Bought for Love Read online

  I’d had my first eyebrow wax yesterday, as well, and the soft tones of the eye shadow I applied really made my eyes pop. Being careful not to overdo it, I kept that barely-there idea they’d had taught me. They’d trimmed my long length, but Jack had begged me not to cut it off, so I refrained.

  Walking over to my now fully-furnished closet, I pulled out a soft, pale-pink dress that I knew he loved. Since he’d picked out all my clothes, it was easy to dress in a way I knew he’d like. The only issue I had was with the four inch heels he preferred, because I was sure I’d face-plant in them. It felt like I was walking on stilts.

  Being alone in the new apartment took getting used to. I’d never lived by myself, but it did have its perks, such as having as long as I needed to get ready. I’d spritzed on a small amount of the perfume Jack had given me when the doorbell rang. Walking out in the heels, I tried not to break my neck as I opened the door.

  As per normal, my heart raced as I let him in. The man didn’t do any other look but incredible. He was wearing a pair of black slacks with a white shirt and black tie.

  “You look delicious enough to eat.” He twirled his finger, asking me to turn around, and I did so with a grin.

  I’d paired up the pink, form-fitting dress with a pair of white pumps. I loved seeing the pleasure on his face as he gave me the once over. “Only because someone who has good taste took me shopping.”

  He kissed my cheek lightly and chuckled. “It wouldn’t matter what you wore, you’d still be beautiful.”

  My charming Jack. Smiling, I walked to the table that held my keys and purse, sliding my bag onto my shoulder. “Where are we going tonight?” We never stayed in.

  “I thought you might enjoy seeing my home? Nadine prepared a meal for us there, and I’d love to get your opinion.”

  He was taking me to his house? That was a first. I nodded, not sure it was appropriate to show how excited I was that we were going there tonight.

  With a soft chuckle, he grasped my arm lightly and led me out the door. I locked up as we made it outside, because he’d insisted it was something I do, even though it was only me and my sister living in the building. It made little sense for me to worry about crime in this neighborhood, but arguing with him was pointless. He was almost as bad as my sister when it came to nagging over things until he got his way.

  Dante held the door for us and I smiled, saying hello before sliding inside. Jack gave him a look that confused me since it was full of warning. I thought it was strange that he didn’t like his driver smiling at me, but shrugged it off. Dante was dating my sister, so his being worried over a simple smile was just odd.

  He asked me about my day and since things weren’t different, it was a short-lived conversation. In turn, he told me about his and that took up the entire drive to his home. If his house could be called a home! He had a privacy gate and Dante had to enter a code before we could drive up the paved road that ended in a circle in front of the mansion.

  It really couldn’t be called anything else, since it stood three stories high and splayed out in all its glory across a well-manicured lawn, with glass and dark grey brick. I’d never seen anything quite like it. “You live here?”

  “This is where I lay my head.” He chuckled. I slid out of the seat as Dante opened the door, and could only gaze around in wonder as he dismissed him. The center of the rounded driveway had a beautiful fountain spewing water around a steel sculpture in the center and it was absolutely breathtaking!

  “Would you like to see the inside?” The smile that covered his handsome face would give the fountain a run for its money in beauty, and I nodded, completely enthralled.

  He led me by the elbow up the elegantly carved steps and through the double doors into the foyer. White marbled tiling covered the entry way and led out into a room with wide stairs and a huge chandelier dropping from the high ceiling. “It’s incredible.”

  “I’m glad you think so.” He seemed very pleased as he gave me the tour and I took in all the opulence. This home was made for a movie star and my mind was having trouble wrapping around the splendor. I’d known Jack was rich, but until that moment, I guess I hadn’t figured out how wealthy he truly was.

  “How do you ever leave this place?” It seemed we’d been walking forever when we returned to the dining room, and I was blown away at the refined elegance of all he’d shown me.

  “Being here alone can be rather boring.” His smile told me that I’d amused him again, but I was having a hard time placing Jack the man, with the surroundings we now stood in.

