Or a king.
I couldn't even bear looking at him, even though every part of me hungered to do so. The emotions rippling through me yanked at every tendon in my body, the closeness of his gorgeous body almost too much to bear. His attire wasn't befitting his stature; a white polo shirt and well-worn blue jeans. The only giveaway that the man came from money was the diamond-studded Movado watch.
Aleksei studied his phone, typing on the small keyboard as the engines roared. And still, he remained quiet. Even thoughtful. A genuine smile appeared on his face, a softening of his features. He seemed almost animated as he typed a response before taking a deep breath and sliding the phone into his pocket.
"A girlfriend?" I mused.
"There has been no one in my life for years, Willow. As I've told you, I take my job very seriously."
A lonely man on a mission to rule the world. Well, I wasn't going to be one of his ultimate conquests, no matter what limited past we'd already shared. I rolled my eyes and turned my attention toward the window, peering out at the other planes. Then a reflection caught my eye.
Within seconds, a woman appeared out of nowhere, two flutes positioned on a silver tray.
"Sir?" she asked as she offered the selection, her attention focusing on Aleksei only.
"Thank you, Marlene. I appreciate that very much." Aleksei gave her a subtle smile before grabbing both glasses.
Her face flushed, much like every other woman he deemed it acceptable to provide attention to.
"Are we celebrating?" I asked nonchalantly.
"Life is far too short, my sweet cherie. We must always celebrate small wins even at the expense of our hearts." Aleksei's words were odd to me, as if karma had taken a piece of his life long before.
Against my better judgment, I accepted the glass, allowing the two rims to click together. The taste of the bubbly was magnificent, effervescent and bold in flavor. I was aware he was studying me intently, his eyes ripe with hunger as well as excitement. Even my nipples hardened from his lust-filled glance.
"Am I now allowed to ask where we're going?" Hell, there was excitement in my tone. I was disgusted at my misplaced curiosity. This wasn't a romantic getaway, for Christ's sake.
He took a sip of his champagne, settling back against the plush leather. "The nation's capital."
"What?" The answer was very surprising. "Why?"
"Because there is a concert that I've wanted to see for some time that I thought you might enjoy accompanying me to."
I blinked twice as the information settled in. The man was always so practiced. Suave in every manner. "You are kidding me. You're taking me to a concert?"
"I never joke about business or pleasure."
"You decided that we needed to leave town in case my brother determines that the meeting is against his privileged nature. You're afraid that he'll attempt to hunt you down." I leaned forward, unsure if he'd bother to answer and even if he did, I wasn't anticipating the truth.
"Very astute, Willow. However, I also wanted to share time with you that has nothing to do with my life or the trials and tribulations that constantly surround me. Is that too difficult to understand?" He also leaned forward, close enough I was certain the man was going to kiss me.
"Not difficult, Aleksei, just confusing. Last night, you wanted me enough to allow me into your bed then you pushed me away as if what we shared meant nothing. Why bother now? Why not take me to the zoo in order to visit other animals kept in a cage?"
I could tell that his shoulders tensed, knew that I'd pressed yet another button. He lifted his arm and I winced, causing a frown to cover his face.
"I assure you, Willow, if I truly wanted to hurt you, there are methods and ways that certainly don't involve travel." Using just his index finger, he brushed a stray strand of hair from my eyes before sitting back once again. "However, you don't want to run away from me now that I've broken down your defenses, exposed the true woman inside. Isn't that correct?"
Everything about this man was as confusing as it was infuriating.
"Does that mean you're going to fuck me on this plane?"
"Would you like me to fuck you?" he retorted.
"I have nowhere to run if you wanted to. As you said, you control me."
He shot forward, his hand snaking around my neck and pulling me close. A slight growl arose from his throat, the sound rugged and even beautiful in tone. He dug his fingers into my skin and while the hold was all controlling, there was no actual pain, only a reminder that I belonged to him. "Maybe I want more than just controlling you. Maybe I want all of you, releasing every inhibition, taking you to pure ecstasy every day. Would that bother you so much?"
"And how long would that last before you grew tired of me?"
"What I want is complicated, much as life is, but when I give my heart to a woman, it will be forever."
I hadn't expected the words in any capacity. I had no retort, no smart comments to make. He had reached into my soul, piercing my armor. I was left trembling and breathless.
"Close your eyes, Willow." He removed the glass from my hand, placing both on the table.
"Why?"
"Because I commanded you to do so," he answered in a whispered voice. "Because I want you to learn to trust me."
I obeyed, but only after blinking several times. Every part of me was quivering as I felt the slight puffs of air moving from my forehead to my chin, so sensual in nature. I was aware that he was sliding the tips of his fingers across my skin and every part of me was on fire. I found myself leaning further forward, eager to see how far this was going.
He continued his exploration, brushing his rough pads ever so delicately down my cheek to my jaw, barely sliding them over my pursed lips.
My mouth was dry, my throat parched as he darted his finger just past my lips, issuing another growl as he pumped in and out several times. The taste of him was so sweet, a beautiful yet caustic reminder of our shared passion. I felt like I was floating as he used his wet finger, sliding it under my chin, tracing the vein in my neck.
My pulse was rapid, my heart rate increasing. Visions took over my mind, sexy images of his massive body hovering over mine, his long hair dangling into my face as he fucked me. I imagined having my legs wrapped around him once again, my pussy muscles clenching as I pulled his cock in deeper.
He dragged his finger between my breasts, rubbing up and down before swirling the tip around first one nipple then the other.