“Do you live nearby?” I asked on our way there.
“Yes,” he answered before I heard him mutter under his breath, “and thank fuck for that.”
§ § §
“Have you got the time?” I wondered aloud when he had guided me along the streets of Soho for a few minutes. Raising the hand that wasn’t holding mine, William eyed his wristwatch. I swallowed as I recognised the brand – a Rolex.
Glancing up at his profile, I realised that he reeked of upper-class wealth, and I wasn’t ensnared by it. Rich people could sometimes be dreadfully arrogant with their aristocratic tendencies. However, since I wasn’t one for prejudice, I wouldn’t let his potential fortune define my impression of him. Besides, Jason came from a wealthy background as well, and he was as close to an ideal human being as could be.
“Ten to ten,” William said and tugged me closer.
“Ten to ten? I was only there for about an hour?” I replied astounded. Had he managed to seduce me that fast? How licentious of me – and I wasn’t even tipsy!
Seemingly amused, he glanced at me from the corner of his eye. “If it’s any consolation, I didn’t leave you much choice,” he said and rounded a corner to enter Wardour Street.
I frowned at myself. Was I really so desperate for him that I couldn’t last much longer than an hour? Poor Olivia. I hoped I hadn’t ruined her evening.
“Do you think Andy will take good care of Livy?” I inquired worriedly. “I feel like I’m being a rubbish friend.”
“Again, I didn’t leave you much choice.”
I halted promptly. “We ought to head back.”
William chuckled. “I’m afraid I disagree. You’re really doing her a favour, Sandra.”
“But what if I’m not? What if Andy rejects her and she ends up alone tonight?”
From the wrinkle that formed across his nose, I got the impression that he could understand where I was coming from but – for selfish reasons – felt disinclined to oblige.
Since he struggled to form a reply, I retrieved my hand from his grasp and continued to argue, “You said yourself that you expect Andy will get back with his girlfriend. Don’t you think he’ll reject Livy because of that? He’s probably not ready to be with someone else, especially so soon after spending an entire decade with his ex.”
A sigh poured from his mouth while his shoulders sank, and he proceeded to study me for a brief while. Appearing to reach a conclusion to his contemplations, he confessed, “I’m tempted to lie because I’d like to be alone with you. But, at the same time, I wouldn’t want it to bite me on the arse later on, so I’ll be honest. Andy’s unlikely to sleep with your friend. He’s still in shambles over Chloe.”
It was my turn to sigh. “Right. Well, then,” I mumbled and dropped my gaze to my feet.
Had we really met our end already? It seemed so abrupt. “It’s just,” I said, “I’d like to be alone with you as well, but I don’t think it’s right to—”
“I get it,” he interrupted with a nod. “You’re a good friend. I’d have done the same.”
After sighing again, I directed my eyes to his and pouted. Since I was unsure of how to proceed, I resorted to admiring his beauty for a while. I could hardly believe I was about to turn him down. Then again, for the sake of friendship, there were few sacrifices I was unwilling to make.
“I’ll walk you back,” he said after a short silence.
“That’s not necessary.”
“I insist. London’s not safe at night, especially for women like yourself.”
A blush surfaced in my cheeks at his courteous behaviour and indirect compliment. Then, all of a sudden, an idea occurred to me. “You know what?” Reaching into my purse, I fished for my phone. “I could always just call her.”
“A perk of the twenty-first century,” William joked and earned himself a smile.
I hurried to locate Olivia’s number. While she was slow to pick up, at least she did.
“Hello? Is everything okay?” she immediately asked.
“Hi, love. Quick question.”
“Yes?”
“Are you absolutely sure you won’t mind if I—”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. We’ve already been over this.” I could hear her eyes roll.
“It’s just that—”
“Are you still with him?”
“Yes.”
“Then don’t keep the poor man waiting!”
“But Livy, there’s something you ought to know first.”
“What?”
“I don’t think Andy’s interested in the same as you.”
She was quiet for a beat before I heard her murmur to someone, “I’m so sorry. Please excuse me for a minute.”
A few seconds of silence elapsed before her voice returned. “Hello, Cara?”
“Yes, I’m still here. Did you hear what I said?”
“Yes, but so what?”
I frowned. “What do you mean ‘so what’?”
“Why should that matter?”
“Wasn’t your aim tonight to…” I paused to steal a glance at William. Lowering my voice, I continued, “find a man?”
“Oh my God. Cara, I’ll have plenty of opportunities to find a rebound in the future. I love you for caring so much, but I wouldn’t dream of getting in your way. Besides, I’m genuinely enjoying myself. Andy’s a really sweet guy, and he’s actually hilarious. To be perfectly honest, I started friend-zoning him even before you called to warn me.”
Unsure of her sincerity, I asked, “Really?”
“Really. In fact, it dawned on me while we’ve been chatting that I don’t need to sleep with a stranger to reinstate my status as a single woman. What I need is an actual connection with someone. A one-night stand isn’t going to provide that, and it’s not going to help me get over Colin, either. Frankly, I think sleeping with Andy would’ve made me feel like shit. I’d feel used again, which is the last thing I need right now. Only a new, genuine connection is going to help me move past Colin.”
