Dare Me Tonight

by Phillips, Carly

  Ethan noticed she hadn’t pulled away when he’d slid his arm into hers and begun walking her out of the room. He wasn’t too close, nor did she dislike him in her personal space, and that thought pleased him greatly.

  “Tonight went so quickly!” she said as they waited for the elevator. Nobody else was with them at the moment.

  “Have you come to a decision?” he asked.

  She sighed. “I’m afraid not.”

  “Well, there’s still tomorrow. I’ll show you around Manhattan and you can ask me any questions you still have about the Digital Business Strategy program.”

  She beamed up at him. “I would love that!”

  “For now, though, I’ll see you home.”

  She glanced at him, those brown eyes looking as if they could see right through him and read his ulterior motive – wanting to be with her longer. Something he was having a difficult time admitting even to himself.

  “You already sent a car for me. I don’t mind grabbing a taxi or an Uber,” she assured him. “And don’t worry. I won’t tell Ian.”

  She grinned at her words, but Ethan was very aware of her brother as a factor in how he treated her. But as he looked at her, it was difficult to care much about Ian or the stadium contract at all. His body, his very being, seemed to reach out to hers with both desire and need.

  “That won’t be happening. I’ll make sure you get home safely.” He didn’t think she was aware of the fact that he lived in the same building where she was staying, and for now he kept that to himself.

  “Well, thank you. I appreciate that,” she murmured.

  As they stepped onto the street, Ethan immediately recognized his driver standing beside the limo, and Ethan nodded at Mason, who had been by his side for years.

  He slid into the back seat beside Sienna, allowing himself to breathe in her delicious scent without berating himself for the indulgence. She couldn’t see his throbbing erection in the darkness of the car, and she’d remain unaware of her effect on him.

  After he walked her to the door and said good night, he’d just have to self-gratify to the thought of her perfect lips, sexy body, and smart brain. The entire package that was Sienna Dare turned him on beyond belief. He wasn’t used to denying himself, but in this case he had no choice. There was nothing more he could do.

  * * *

  Sienna sat beside Ethan Knight in the back seat of the darkened limo, a mess of nerves and desire. She wasn’t used to feeling either. The man was the epitome of perfection, from the long hair she hadn’t expected, to the light scruff on his face, to the casual way he wore his expensive suit, the white shirt unbuttoned just enough to tease her with his hint of chest hair peeking through. And the way he smelled? All man with a delicious hint of musk.

  The guys she was used to from college were boys in comparison to Ethan Knight, and she more than felt the difference both in her body’s reaction to him and in his response to her. Oh, he tried to keep a respectful distance, but she didn’t miss the way his stare zeroed in on hers when she was with other people, how he watched her with interest in his gaze that had nothing to do with convincing her to attend business school in New York City.

  She’d had enough half sisters fall in love for her to be well aware of what chemistry between two people was like. And she and Ethan had chemistry in spades.

  Shocking sexual desire made her aware of her body for the first time, caused a slickness between her thighs and a yearning she wasn’t going to find easily in men back home. Ethan was intelligent and aloof, qualities that didn’t put her off because of the type of men in the family in which she’d grown up.

  In the past, she’d dated, she’d made out with guys, but ultimately she’d kept her distance, at least from any significant relationships, and for good reason. Sienna’s life had always been serious, from her childhood illness to her family drama, and though she didn’t act or live in the shadows, she wanted someone who could handle everything that came along with her.

  She knew better than to create fairy tales. Her parents’ relationship had taught her that happily ever after came with strings. Sometimes with another family. So she’d waited for just the right person to be with. She leaned her head against the headrest and glanced at Ethan. A man, not a boy. The more she thought about school, the less likely it became that she’d accept. So one night with a guy she wanted beyond reason before she would head back to Miami, where she belonged?

  Everything inside her screamed yes. Ethan was the right one.

  She could handle the distance he attempted to put between them and was more than willing to try and breach it. She just needed to work up her nerve, and the charged silence between them in the car gave her time to think.

  To plan.

  The car pulled to a stop in front of the familiar building in which she was staying. To her surprise, Ethan climbed out first, then waited for her to join him.

  She assumed he was saying good night, which meant she’d have to make her move.

  “Are you ready to go up?” Ethan asked.

  She blinked at him. If he planned on walking her to her door, she didn’t have to attack him in the street, in front of the driver.

  Her stomach was bouncing with nerves as he guided her into the building.

  “Mr. Knight,” the doorman said. “Welcome home.”

  “Thank you, John. Have a nice evening.” He placed a hand on her back and guided her toward the elevators.

  Sienna glanced up at him. “Home? Sierra mentioned your family owned the building, but she didn’t say any of you lived here.”

  His grin was as surprising as it was infectious. “Penthouse,” he explained, a man of few words, as usual.

  They stepped into an open elevator, and he hit the second floor, where she was staying. A few seconds later, she was standing in front of her door, Ethan beside her.

  He braced a hand above her head, leaning closer than would be appropriate for their supposed positions. She took it as a sign.

  “I hope you enjoyed yourself,” he said.

