by Ann Lory
Dimitri watched her physical reaction as he said her name softly, like a whisper, sending it gliding over her flesh. She shivered and he looked into her purple eyes, enamored with the unusual hue, which he’d never seen in anyone else. He almost reached out and touched her, but gripped the car door instead, careful not to bend the metal. “It would please me very much if you would call me Dimitri.”
She nodded, leaning against her vehicle, lost as he pulled her into his gaze. It would be so easy to bend and kiss her now, but he dared not. This was to be strictly business and there was no place for her in his life that wouldn’t end up with heartache ... for both of them.
He stepped away and motioned for her to enter her car. She shook her head as if trying to clear her thoughts, then climbed behind the wheel, quickly fastening her seatbelt. He shut the door as soon as she was tucked in. She turned the ignition, then waved a quick farewell. In another moment, she was gone.
Cassie unlocked her apartment door and walked in. “Hello, Patches,” she said to the calico, who had come to greet her, purring. The cat followed closely on her heels as she went to her bedroom and undressed, then washed up in the bathroom and got ready for bed.
Climbing onto her mattress, she patted a spot for Patches, and her pet bounded onto the area she’d indicated. Cassie ran her hand along the cat’s fur, her purrs of delight filling the room. She smiled at the animal even as her thoughts went once again to the man she had met tonight. Her drive home had been punctuated by images of him and the strong emotions he had evoked in her.
She had dated before, of course, but no man had ever caused such a wealth of feelings in her. Not one of them had been able to touch her and send her heart fluttering the way Dimitri had. She remembered his cool lips on her hand and it was almost as though she could feel pleasure of his touch all over again. Why was she thinking such thoughts about him? It was crazy.
Enough was enough. She wasn’t a teenager anymore. Cassie turned off the bedside lamp and settled down, pulling the covers up to her chin.
Two hours later, she was still awake. She turned in bed, murmuring an apology to Patches as she rolled over the cat. Patches let out an indignant squeak and jumped off the bed.
Cassie groaned. She couldn’t stop thinking of Dimitri and her body was on fire, aching all over for a man she barely knew. Surrendering, she closed her eyes and touched her breasts, pretending it was him caressing her, stroking her.
Burrowing deeper into the covers, she tweaked her nipples with her fingertips, then ran a hand down over her stomach to settle between her legs. Cassie rubbed the heel of her hand against the throbbing juncture. With her other hand, she continued to knead her breasts, taking pleasure in conjuring Dimitri’s face, imagining his hands on her.
She slowly inserted a finger inside her moist opening, pushing the digit in and out, and moaned. She needed release, something, but somehow knew this could never measure up to what Dimitri would have to offer. Her breath hitched, coming quick and erratic as she pictured his body on top of hers, pressing inside her, bringing her to unbelievable pleasure. Her thumb brushed over her swollen flesh as her finger worked in and out until finally she came. Her body convulsed, one hand squeezing her breasts tightly. She couldn’t help it when his name ripped from her lips.
Dimitri almost fell out of the tree he was perched in. He’d followed Cassie home, listened as she talked to her cat and went through her night preparations, then had left briefly for an evening snack, only to return and find her doing the unexpected.
It had taken everything in him to not fly down from the sturdy branch he sat on, walk up to her apartment door, then claim her the instant she invited him in.
He recognized the fact that she’d be mortified if she knew he’d been aware of what she’d just done. She seemed innocent, sweet, not the type to masturbate to thoughts of a man, much less him, but under that business exterior was clearly something wild just waiting to be released.
He grinned, his fangs rubbing over his bottom lip. Even though it was wrong, something about her called to him. He couldn’t help but want to be the one to unleash the sultry woman within.
Chapter Two
The next morning, Cassie rushed into her small office at the San Francisco Museum. She set her purse and briefcase on her desk, then quickly logged onto her computer, anxious to get her morning duties done so she could move on to Dimitri’s house. She scolded herself for her giddiness about a man she had just met, but she couldn’t seem to help the excitement that hummed through her.
