He held my chin, so I had to look up at him. Upon making eye contact, I immediately jumped back.
“I’m very sorry.”
“It’s fine,” he said. “I have other suits, and no one got hurt.” I looked at him uncertainly. Almost fearful. “And I didn’t care for this one anyway. The fitting was off, and the fabric always seemed destined to attract the attention of spilled drinks.” My eyes were drawn to his smile.
“The fitting is definitely not off,” I whispered, and then stared at him with wide, shocked eyes as he raised an eyebrow. Quickly, I glanced down at my feet. I did not just say that.
“Well, I didn’t catch your name.”
I extended my hand. “Emmalin. Emmalin Ross.”
“Ah, Emmalin. That’s a very beautiful name.” He seemed to size me up and down, and this was where I was expecting him to say his name, but he didn’t.
“Walk with me.” Before I could object, he grabbed my arm and led me away from the party. “Are you a fan of art, Emmalin?” He gestured toward the painting in front of us.
I stopped. It’s breathtaking.
“Yes, I agree,” he said.
I turned to him, not realizing I had said that out loud. “I don’t know much about art, but it’s a very beautiful piece.”
He placed his hand on the small of my back, guiding me to a corner further down to a smaller painting. “How about this one?”
My breathing hitched at the canvas before me. It was pure eroticism, and yet sensual. Full of passion.
I cleared my throat. “It’s pretty.”
He grunted. “Pretty? Emmalin, pretty is not a word I would use to describe this. A rainy day is pretty. An arrangement of flowers is pretty.”
I somehow got backed into the corner of the wall. Breathing heavily, I stared into his eyes. I swallowed hard. “Okay then. What would you call it?”
His hand trailed down the side of my face to my waist, and I gasped as he pulled me toward him then turned me to face the painting.
“Lust. The way she’s giving herself to him. All of her, holding nothing back,” he whispered in my ear. “Submitting every whim, every moan, all because he craves her.”
My breathing picked up, and I moaned as his hand lightly traced over my nipple. I felt his erection digging into my back and shamelessly ground into it.
Laughter in the distance brought me out of my haze, and I suddenly realized where I was. A work function. I wasn’t here to get laid, no matter how tempting. Quickly, I removed myself from his embrace.
I extended my hand, and he glanced at it with a raised eyebrow. “It was nice meeting you, but I should go.”
His eyes glittered. “Great. Let’s go.”
I held my hand against his chest, noting it was all muscle, and shook my head.
He sighed. “Okay. But I will see you again?”
I shrugged. “I highly doubt that. We don’t exactly run in the same circle.” I twirled my finger around. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, the nearest subway is about six blocks from here.”
He stepped in front of me. “Wait, you’re not taking the subway this time of night, are you?”
“Yes.”
“No, it’s too dangerous.”
“Oh, it's fine really. I do it all the time.”
“Yes, and beautiful ladies like you come up missing all the time. I’ll see you home.”
“No, it’s fine. You stay. I can find my way home.” I turned and started toward the door, but I didn’t get far before he grabbed my elbow, stopping me in my tracks.
“I wasn’t asking you, Emmalin. I wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing you went home at night on the subway. I also take it the guy you came with isn’t coming back for you?”
“Tyler? No, he had to go away on business. You know, I could just take a cab.”
“Nonsense, it’s no trouble.” He guided me toward the door, but not before being stopped by several shouts and whistles from a few guys he knew.
“Way to go, man!”
“Getting the innocent ones, aren’t you?” One guy patted him on the back, and he backed me away before stepping toward the men.
“Gentlemen, fuck off. Seriously, I’m just taking her home. I didn’t want her going on the subway alone.”
He kept his voice low, but I knew this game. I wasn’t about to be another pawn. I turned and left.
Asshole. He probably kept count of how many women he took home. Hell, I almost joined their ranks. That was the last thing I needed right now. I had too much going on in my life that I needed to focus on than going home with an overly handsome man for a quick lay. Although he did have a nice suit, which would probably look amazing on the floor.
I began the walk to the subway. It had gotten chilly and unbelievably windy. I distracted myself by thinking about Tyler. I was happy for him. Really I was, but I was going to miss my friend.
Checking my phone, I discovered it was almost midnight, and I realized I hadn’t eaten at the party since I had been so nervous. Well, I managed to get one business card, at least. I’d have to call and check to see if there were any job openings, even if the owner was creepy looking.
“Ms. Ross!” My steps halted and I turned around. Oh, great. Why couldn’t he just save me the embarrassment and go away?
“Is there something I can help you with?” I asked.
“Is there something you can help me with? You left. I told you I would take you home, but instead you took it upon yourself to walk alone on a cold night.” His voice was tight as he eyed me over, apparently pissed. “And where the hell is your coat?”
Well, that wasn’t a question I was expecting. “Look, I already told you, there’s no need, and I’ll be fine.” I turned to walk away, but he cut right in front of me. He was close. Maybe a little too close. Close enough I could smell that scent again. I tried not to breathe him in.
“Don’t ever walk away from me.” It was a command. He spoke softly but with stiff authority. I knew at that moment it wasn’t something he was challenged on. “I asked you a question. Why aren’t you wearing a coat? It’s below freezing out, and the thin material your dress is made of will do nothing to keep you warm.” He shrugged off his coat and proceeded to put it around me.
I stepped back.
“Ms. Ross, this isn’t something for you to argue about. Just put on the damn coat.” I froze. He placed the coat around me and guided me in the opposite direction. “My car is this way.”
I wanted to protest again, but frankly, I was too tired. Besides, what’s the big deal if I just let him take me home?
We approached his vehicle, and I hesitated at the sight of it. What the shit is that? Of course he’s driving a car like that. Why can’t guys ever be caught driving a normal car? Why something that costs the same as a house? I was trying not to gape too hard, and decided to act unimpressed. Because, yeah, I’m in cars like this all the time.
He opened the passenger door and waited until I was seated before joining me. As we drove, I focused on the soft music coming from the speakers. It was in French. It seemed like a sad song.
“What’s this song?”
He glanced at me thoughtfully for a moment before flicking his eyes back to the road. “It’s called ‘Fondu au Noir.’ It means Fade to Black. It’s about a romance gone bad.”
“It’s beautiful.” He nodded. I gazed at my surroundings. “I like your car. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a car with red leather.”
He smiled. “Thank you. It’s a car I appreciate.”
We drove the rest of the way in silence. The only sound was coming from the music. Twenty minutes later, we arrived at my place. I was about to get out when he turned toward me.
“Ms. Ross, I want you to assure me that you will never be out late at night by yourself. I know it’s something you’re probably used to, but it’s not safe, do you understand me?” He spoke sternly.
“With all due respect,” I said, “I appreciate you worrying about my well-being, but I’ve been taking care of myself for a very long time. I don’t need anyone dictating what I should and shouldn’t do. Thank you for the ride.” Before he could say anything else, I opened the car door, got out, and bounded up the stairs to my quaint apartment.