Impressed with her rationale, my eyebrows arched. “Points for introspection, Livy. I’m glad you’ve got such a healthy mind.”
“Are you being sarcastic?”
I tittered. While I had a habit of being sarcastic, I wasn’t now. “No. I’m being sincere. I’m impressed.”
“Thank you! Honestly, I’m a bit impressed myself if I can say that.”
“You can,” I chuckled.
“Well, then. With that out of the way, you can stop worrying about me. I’ll be fine. Get back to your man. I’ll want to hear every single detail in the morning.”
“Okay. Speak soon, then.”
“Yes. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
As soon as I rang off, I gave William a grin while stuffing my phone back into my purse. “She doesn’t want him that way either, apparently.”
His responding grin far outmatched mine. “Problem’s solved then, I take it?”
“Seems that way.”
“Brilliant. She say why?”
“Well, like Andy, she’s recently split from her partner as well.”
“I see.”
“Now, then. Where to?”
“Right this way,” he said and reached for my hand again. As soon as our skin made contact, my heart contracted in the most peculiar way. In fact, I couldn’t recall having experienced a similar sensation in all my life. It was almost painful in its intensity.
“Besides,” I said once we started walking, “I’m sure she could use a sympathetic shoulder to lean on, which Andy can provide. I’ve no idea what it’s like to endure a break-up, so I’m sure she appreciates speaking with someone who understands, even if they don’t go into it.”
“You’ve never had a boyfriend?” William inquired, seemingly astonished.
I shook my head. “Nor am I looking for one.”
“Why not?” he queried, and I found his tone slightly odd, as if he were feigning nonchalance towards the subject.
“Because I don’t have the time that’s required for a happy one.”
“Please elaborate.”
“I’m very dedicated to my studies,” I explained. “So, firstly, I can’t afford to be preoccupied with a man, as I’m sure it would divide my attention. Secondly, he wouldn’t deserve to get only leftover scraps of my time, which is what would happen.”
Glancing up, I thought William looked quite impressed with my reasoning. “Is that the real reason you’re reluctant to see me again?”
Yet again, his directness caught me off guard. “You’re very forward,” I commented.
“Don’t digress.”
My heart slowed while I gazed blankly ahead. He was putting me on the spot, and it was uncomfortable. I worried my honesty would change his mind, but I decided to share it anyway.
“Yes.”
I could, of course, have resorted to a lie, but I wasn’t in the habit of mistreating people. If his feelings were under threat of being toyed with, he deserved to know. I would have wanted as much for myself.
“I see.” William nodded. “And it’s never occurred to you to let your suitors be the judge of that?”
“Of what?”
“Of whether they’d be content with only ‘leftover scraps’ of your time.”
Facing him, I lingered on a step. “I – no. Why should I? Wouldn’t that involve inviting the risk in the first place?”
He shrugged. “I suppose. Then again, the reward you’d reap would be invaluable.”
“But the odds of achieving that are astronomical.” I shook my head. “I really don’t think it’s the best tactic.”
“And there’s no way I can convince you otherwise?”
Stealing a glance at him, I noticed that he was consciously keeping his gaze from meeting mine.
I sighed. He might be the most alluring man I’d ever met, but I was a rational woman. I knew meeting him again would be sealing my doom. He was a little too alluring.
I could manage one night without getting attached to him, but another was a different story entirely. My attraction to him was too immense to ignore. I’d never been so captured by another individual before, and surely not so fast. It made me fear his power over me. If we met again, I didn’t trust that I’d be able to resist growing fond of him. I didn’t trust myself not to give in to temptation. I would want to explore more of him – every corner of his enigmatic mind, and every fibre of his mouth-watering anatomy.
I couldn’t have that. Not now. I didn’t have the capacity for it. I was a top student. Becoming infatuated could ruin that, and I wasn’t about to take the risk. To add to that, I wasn’t interested in making a commitment to someone when I knew I’d fall short of their expectations – and, even in the event that I didn’t, my reverence for them would tell me they deserved better than what I could offer.
“I’m afraid not.”
William chuckled, but it was a humourless sound. “Well, I’ll try either way. For starters, I both admire and respect your dedication to your studies. If you agree to meet me again, you’ll find that out for yourself. I wouldn’t dream of getting in the way of your education.”
Somewhat surprised, I looked up at him. “I appreciate that, but I’m afraid it’s out of your hands. You don’t get to decide how I respond to something. This is what I’ve spent the past three years doing, and I’m not inclined to change my ways for you.”
Faint irritation swelled in his eyes upon my rejection. With a clenched jaw, he glared away. “I must admit,” he said, “I’m a bit shocked your sole intention tonight is to use me for your own sexual benefit. What the hell is that all about?”
Guilt flooded my body. Unsure of what to say, I fell silent while he continued, “Please don’t tell me it’s due to some discreditable idea of feminism, because that’s nothing short of toxic feminism, and you’re doing every feminist – myself included – a great dishonour and disservice by acting like it’s not.”
He couldn’t have been more wrong. With eyes that sought acquittal, I replied vehemently, “No, of course not. I just assumed that sex with no strings attached was mutually understood and agreed upon.”
