Free Club Wonderland by Christine d'Abo Page B

of them. I could feel your eyes on me, could practically hear your thoughts as I’d sit behind my desk. Do you have any idea what you were doing to me? Answer me.”
    Alice gasped as he wrapped his fingers around the back of her neck. Her skin was hot beneath his touch, her hair damp from the humidity in the club and no doubt her own anticipation. He hadn’t toyed with someone like this, stretching the moment out as far as he could, in a very long time.
    “I didn’t realize you’d noticed. I didn’t want you to think I was trying to make a play for you.”
    “Weren’t you?”
    “No!” Alice huffed and turned her face away. “I know some of the girls think I’m working there because I’m trying to land a lawyer husband, but I’m not. It’s not like that.”
    She held still as well as she could, but Gael could feel the tremors running through her body. Encouraged by her reactions, he stood directly behind her, his hand still on her neck, and pulled the second strap down her arm.
    “I never once thought you were after me for my money or my position.”
    “Oh.”
    “You wanted something more than I’m able to give.”
    “But I—”
    He squeezed the back of her neck once more, cutting off further argument from her. “Quiet now.”
    Another tremble rolled through her before she pressed her mouth closed.
    “You sit outside my office, smiling and laughing. It would have been easier to ignore you if you were a bitch, or trying to land a lawyer husband like those fools said. But you’re too fucking sweet to everyone. You look after your friends, help your colleagues, make sure we all have everything we need to do our job. And not once have I heard you ask for anything in return. You’re selfless, and that drives me absolutely mad.”
    The top of her sundress clung to her bare breasts with determination, refusing to slide lower so he could finally see how beautiful she was beneath the surface of her stylish clothing. Stubborn and determined, as much as Alice herself was.
    “I don’t let others tell me what to do.” Except when I have no other choice. He fanned his fingers into her hair to better cup her head. “I need to be in charge. It’s not a fad or a phase. I won’t change over time. The women in my life need to accept this because this is who I am.”
    Leaning over her, Gael slid his hand down her chest, beneath the front of her dress. That simple nudge was all that was necessary to push the stubborn fabric down. He cupped her now-exposed breast in his hand as he pressed his mouth to her ear.
    “I’m not a kind man. I’m not gentle in the bedroom. I like to fuck, not make love.”
    Alice was breathing heavily through her mouth. He could feel the racing of her heartbeat beneath his hand as he squeezed her breast. Sliding his hand around to the front of her neck, he gently squeezed her throat. It wasn’t enough to choke her. Hell, it wasn’t enough to do anything. But there was no way she’d mistake his intentions. She swallowed and the bob of her throat shifted beneath his touch.
    “Do you want me to show you how I like to fuck, Alice?” He kept his voice soft, but increased the pressure on her breast. “You’ve followed me this far, but do you want to go all the way?”
    God, she smelled so good—the floral scent of her shampoo, mixed with the unmistakable hint of arousal—it was enough to drive Gael insane. He was expecting her to back away, to say her safeword and get the hell out of here before things went much further. A part of him hoped she would end this madness that they were both descending into, save them both from the inevitable crash and burn they’d both be faced with in the cold light of day.
    Her body relaxed against his and the side of her ear brushed his mouth. There would be no saving either of them.
    “Please, Gael, I don’t know what I’m doing here. But I need...I think I need this. With you.”
    He had to close his eyes to keep from flying apart at the seams.