  “The night was more than I hoped for.” She spoke the truth. He was more than she’d hoped for. “You were an excellent host.”

  The silence between them was charged, her heart beating rapidly in her chest, possibilities soaring through her brain.

  “Good night, Sienna.” He spoke but he didn’t leave.

  She couldn’t bring herself to use the key she’d taken out of her purse, either. She stared up at him, unable to break eye contact, and forced herself to utter the words she needed to say. “Please stay.”

  * * *

  Ethan had an angel on one shoulder, a devil on the other. He knew what he should do. Angel. But he was too aware of what he wanted. Desired. Devil.

  “This isn’t a good idea,” he said, their gazes mere inches apart.

  “But it’s what you want.” Her tongue ran over those seductive lips.

  Had he been obvious in his need? He thought he’d disguised his yearning well. Apparently not.

  The desire in those brown eyes made it impossible to say no.

  He needed a drink and he needed her. “Unlock the door.”

  With trembling hands, which reminded him of how innocent she was compared to him, she let them inside. He knew the layout of the apartment, was aware there was always alcohol stocked in the liquor cabinet.

  Without speaking, he strode over and pulled out a bottle of Macallan, pouring himself a drink, taking a stiff, long sip. He didn’t offer her one even though she was more than old enough. If they were going to do this, she was going into it aware of her choices.

  He turned to face her, her gorgeous eyes focused on him. Her lips, still red, parted slightly.

  “One night and we tell no one,” he said, maybe too harshly. But she needed to know the score.

  A flash of what appeared to be pain flickered in her eyes before she nodded in agreement.

  “Your brother would have my head on a platter,” he muttered, finishing off the drink a
nd pouring another. Ian had sent her to him for protection, not seduction.

  But who was seducing whom? he asked himself. She’d asked him to come in. Excuses, he thought, flimsy and not worthy of him or her.

  “Ian’s my half brother and he won’t hear a word from me,” Sienna agreed.

  He inclined his head, accepting her at her word.

  He recalled hearing stories of the Dare family and the extreme scandal with multiple families, but the details eluded him now. He assumed whatever it was had to do with the fact that she and Ian weren’t fully related. Somehow Ethan had a feeling Ian wouldn’t think the distinction mattered if he discovered Ethan had fucked his sister. A multibillion-dollar contract was at stake, and Ethan still couldn’t bring himself to care.

  He wanted Sienna and he meant to have her.

  * * *

  Holy shit. Sienna stared at the man she’d propositioned. She wasn’t sure she’d really thought that he’d agree, and now that he had? She needed to gather her courage.

  She reached down and pulled off one heel, then the other. “Umm, make yourself comfortable. I’ll go change and be back,” Sienna said and headed into her bedroom, closing the door behind her.

  She tossed the shoes on the floor and leaned against the wood, forcing air into her lungs. What did she do now? Although she’d sworn not to say a word, she decided Girl Code overrode that promise, and she dialed Avery on her cell, whispering when the other woman answered.

  “Avery?”

  “Sienna? Are you okay? Why are you whispering?” Avery asked, whispering back.

  “Who is it, sugar?” Grey’s voice.

  “Tell him it’s me, I’m fine, and go into another room,” Sienna instructed.

  “Okay, I’m in the bathroom, door closed. What in God’s name is going on?” Thank God Avery did as she was told.

  “I found the guy. The one. He’s in the other room now and I’m freaking out!” She didn’t tell Avery who she was with. Her half sister and best friend would pick up on the pertinent details.

  “Oh my God. You’re going to lose your virginity!” Avery squealed.

  “Shh! Just tell me I can do this. I need to know I’m not crazy.”

  Avery’s breathing sounded over the phone, and then, “You waited this long. If you’ve found the guy, you’ve found the guy. Now pull up your big-girl thong and get back in there!” she instructed.

  Laughing, which broke the tension and was just what Sienna needed in the face of Ethan’s intensity, she relaxed, comfortable again with her decision. “I’m going. Thank you! Bye!”

  She breathed out, brushed her teeth, and went to undo her dress only to find she couldn’t reach the back herself. So that was how it was going to go.

  She drew a steadying breath and returned to ask Ethan for help. She stepped back into the room.

  He’d removed his jacket and hung it over a chair and rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt, revealing tanned, muscled forearms.

  She swallowed hard and, knowing she was blushing, said, “I need help with my dress.”

  His eyes darkened at the request, ice darkening to a darker, sexier shade of blue.

  She turned, pulling her long hair to one side.

  He placed his empty glass on the nearest table and strode over, all her senses aware of him as he came closer. His seductive scent, the heat of his body, the sharp inhale of his breath as he placed his big hands behind her and slowly, seductively pulled down the zipper, until she felt the rush of cool air on her bare back and the warmth of his breath near her neck.

  She was more aware than ever of the tiny scrap of lace she called underwear and the matching bra she’d chosen to wear. Just because she’d liked the set, not because she’d ever thought anyone besides her would see it.

  His breath hissed out, and suddenly his calloused finger traced a line down her spine, causing her nipples to peak and tighten with awareness, sharp spikes of desire shooting to her core.