“Well, you assumed wrong,” he retorted. “Fuck’s sake. You could have warned me.”
Wearing a pout, I sighed. “Well, I’m warning you now – and I’m sorry. I do—” I paused and motioned towards him—“fancy you. I’m just not interested in anything more than one night.”
He was silent for a beat, contemplating. This was it, I realised.
“I suppose I’ll just have to fuck you so well that you’ll change your mind,” he finally asserted.
Air stormed out of my lungs like someone had just punched me in the gut. I doubted I’d ever get used to the shocking – yet somehow arousing – effect of his vulgar tongue. Frankly, I wondered at that moment just what else his tongue was capable of.
“But if you don’t mind my saying,” he continued before I could catch my breath, “I think you’re being ridiculous. Law isn’t an easy path of education either, and I completed my degree at Cambridge. Even so, I still found time for romantic endeavours. That should speak volumes.”
I gaped. He’d studied at Cambridge? No wonder his intellect had impressed me earlier.
Smirking, he placed his index finger below my chin and closed my mouth. “Something to consider,” he added. “You can gape later, when we’re naked in my flat.”
The mouth of this man rendered me speechless. It must have earned him a slap or two during his lifetime.
He didn’t bother waiting for my response. Instead, he started towards the entrance of an elegant white building with warehouse-style windows. A Starbucks resided on the ground floor. Was he a regular there?
He entered a code on a keypad to unlock the front door that was next to the Starbucks, and after pushing it open, he stepped aside to let me enter. As if I’d walked into a past era, I gazed around the splendid reception area where marble made up the floor and walls. “Nice building,” I remarked.
He didn’t respond. Instead, he guided me towards the lift and pushed the button. The doors opened immediately. After ushering me in, he joined me inside and pressed the digits of a code again. We watched the doors slide shut, and as they did, I mentally thanked myself for having shaved earlier that day.
Gravity gently tugged my gut as we rode up, but it was nothing compared to the magnetism the man beside me exuded. He seemed electric, and it was making me increasingly nervous. Looking over, I saw that he was completely composed. Was I the only one struggling to resist wanton urges? It seemed that way. That notion bruised my ego so much that a pout dominated my face.
“I hope you’re not a Patrick Bateman,” I murmured, hoping to lighten the atmosphere. From the corner of my eye, I saw his lips twitch.
“An American psycho? How could I be? I’m not a Yank.”
“Ha-ha.”
He grinned to himself. “I’m afraid the only thing I’ve in common with Mr Bateman is a taste for the finer things in life,” he replied and, for emphasis, lowered his hand from my back to gently pat my bum.
A second later, we arrived at our destination, which I noted was on the top floor. The doors parted to reveal a vestibule where a dark brown entrance door interrupted the wall straight ahead. With a gentle push, he encouraged me to approach it.
Here as well, a code was required to unlock the door, and he entered it quickly. Turning the handle, he revealed a marvellous and spacious flat. Complementing the exterior door, solid dark brown wood served for a floor. Surrounding it were cream-coloured walls decorated with a fair number of contemporary paintings. The interior was undeniably modern, though with a touch of old-fashioned moments.<
br />
He stepped in first to hold the door for me, and when his eyes met mine again, they were lit with desire alone.
“Please, Sandra. Won’t you come in?” he asked, and his voice was an invitation in and of itself.
4
SATISFIED?
With my breath stuck in my throat, I walked in and was just about to remove my heels when William clasped my wrist to tug me harshly towards him. As I slammed into his robust body, the little air I had left was knocked out.
“I’d rather you kept those on,” he purred and then dipped down to engulf my mouth. Wide-eyed, I mellowed against him, utterly at his mercy. The effect this man had on me was beyond my comprehension. I felt like a snake hypnotised by its master’s flute.
While his mouth demanded possession of mine, he shut the door. The sound of it being locked made my heart skip a beat. I was both literally and figuratively trapped, and yet I harboured no desire to escape. Then, was I truly trapped? Perhaps I was suffering a mild case of Stockholm syndrome, because I was surely in favour of my captor.
The taste and scent of him was intoxicating. How had it come to this? I definitely hadn’t been expecting his attention earlier tonight. And yet, here I was, about to ravish him while I explored every bit of his tantalising body.
He didn’t waste a second. Impatiently, he slipped his tongue into my mouth and reached for the sash of my coat to untie it. As soon as it came undone, he spread it apart and grabbed my waist to press me against him. Without breaking from his mouth, I shrugged out of my coat and let it fall to the floor behind me. The second it landed, he pinned me forcefully against the wall, and the impact caused me to groan into his mouth. Upon the sound, his smile interfered with our passionate kiss.
“You know…” he cooed as he moved to trace soft kisses down the slope of my neck. When he found my throbbing pulse, he gently sucked and nibbled on it. The sensation of it made my eyes close. So quickly, he’d located one of the most sensitive areas of my body. “Despite the sorry excuse for a man that I am, you seem to find yourself so lost and desperate that you’ve wound up in my bed after all.”
Skin of the Night: Book One of The Night series Page 5
