Free Tormented by Jani Kay, Lauren McKellar

them. I took her hand in mine and kissed her fingertips before spinning her around so that I could admire all of her.
    I nearly choked when she turned her back to me. My blood heated and my temperature rose a few degrees at the lush sight of the dress dipping to just above her ass, the indecent draping of the fabric begging for her skin to be touched.
    “You like?” she purred, turning her head and giving me a seductive smile as she peered from under her lashes.
    “I'm speechless. You look so utterly fuckable.” More than anything I wanted to touch her luminous skin and fuck her blind. “I just want to tear that dress off you with my fucking teeth.” I swallowed hard, fighting the impulse to make good on my threat.
    “Ha ha. It took me hours to get ready. We have an event to attend, remember?” She raised a perfect eyebrow at me, smiling smugly. “And you look pretty dashing yourself.” She stroked my chest, smoothing out my dress shirt. “Hmm, a bowtie. That’s sexy as hell.”
    Her fingertips brushed the edges of the black silk and then along my jawline, causing my blood pressure to rise a few degrees. She stood on her toes and planted the softest kiss on my lips. Her exotic perfume snaked its way to my nostrils and turned my mind to mush.
    I frowned, not at all happy about her wearing the seductive swaddle of fabric barely hiding her assets in public. It mattered more than I cared to admit. Jealousy swarmed my gut and found a resting place in the pit of my stomach. I swallowed to clear the dryness in my throat, trying to rein it in and act like the mature man she expected me to be.
    “I’m going to be the envy of every man there.” No fucking kidding.
    She smiled knowingly. Fuck. This was doing my head in.
    “I will kill any fucker who tries to touch you. You are mine only. Remember that.”
    “You keep reminding me, so how can I forget?” She winked playfully.
    “You’re impossible to resist, Eva. I’m not the only one who’s going to burn with desire for you tonight.”
    She caught her bottom lip between her teeth, her eyes wide and round as a pink color spread over her neck and cheeks.
    “Shall we go . . . before I change my mind?” I said tersely in a brusque voice.
    She hooked her arm through mine. “I’m ready if you are.”
    If only she knew how badly I wanted to stay here instead. The pit of my stomach roiled, turning acid at the thought of other fuckers devouring her with their eyes, wanting her.
    We drove in relative silence, both deep in thought. I couldn’t fathom these strange feelings that were eating at me. I’d never cared what any of my dates had worn before, so why was Eva affecting me this way tonight? It didn’t make sense.
    Just enjoy the moment.
    Just enjoy being the man who has Eva on his arm, and fuck the rest.
    Eva’s voice cut through my thoughts. “What’s so funny?” she asked.
    I hadn’t realized I was chuckling out loud. Christ, I was definitely losing the plot here.
    I pulled up at the valet parking before I answered. “I'm just imagining the look on the senator’s face when he sees you on my arm,” I said smugly.
    She drew in a sharp breath. “Nolan? Nolan’s going to be here?” Her eyes widened as her mouth hung slightly open. “Why didn’t you tell me before now?”
    “Fuck. I just assumed you would know he’d be here. This is an annual awards ceremony. Of course the dickhead’s going to attend.”
    Her back stiffened. “I wouldn’t have come if I’d known.”
    “Well, I don’t want to be here either. But since we’re here now . . .” I got out of the SUV and handed the keys to the valet driver as I made my way to her door.
    I held out my hand and helped her from the vehicle. “Stay close to me, baby. Nolan won’t bother you,” I said as I tucked her hand under my arm and steered her toward the entrance, my hand firmly on the exposed skin of her back.
    If the fucker knows what’s good for him, he’ll stay far, far, far away.
    The