opened.

In shock, her eyes widened. Not only was Lucas Rutherford a ruthless billionaire, he was a Dominant with special requirements.

Wynter’s breath threatened to strangle her.

Her best friend, Anna Bella, lived the lifestyle. One weekend when the city had been drenched by a tropical storm, they had binge-watched a couple of BDSM-themed movies on a streaming service. Because Wynter had been fascinated, she’d peppered Anna Bella with hours’ worth of questions.

They’d talked a lot about what was accurate and what was Hollywood hype.

Anna Bella had invited Wynter to a couple of events at a Houston club, but she’d never gotten up the courage to attend.

While she knew Prestige catered to clients who were interested in D/s, it hadn’t occurred to her that Lucas was into it.

Suddenly her mind spiraled backward, and she recalled the way she instinctively responded to him and his unspoken command when he first arrived in the ballroom, and his pleasure when she fetched his whiskey.

All the signs were there, and she’d missed them. Scandalized, she dropped the phone beside her.

Of course she hadn’t known. Wynter had no submissive tendencies and zero real-life exposure to his way of life.

She was certain, though, that she had little interest in catering to his needs. Or were they demands?

“No, no, no.”

She couldn’t allow her thoughts to gallop down that path.

More than ever, she realized she had to stay away from him. If she succumbed to his commanding aura, he would surely destroy her.

Picking up her phone once more, she sent Hope a text message.

I can’t work with Mr. Rutherford. I’m sorry.

Then she jumped out of bed to pace the room, anxious for her boss’s response.

When her phone dinged, Wynter snatched it up.

I enjoyed sharing a drink and conversation.

Lucas. But how had he gotten her phone number?

At the absurd thought, she shook her head. He was a Titan, and that meant he had contacts everywhere.

I made reservations for breakfast. Pool deck at eight o’clock?