“Good morning, Cassie, how are you?” One of her colleagues perched himself on the side of her desk and leaned over her.
“Good morning, Craig,” she said with a hint of annoyance. “I’m good, thank you.”
“I hear you’re going to catalog freak boy’s pieces.”
Startled by his comment, she stopped typing and looked up. “Excuse me?”
“You’re going to be working with Alexios, right? I heard he’s a weird one, but because he has such an extensive antiquities collection, Harper is willing to work with him.”
She didn’t know why, but the sudden urge to defend Dimitri swelled up within her. “He’s not a freak or weird, Craig.”
“Oh?” His eyes widened as he leaned forward further, clearly angling for juicy gossip. “So you did get to meet him. What’s he really like?”
Her eyes narrowed. “What do you want to know?”
“Is he creepy? The man never comes out into the real world, shuts himself away in that house and is rarely seen. He is very secretive, too, or so Harper has told me. Did you know that Harper didn’t want to work with him directly because he thought maybe you could get further with him than he could?”
Glaring at Craig and trying to ignore the hurt she felt at his words, she replied sharply. “No, he isn’t. He’s a nice man.”
“Is he old and ugly?”
“He’s young and handsome.” She stepped away from her desk and walked to the file room down the hall, Craig hot on her heels.
“Really? Wow, I would never have guessed.” He leaned against one of the filing cabinets and continued talking to her while she searched through different drawers for some forms she needed. “So?”
She was getting tired of Craig’s questions. “So what?”
“So, what do you say you and me, dinner, this Friday night after work?”
Pushing the drawer shut, she tucked the folder under her arm and walked back to her office. “Craig, we’ve had this conversation before. I’ve already told you I don’t want to get involved with anyone that I work with. Besides, we’re friends.”
It wasn’t that Craig was an unattractive man. After all, he was tall and lean from hours of running in the California sun, had light brown hair, soft blue eyes and tanned skin. But she just wasn’t interested in him.
“Come on, Cassie, give me a break!”
She spun around and fixed him with a pointed look. “I said no.”
“You’ll give in one day, you’ll see.” He turned and stalked toward his own office across the hall.
Cassie sighed. “I’m sorry, Craig.” He waved his hand without looking at her. She shook her head and stared at his profile, wondering when he would take the hint and stop asking her out.
Cassie decided to ignore him and got back to work, the time going by quickly. When she next looked at the clock, it was already eleven. She shut down her computer, packed it away and grabbed her purse before she rushed out of the office. “I’m leaving, everyone; have a good day.” Mumbled good-byes filtered through the hall.
Sunshine warmed her as she walked to her car. It felt good beaming down on her face and was a perfect excuse to crank up the radio and enjoy a long drive. Unlocking the car door, she tossed her belongings onto the passenger seat and climbed in.
Window down and music blaring, she left San Francisco and took the road up the coast to Dimitri’s house. Although the view was breathtaking, this highway never had much of a traffic problem since it took a longer r
oute into and out of San Francisco. Dimitri seemed to value his privacy very seriously, as borne out by the “Private Property” signs she’d seen yesterday.
Almost an hour later, she pulled onto the winding driveway again. White and red rosebushes lined the base of the hill before its ascent to the mansion. In the daylight, she could also see patches of a myriad of flowers growing on the huge front lawn. Despite his words the day before, she wondered if she would see him today. Maybe he would be around the house for a bit this afternoon. She parked under the stone canopy, shut off the engine and stepped out of the car, securing it after her.
Rowlin immediately opened the large door as she reached it. “Hello, again, Ms. Stephens. How are you today?”
She smiled. “I’m good, thank you, and yourself?”
“I’m well; thank you for asking.”
She followed him up the stairs and to the rooms filled to bursting with valuable art. Her thoughts went to Dimitri and she wondered again if he were still out on business, or if he was somewhere in the huge mansion.