  He slid the sides of her dress down and the garment dropped to the floor, leaving her bared to him in more ways than just physical. She hadn’t been prepared for such intensity, though she should have been. Everything about Ethan Knight was potent. Tonight had the power to change her world except, as he’d reminded her, it was one night.

  A night never to be shared with anyone. She’d ignored the dagger she’d experienced at being relegated to his dirty secret, telling herself she understood. Sometimes there were reasons for discretion, and with everything at stake for him with the Miami Thunder Stadium, his request made perfect sense.

  Even if it dug at the very pieces of her heart that she’d glued together over the years.

  Tonight was about sex. Desire. A yearning so strong she was ready to give up the thing she’d held on to, waiting for the right time. The right man.

  She’d found him, she thought, turning and finding herself in his arms, backed against the wall, his mouth coming down hard on hers.

  Chapter Three

  Ethan kissed Sienna like a starving man, and that’s what he was. A man deprived of human connection and affection for longer than he cared to remember. Everything about this woman called to his deepest primal instincts to take and possess. He didn’t care what family she belonged to or how she could screw up his business, he just wanted her.

  And she’d made the overture, which meant she was on board.

  Her lips were soft, her body ready for him. He lifted her into his arms, her legs wrapping around his waist as he backed her against the wall. For as much as he desired her and wanted to lose himself inside her, he let himself indulge first in her taste, a minty sensation that let him know she must have brushed her teeth during her little bathroom escape.

  He slid his tongue around her mouth, warming up the coolness so he could experience her flavor for himself. It was a hot kiss, one he got lost in until the soft moan that came from the back of her throat reverberated throughout his body.

  He slid his fingers into her soft hair, curled his hand around the long strands, and tipped her head to the side, his mouth trailing from her lips to her neck, nuzzling the delicious skin there. She held on to his forearms, taking what he gave and finding his mouth again so she could return the kiss with equal fervor. Not passive, she began to pull at the lapels of his jacket, pushing them off his shoulders.

  He slid her down the length of his body, feeling her soft suppleness arousing him. With shaking hands, she began to work at the buttons of his shirt until he couldn’t stand the delay and ripped open the sides, sending the small studs scattering.

  At the unexpected action, she sucked in a startled breath, then her gaze came to his chest and her eyes opened wide. She splayed her fingers across his skin, her smaller, pale hand resting where his heart beat rapidly for her alone. There didn’t seem to be a need for words. Ethan wasn’t a man of many to begin with, and she seemed more than content with his actions.

  He grasped her wrist, bringing her hand up to his lips and pressing a hot, wet kiss against her skin, her pulse tapping out a furious beat.

  He took in her sexy body, the skimpy lingerie that covered parts of her he was dying to see, and any restraint he’d been holding on to fled. He released the clasp of her bra, and as the garment fell away, her small but perfect breasts came into view. Unable to resist, he dipped his head and swiped his tongue over one nipple, licking, tasting, and teasing the tight bud, discovering her sweetness before she became too sensitive, trying to pull away.

  So he switched to the other side, giving the other nipple the same torturous treatment. When she squirmed before him, he held her in place, his hands on her hips as he devoured her with his mouth. Only when she’d had enough did he release her and slip his hands into the sides of her panties, pushing them to the floor, kneeling as he removed the garment.

  His nostrils filled with the scent of her sex, making him aware of how completely aroused she was. For him. His cock throbbed against the uncomfortable fabric confining him, and he knew it was time.
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br />   He scooped her into his arms and discovered she was a light little thing as he carried her through the living area and into the bedroom on the far side of the apartment. Already the room looked lived in with feminine pieces of clothing and items strewn around the bed. Ignoring them all, he placed her down on the center of the mattress and paused only to pull out his wallet and retrieve a condom his brother, Sebastian, had put there a few weeks ago along with the suggestion to go and get himself laid. Never would he have imagined he’d use it so soon.

  From there, he removed his pants, yanking down his boxer briefs along with them, fully aware of her wide-eyed gaze on him the entire time. His cock sprang free, and as he crawled onto the bed, she reached out and wrapped her hand around the rigid length, moaning at the feel of him.

  He jerked in her hand. “Jesus, I’m going to come just from you touching me,” he muttered, the first words he’d spoken to her since this had begun.

  “Yeah?” Eyes open and focused, she swiped her thumb over the pre-come on the head of his dick, and his own eyes nearly rolled back in his head.

  She clearly wasn’t practiced, but she didn’t need to be when just the touch of her was enough to set him off.

  He gritted his teeth and ripped open the condom, pinching the tip and rolling the protection over his aching shaft, her gaze watching his every move.

  He settled between the inviting spread of her thighs. Grasping his cock, he held on as he glided himself over the bare lips of her slick sex. Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead, the need to be inside of her greater than anything he’d felt before. But something made him go slower, take his time with her, sliding his cock back and forth over her clit until she writhed beneath him, desire obviously pummeling at her as it was him.

  He met her heavy-lidded gaze and something shifted between them. A moment that was quick yet impactful, heavy in its significance yet one that passed quickly. And then he was bracing one hand on the mattress, the other holding on to his cock as he breached her entrance and pushed inside.