  “Why are you with me, Jack?” I couldn’t help but feel smaller standing in these surrounding.

  “Don’t, Emily.” His subtle warning reminded me that he didn’t like it when I talked down about myself. The smile left his beautiful face and a hardness enveloped his eyes that made me tremble.

  “I’m sorry, but I could never belong here.” Until recently I’d lived in a run-down apartment on the wrong side of town. Jack was loaded!

  He snaked his arms around me, pulling me against his body and lifted my chin firmly with his hand. Meeting his eyes, I caught my breath at the anger that beamed from his dark blue stare. “You belong wherever I want you to. Do you understand?”

  I’d never seen him this angry and it terrified me. Nodding, my lower lip trembled. I knew he was a man of strong emotions, but this side of him was new.

  He lowered his head and kissed me savagely, and all I could do was allow him to devour my mouth. The kiss was almost punishing in its force, and I whimpered, not sure I enjoyed how he was treating me. Then his lips gentled and his tongue slid in to caress mine, and once again, I was lost.

  Wrapping my arms around his neck, I surrendered to the passion, dueling with his tongue in desperation. I wanted this man so badly that my knees gave way. Only his arms wrapped around me, kept me on my feet. He broke the kiss and held me steady in his arms.

  “It drives me crazy when you talk negatively about yourself. Promise me you won’t do it again. I’m not sure I’ll be able to restrain myself.” His hand moved back under my chin, forcing me to keep eye contact.

  “I don’t want you to restrain yourself.” I was out of breath and limp in his arms from nothing more than a kiss, I couldn’t imagine how it would feel if he truly let go of his passion.

  “What are you saying?” His lips hovered scant inches above mine as he asked the question.

  “I want more, Jack.” There, I’d told him I was ready. Would he deny me?

  “If I take more, little one, I’ll never let you go. You’ll be mine forever to do with what I like. Are you sure you’re ready for that?” The intensity of his gaze told me to be sure of my answer before speaking.

  To do with what he liked? Why did that sound so ominous and sexy at the same time? “I’m sure.” God, I hoped I was because the way his eyes bore into mine told me that he was completely serious about his words.

  “You have no idea what that means, but you will.” He embraced me tenderly and suddenly I didn’t care. All I wanted was him. I’d find a way to be whatever he needed. “We should eat. Can you stand?”

  My heart still raced, but I’d gained control of my body somewhat. Enough to know that I was disappointed that he wanted to eat instead of make love. With an exasperated sigh, I nodded.

  He chuckled, and I had no doubt he knew I was tired of waiting. “Trust me. You want us to have dinner and talk first.”

  “Fine. Feed me, then.” Pulling out of his arms, I found I could walk on my own, and putting some distance between us was probably the best idea I had.

  He was obviously amused again since the smile returned to his face as he held out a chair for me at the obscenely long dining table. Thankfully, the chair he’d chosen was at the right head of the table and not at the end or I doubted this dinner would be very intimate. How many people did he expect to fit in this one room?

  Trying to get over my frustration, I was glad he walked out of the room for a moment. I tr
uly didn’t understand him at all. He returned with a bottle of red wine and two glasses, before striding away again. The final time he appeared with a tray containing two covered silver platters.

  He sat one before me, then the other at his place at the head of the table before opening the wine. Pouring us each a glass he handed me one, then sat down himself. We drank in companionable silence, and I had no idea what was going on in his mind. He seemed lost in thought, and I needed the time to get my emotions back under control.

  He stood again after long minutes and lifted the covers from our platters. The meal looked scrumptious and my mouth watered at the site of prime rib, mashed potatoes with gravy, and asparagus. Placing my napkin in my lap, something I’d seen him do every time we ate, I sampled the fare.

  The food was as delicious as it looked and I ate my fill, which was half of what was on the plate. Sitting back, I blotted my face with the cloth and found him staring at me with a soft smile. “What?” I wiped my face again, hoping I didn’t have anything remaining.

