The Ferrari was sleek, the ebony paint gleaming in the security lights, the 'blip blip' as the doors were unlocked creating quivers shifting down the backs of my legs. Getting into a car with a basic stranger wasn't in any woman's best interest. Devastatingly good looks and a checkbook to match didn't mean he wasn't a serial killer. My adventurous side wanted nothing more than to let go, allowing this secret encounter. My rational mind screamed to run far away.
When he opened the door, guiding me toward the plush leather seats, all resolve was demolished.
Easing into the driver's seat, he tipped his head in my direction. "Where to, Caroline?"
"Columbus Street."
His only acknowledgment was a slight sensuous chuckle before starting and revving the engine, maneuvering the swanky vehicle out of the parking lot within two seconds. The roar of the powerful motor hummed between my legs, goosebumps licking along every inch of skin. My nipples continued to ache and filthy thoughts slithered into my mind, the bad girl longings described in romance novels.
This was reckless.
This was dangerous.
This was... fabulous.
"Buckle up, Caroline." His words were gruff, demanding and I obeyed his order immediately, my toes curling as he sped off down the crowded street. His command of the fabulous car was evident as he weaved through the traffic, accelerating after every traffic light, cornering the turns as if the Ferrari ran on rails.
Whether or not he was trying to frighten me, it gave me a scintillating jolt of amusement. I was used to my father's often treacherous driving skills. I sat back in the seat, the butter-soft leather surrounding me. Opulence. The word was perfect for a man like him.
Dominick seemed to know exactly where he was going, even taking short cuts through the city that I'd only recently learned. When he turned onto Columbus, he slowed quickly, idling in the middle of the street, his gaze never leaving the windshield. "And?"
I pointed at the warehouse turned eclectic apartments and studios only a block down the street. He whipped the car in front of the brownstone with flair, exiting the vehicle within seconds after grabbing a small duffle from behind his seat. He kept his hand on the small of my back, his long, manicured fingers caressing. I was his for the night. My legs continued to tremble, my head muddled from events of the evening. Why in the hell had I allowed this to happen? No one had any idea where I'd gone and only a few apartments rented in the building. This self-proclaimed dangerous man could perform any heinous act and there would be no one responding to my cries.
If I was even allowed to beg for help.
"Fifth floor," I whispered.
"Excellent." While he said nothing as we waited for the elevator's arrival, I could tell he had no patience, shifting from foot to foot. He was used to getting everything he desired, demanding his rights as if he was the only man in the city who mattered.
Powerful.
Influential.
He seemed to have it all.
Dominick crowded my space the moment the doors were closed, standing just inches away.
"What's in the bag?" I dared to ask, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Items we may need. I was certainly hoping the night would turn out this way." There would be no additional explanation. After dropping the bag, he palmed the steel wall on either side of my head, the same seductive smile crossing his face. "You're very beautiful, Caroline, a precious budding flower to be nurtured and cared for in a loving manner." Exhaling, he allowed the hot breath to cascade across my face.
I refused to give him what he required, looking into his eyes.
"Compliments bother you." The moment he lowered his head, my heart thudded against my chest, the spark between us fueling the embers deep within my belly.
"I... Thank you and I enjoy compliments."
Another chuckle. A deep breath. A slight growl. He lifted my chin with his index finger, inching even closer until our lips were almost touching. "There is no need to be afraid. Although there will always be pain, sometimes agonizing in nature, my desire is to provide the ultimate in pleasure."
And I knew that pleasure would only come for a hefty price. "I'm not afraid of you, Dominick. I'm simply not entirely certain I can tolerate your cologne for much longer."
He was silent, unmoving for ten seconds. Then he burst into laughter. "Duly noted and banished from my collection."
He offered the statement as if he had myriad collections; toys and trinkets, all kinky in nature. I could only wonder if women were included in his private possessions.
The elevator jerked to a halt, rumbling under our feet. I'd never liked the ancient box, preferring to take the stairs whenever possible. On this night, the small enclosure was suffocating. I took several deep breaths, praying the doors would open.
There was no release from his masterful hold until he allowed, his lips remaining close to mine. He inhaled, a second growl like a feral beast ready to consume its prey. A wave of desire enraptured my frazzled mind as I licked my lips, wanting his to capture mine. Longing for him to take me into his arms, lifting me off my feet as he ravaged me with passion.
...
My rational side finally took over. I stood taller, clearing my throat and nodding toward the open doors. "The floor of my studio."
"How exciting." Dominick slapped his hands on the steel panels, his massive body looming over me in the most consuming manner. He was daring me to respond, react to his dominating actions.
I pressed my hand against his chest, moving only millimeters but it was enough our lips finally touched. I held my breath, waiting.
Calling his bluff.
A slight breath left his mouth then he was the one to step back, yanking the duffle from the floor. "You are fascinating in every manner, Caroline Hargrove. It will be a pleasure learning your very special nuances, providing the attention you deserve, but there is something vital you should know about me."
"That you're obsessive? Breaching every line of authority as well as decency in your efforts to get everything you desire?" His eyes flashed, but I held firm in my convictions.
"An excellent observation, Caroline. You are correct in your assumptions. However, there is one more aspect that I suggest you accept."
"And what is that?"
"I always win."