“May I get you anything, Miss Stephens, to help you with your task?”
Cassie smiled and patted her briefcase. “For now, I think I have all I need right in here.”
“I just brewed some fresh iced tea.” He winked in a friendly way.
“I will take you up on that. Thank you.”
He nodded and exited the room. She opened her briefcase and pulled out a notepad and her PDA, then began a file for Dimitri’s collection. Just thinking his name caused butterflies to flutter in her stomach and a warm heat to rush over her body.
Rowlin returned shortly with her beverage. He handed the glass to her and she smiled in appreciation.
“Thank you so much.”
“It is no problem at all, I assure you. Will there be anything else?” He unfolded a TV tray and she set the iced tea on it.
She shook her head. “No, thank you. I am fine.”
“Very well. I’ll leave you to your work then.”
Cassie spent the rest of the afternoon cursorily looking over the items in every room, then returned to the first room. In preparation for shipping and packing at a later date, she took notes and measurements of specific pieces she thought would show well at the exhibit -- but only after she received permission from Dimitri, of course. She also carefully jotted down descriptions of pieces other curators at the museum might be interested in for shows that were scheduled for the next couple of years.
By the time she thought to check her watch, it was almost six o’clock and she had only gotten halfway through the first room. Her stomach was grumbling in protest. She sat down on the floor, ignoring the chair Rowlin had brought for her, and tossed her notepad and PDA into the briefcase. She closed her eyes and rested her elbows on her knees, her fingertips massaging her temples, trying to ease the pounding in her head even as her mind was full of different paintings and sculptures, how big they were, from what era and other questions for Dimitri.
“Cassandra, are you all right?”
Her head snapped up and her eyes popped open at his voice. She spun around on the floor to face him. He towered over her, and she swallowed with great difficulty, amazed again at how handsome he was.
Embarrassed, she quickly pushed herself to her feet, stumbling in the process. He caught her, his arms going around her as she fell against him. Her breath became trapped in her throat at her body’s immediate reaction to his. White heat seemed to burn through her breasts at the feel of his hard chest pressed against her. Her body tingled at the feel of his arms circling her waist. She inhaled. Oh, he smells good!
She felt her face redden. Could she have been any more clumsy, and now she was sniffing him? She wished a hole would just open up and swallow her. Pushing against him, she tried desperately to right herself. He grabbed her arms and helped her to stand more steadily. Once she had her balance, he immediately released her.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall into you.”
“No, it is I who must apologize. I shouldn’t have startled you, but I was concerned because you looked like you were in pain.”
“Oh.” She shrugged. “Sometimes after a long day of work my head aches. It’s no big deal. I’ll just take some aspirin.”
“Would you like me to rub your temples?”
“No!” If his slightest touch was enough to cause her to body to react so strongly, then stroking her would surely make her fall to pieces. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap. It’s okay, really. Like I said, it’s nothing to worry about.”
Dimitri arched one brow and studied her face. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were bright and shiny. Her heart was pounding wildly. “Would you care for dinner?” He saw her hesitate, knew he should let her decline, but he desired her company.
Although he had been resting in the darkness of his chamber, he’d sensed it earlier in the afternoon when her car had turned onto his drive. Indeed, he had been aware of her every move. Dimitri had heard her murmuring to herself, shuffling papers -- and had savored the precious sound of her heart beating and the sweet scent of her blood.
“Oh, I don’t know, I ...”
“It would please me very much to have somebody to talk to this evening.”
Her stomach growled again, loud enough for him to hear even if he hadn’t had preternatural hearing. She nodded, grinning sheepishly, and allowed him to guide her out of the room.
“Rowlin prepared an especially delicious meal, which I’ve already eaten. Had I realized you were still here, I would have asked you to join me sooner.” They entered the elaborate dinning room and he could tell she was uncomfortable. “What’s wrong, Cassandra?”
