CHAPTER TWELVE
“… I’m not sure if we can let Lucky, here, spend time with you exclusively.” Karim’s eyes met with Victoria’s, his expression stoic.
“I’m willing to pay whatever her rate is.” He pulled out his wallet.
“Please, Mr. Malik. I never do business in public. Let’s step into my office and let the two lovebirds get to know each other, shall we?” Victoria stepped forward, her black dress moving behind her like a cape. As she stepped onto the lawn, her entourage of security guards followed her.
Karim regarded his brother before whispering something in his ear. It sounded harsh.
Lucky just kept smiling like there was nothing in the world that could upset him. He replied to his brother in Arabic, his voice sweet and smooth as honey. My body felt like it was made of jelly. I couldn’t believe someone like Lucky existed. Somehow, he managed to pair cute and sexy so well that it made my head spin.
Karim looked at me with his dark eyes and I shivered, involuntarily taking a step back. There seemed to be disappointment in his expression before he followed Victoria, disappearing into the estate.
I was suddenly very conscious of the fact that I was all alone with Lucky. I could feel his eyes burning into me. The silence around us thickened as I glanced at him from under my eyelashes. His eyes were trailing down my body, lingering on my chest for a moment before moving down to my hips. I was glad for the designer dress Victoria had lent me, hoping it would impress him.
His green eyes seemed to sparkle with what I could only guess was lust. I started to imagine what he might do to me. What he would do if he won me at the auction and took me home. I could almost feel his lips on my neck, those fingers moving along my thighs. My cheeks started to burn as my fantasies became naughtier and naughtier. What had gotten into me? I wasn’t usually this sexual and yet, the way he was looking at me was making me feel hot all over. My breathing was getting faster and faster. No one had ever looked at me this way – like a starving man looking at a Christmas dinner.
“Would you like to walk with me?” He asked, holding out his arm. His English was thick with a foreign accent, but that just made me like him even more. I nodded almost mechanically as I had no idea how I was going to move. It was like my feet were glued to the ground. It was as if this man had me hypnotized and I was no longer in control of my own body.
His smile deepened at my response and his dimple reappeared. “Fantastic.” Somehow, I managed to hook my arm with his. His proximity made my heart beat even faster. I could feel the heat radiating from his body and it ignited a flame inside the pit of my stomach.
Together, we walked along the path, enjoying the moonlight. It made everything sparkle, from the grass and the flowers to the koi pond in the back of the yard. “In my homeland, you don’t see grass very often. It’s mostly sand.” He explained, guiding me toward the small pond. “America is very different. I’ve seen very beautiful things here… and very beautiful people.” As he gazed into my eyes, it was almost as if he had me trapped in a spell. I never wanted him to let go.
“Oh…” I blushed darkly, trying to force myself to respond, but it was like I had forgotten how to talk like a normal human being. “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” I said, feeling lame. I looked away, my face bright red.
He gently rested his hand under my chin, our eyes locking yet again. My heart felt like it would explode at any moment. His dark curly hair fluttered in the wind and I wondered what it would feel like to run my fingers through it, to pull on it as his lips left a trail of kisses along my breasts. I bit the inside of my lip, trying to keep my hormones in check, but it was becoming excruciatingly difficult as he stepped even closer to me, our bodies practically touching.
His face leaned in close to mine and I thought, for a moment, that he would kiss me. Subtly, I felt his warm breath on my lips, teasing me. I closed my eyes, waiting for the moment to come, but sadly, it never did. He just held my cheek in his hand, gently rubbing his thumb along my skin. The hair on the back of my neck prickled.
“Tell me. Why are you here, sweet Stella?” He asked, his voice soft and seductive. “When my brother told me about this club… I thought it would be a waste of my time, but then I saw you.”
“I…” I gulped down the knot in my throat. My fingers were shaking as I rested my hands on his chest, trying to steady myself. “One of my friends recommended it…” I said, clutching the fabric of his silk shirt.
The wind whipped between us and I shivered, feeling cold. Before I knew what was going on, Lucky had shrugged off his jacket, draping it around my shoulders. He pulled me close to his body, letting me rest my head on his chest. It felt chiseled and well-defined. We stood there, in silence, enjoying the moonlight. His hand found mine, lacing our fingers together. I felt a rush of electricity course through my arm at his touch.
His earthy scent permeated the air. A mixture of woods with a slight hint of mint. It was intoxicating. I sunk deeper into his coat, feeling safe and secure inside the expensive material. I closed my eyes, imagining myself with this man forever.