  “I enjoy watching you eat.” He sipped on his wine, and turned his attention back to his food.

  I lifted my glass, enjoying the rich flavor. I seriously didn’t understand him, but watching him eat I found I enjoyed the way he seemed to imbibe his meal too. His refined eating method made me smile.

  He lifted his eyes and caught me staring. “Now it’s my turn to question you.” With a grin, he waited expectantly.

  “You’re a hard man to decipher, Jack Duncan.”

  “My sweet little angel, you have absolutely no idea.” He chuckled but I didn’t get the punch line. “Are you finished?” Looking from my plate back to my eyes, he seemed disgruntled.

  Nodding, I watched him stand up with easy grace, until he pulled my chair out and offered a hand to help me stand. Jack was nothing, if not gallant in his manners. I couldn’t stop watching him.

  “Grab your glass.” He waited until I’d done as he asked, then lifted the bottle and his own glass and led me into the living area. “Please, have a seat.” He motioned to the oversized leather couch and I sat obediently, expecting him to join me. Instead he sat in the adjoining chair after placing the bottle down on the chrome and glass coffee table.

  The way he looked at me had me fidgeting, and to cover up my nervousness I sipped on my wine. After weeks of enjoying his company every night, there was something about his stares that left me feeling unsure. Maybe it was the depth of emotion as his eyes roamed over every inch of my frame. It was disconcerting, to say the least.

  “Tell me why you want more.” Pulling his eyes away from my body, he leaned back casually in his chair drinking his wine. His entire stance was relaxed and I tensed knowing he’d want more than the few words I normally spoke.

  “Have you looked at yourself lately?” The words just fell from my lips, and I flushed hotly at my boldness.

  The soft chuckle that filled the room gave the impression that he didn’t mind my expression. “I’m pleased you find me physically appealing, but there should be more than that.”

  His tone had deepened, making me worry I’d offended him, so I quickly explained, “I love your company, even if you sometimes scare me.” What was I supposed to say here? It wasn’t like I could explain that my body craved feeling the sensations he’d given me that one night.

  “You only think I frighten you now, little one. If we move forward, I won’t stop until I own every inch of you. Are you ready for that? Think hard about your answer. I will accept nothing but complete surrender if you agree.” His question contained a not so subtle warning, and I wasn’t sure I knew exactly what he meant.

  It made my heart race and my mind screamed that I’d better mull over what he was saying. My body? It knew exactly what it wanted, though, and before I allowed my mind to win the battle, I nodded. “I’m sure.” Whispering the words, I forced my eyes to lift from my lap and meet his.

  He jumped to his feet so fast, I gasped. He took my wine glass from my hand and placed it beside his on the table, before he lifted me into his arms without warning. “I hope you’re really sure, Emily, because nothing will stop me from making you mine now.”

  I clung to him as he took long strides out of the living room, up the steep flight of steps, and didn’t stop until we reached a room at the far end of a long hall. “Open the door.” His hands were full of me and my hand trembled while turning the knob to push it open. I could barely breathe as I noticed the huge bedroom we know stood inside.

  Finally, he was giving me what I craved. Lowering me to my feet, he grasped my hand, leading me over to the huge bed. “Do exactly as I tell you, little one, do you understand?”

  I nodded, my heart in my throat as his dark blue eyes bore into mine with an intensity that left me shaking.

  “Words! I need to know that you’re with me tonight. If I ask you a question, answer. Otherwise, keep silent and follow my lead. Understood?” That beautiful hand was under my chin, firmly lifting to make sure he could read my expression.

  “I understand.” My words faltered, almost afraid now that I knew we were finally going to be together.

  “Don’t.” His stern tone lowered into a much gentler whisper and he smiled. “Trust me. Follow me, and I’ll make this the best night of your life.”

  I swallowed consecutively, battling my nerves at knowing this was finally our moment. I nodded.

  “We’ll work on that.” He chuckled softly, and I had no idea what he was talking about, my mind was consumed with thoughts of what would happen in his bed. “Undress.”