“If it’s just going to be us, do we really need to eat at this huge table?” She pointed to the dark cherry wood dining table, which could seat at least twenty people. The chandelier sparkled above, causing little prisms of light to dance off the gleaming surface.
“Where would you prefer to eat?”
“Can we eat in the kitchen?”
“Of course.” He led the way through a swinging door at the back of the room.
Rowlin looked surprised to see them. “I was just about to bring the table settings and food, sir.” He smiled at Cassandra, “I see you did convince Ms. Stephens to stay for a meal.”
“That I did, Rowlin. You may retire for the night. Cassandra and I will take dinner in here.”
“Very well, sir. Good night.” He turned and grinned at Cassie. “And good night to you, Ms. Stephens”
Cassie smiled. “Good night, Rowlin.” He left the kitchen.
Dimitri pulled out one of the stools. “Please sit.” She did, then pulled herself up to the island in the middle of the kitchen while he placed bowls of steaming food on the countertop in front of her. Pots and pans hung overhead, and the counters were filled with different canisters, cutlery, knick-knacks and little plants.
She inhaled deeply. “It smells absolutely wonderful. I haven’t eaten all day.”
He set a plate and utensils before her, handed her a cloth napkin, then dimmed the lights before returning to sit across from her. “Bright lights hurt my eyes,” he said in response to her questioning look. He filled two glasses with wine and handed one to her. “Please help yourself. Rowlin is a remarkable cook.”
“You are so lucky to have such a marvelous chef,” she said, obviously savoring the flavors of the crisp green beans, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, thin slices of roast beef and freshly baked bread.
Lucky indeed, he thought. He watched her as she ate and realized how good it felt to be there with her. It made him feel normal; for this moment in time, he was a man, just a man, enjoying the company of a beautiful woman. He felt her relax.
“Tell me about yourself,” he said.
“What would you like to know?”
“Anything.”
“Okay, I’m twenty-two. I have a younger brother and a sister, and they live with my family in Missouri.”
“How old
are your siblings?”
“Jay is seventeen, and Alynn, the baby of the family, is fifteen.”
“What brought you all the way to California?”
She laughed and the sound was like music to his ears. “When I was eighteen, my friend, Kelly, and I came out here to be stars. Well, I never made it big, obviously, but Kelly has been successful. She’s a wonderful dancer for the Vincinni Company here in San Francisco.” She chuckled, her eyes dancing with merriment. “The last performance I engaged in was in high school, and I twirled myself right off the stage.” She laughed, covering her mouth. “It was the funniest thing. I landed in some old man’s lap!”
Dimitri chuckled along with her at the image, her delight bringing him joy. He was so caught up in her story that he almost didn’t notice; how long had it been since he had laughed, since he had truly expressed any kind of real emotion? He looked across the counter at her ... and found his hands reaching out to clasp her small warm ones.
He heard her suck in a breath at his touch and glanced at her, amazed at the feelings she brought out in him.
Cassie knew she was grinning like a little girl. Living by herself, she never cooked elaborate meals, so it had been a long time since she had eaten anything besides frozen dinners. By the time she had taken her first bite of Rowlin’s cooking, she knew she had died and gone to heaven. And now ...
Dimitri’s eyes seemed a dark abyss of the richest ebony, trapping hers with their intensity. Cassie felt like she was in an erotic dream as she gazed into them, almost like she couldn’t escape if she tried. But she didn’t think she would ever want to flee from him.
“I want to know everything about you, Cassandra.” His voice slid over her like silk. Goose bumps rose on her flesh and heat seemed to suffuse her skin.
Cassie didn’t think to deny him, and they sat there for several hours, talking about every aspect of her life from childhood till the present. She mentioned her parents and her siblings, and what was happening in all their lives. She discussed who her friends were and what she did for fun, how she liked her job. Everything! The next thing she knew, it was two a.m.