  He couldn’t have shocked me more if he’d thrown a bucket of cold water in my face. I stood there with that deer in the headlights look, hoping he didn’t mean what he said.

  “Now. Unless you’ve changed your mind?” He sat down on the bed, and his lips lifted in a smirk, almost as if daring me to defy him. He undid his tie, leaving it hanging around his neck as he watched me in what seemed like amusement.

  He was serious! I had one of two choices. Do exactly what he ordered, or ask him to take me home. The second wasn’t an option. I’d waited too long for this. With trembling fingers, I reached my hand behind me and lowered the zipper on my dress slowly.

  Pulling it from my shoulders and allowing it to slide to the floor, took all the courage I thought I had. Obviously, that was about to be tested when his next words came.

  “Everything. I want to see you.” His fingers moved to the buttons on his shirt and he undid them without taking his eyes off me.

  I stepped out of my heels, needing the excuse of time before I took off my bra. Standing before him in my underwear and thigh high stockings was already making me so nervous I couldn’t stop trembling.

  The sight of his tanned, well-defined chest and abs gave me a little more courage, because he was so beautiful to behold. Reaching behind me I unclasped my bra, my fingers fumbling as I slid it away, baring my breasts to his gaze. “Jack?” Did he really expect me to finish this? I hoped he’d show a little compassion because I was already embarrassed standing before him so vulnerable.

  “Not a word, little one. Take them off.” His gaze roamed over my large breasts and he licked his lips. That was so undeniably sexy, that I forced my hands to slide the small scrap of silk down my shaking legs. Lowering my eyes, I felt the overwhelming need to cover myself as his gaze perused my nudeness.

  I shifted my weight from one foot to another and my hands clenched at my sides in tight fists to stop from giving in to my need to hide.

  He stood up, moving so close to me that it made my breath catch in my throat. “Sit down and roll off your stockings.”

  Jack gave me no reprieve, not that the stockings covered parts of my body that hid anything that mattered. Forcing myself to sit, I slowly did as he asked, hoping I wouldn’t hyperventilate in the process. It was humbling to be studied so meticulously while he was still partially dressed. With nothing on but my blush, and more embarrassed than I’d ever been, my fingers clenched the smooth si
lk of the duvet to stop from covering my breasts. My eyes lowered, unable to meet the intensity of his stare this way.

  “That pleases me so much. Now, look at me.”

  I forced my gaze to his and saw the smile of pleasure on his face. It was impossible not to be pleased, knowing that he was smiling because of me. Then he began to undress. Thoughts of my own insecurity vanished as his shirt fell to the floor. He carelessly threw his black tie onto the bed before moving his hands to the belt looped through his slacks, and he seemed in no hurry to remove it. Sitting down on the bed, with practiced ease, he removed his shoes and socks, before standing before me once more.

  I watched as intently as he’d studied me as his pants joined his shirt on the floor, then held my breath as his fingers slid into the band of his underwear. “Breathe, baby.” He chuckled softly, waiting for me to take that breath before sliding that hindrance down his muscled legs.

  I was in awe of Jack’s perfection as he stood in front of me in all his glory. There was no embarrassment from him as my eyes took in the gorgeous flesh he revealed. In fact he seemed very proud of how he looked. My eyes riveted to his sex, and my mouth fell open at the proof of his desire for me.

  I didn’t know much about the male anatomy, except from books, but his was more than impressive, if not a little daunting. It was hard to imagine that would be inside me soon, and I bit my lip nervously.

  “In the middle of the bed, laying down now.” His soft demand pulled me out of my fear and had me trembling for a different reason. I scampered up to do as he asked, and knew there was a very good chance I’d pass out. I couldn’t breathe, and the way my heart pounded in my chest wasn’t helping matters at all.

  He climbed up the bed joining me, parting my legs and lowering his body to mine, our flesh touching and startling me at the sensation. He rose up on his arms and stared down into my eyes. “Do you want to touch me? Think carefully, this will be your last chance.”