Free Falling Into Temptation by A. Zavarelli

look of annoyance. What a cocky bastard.
    “Well, it’s true, you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t. There’s no need for either of us to play coy. I want you too, very much, and I will make no show of hiding it.”
    “Glad to see your ego is still in check,” I retort sarcastically.
    I take another long pull of my cool drink, feeling like I’m going to need it for this conversation. I really shouldn’t be surprised by his attitude anymore. Yep, this apartment is definitely a reflection of his personality.
    “The thing is,” he continues. “I want to be clear what this is between us. I fuck, and that’s it. You said the other day that I could have my pick of women, and it’s true. If you want sweet words and pillow talk after, then you’ve come to the wrong place.”
    I can’t believe he just said that. Is this his pathetic attempt to win me over? By telling me he could get any woman he wanted? I’m already stewing up something venomous in reply, but he interrupts me before I can even open my mouth.
    “I’ve never had to have this conversation with anyone before.” He runs an anxious hand through his hair. “The women I date, they are usually well aware of what I expect beforehand. But I just feel it’s important that I’m honest with you upfront, giving you the chance to run now if you want.” His voice becomes strained, and he actually looks nervous. “But, I really don’t want you to run.”
    I still can’t get over his earlier comment, and although it may be childish, I decide to have a jab at him anyway. Consequences be damned.
    “Well,” I snap, “if you have your pick of women, then why don’t you just fuck them and save yourself the trouble.”
    “Victoria, please, just hear me out. I want you. I can’t tell you in any other way than I already have. It’s that simple. But after you hear what I have to say, you may not want me.”
    I swallow the lump in my throat. Okay, I need to focus. What exactly is he trying to tell me?
    “Well, just lay it all out for me then,” I reply as calmly as my voice allows me to. “I’m not a damn child, Gabriel. Just tell me whatever it is. I’m sure I can handle it.”
    “You’ve had a small taste of me. But I want there to be more.” His voice is filled with longing, and somewhere deep inside of me my own muscles seem to respond.
    “First, I want to be clear,” he says distantly. “When you’re with me, I’m in control Victoria, not you. I need you to understand that. There is no other way. I will be rough with you, and I will do what I please until you tell me to stop. And once you tell me to stop, this thing between us ends… for good. Understand?”
    I can’t help it. The sick, twisted part of me is enthralled by what he’s telling me. He wants to control me. To dominate me. And all I can think about is him standing over me naked, bossing me around. I can feel my face flushing at the very idea of it, my panties soaking with sudden arousal. The demons that live deep inside of me are rearing their ugly heads, screaming let’s totally do this! Meanwhile, logical me is shaking her head, asking how I always manage to get myself into these messes.
    “Okay, I get it… the whole Dom-sub thing.” I shrug casually. “But just so you know, I won’t tell you to stop if you piss me off. I’ll just punch you.”
    His eyes light up as he chuckles softly at my outburst. “You are so fiery, Victoria, I love that.”
    I can’t keep my lips from tipping up again, hard as try. This man makes me smile even when I’m trying to be serious. 
    “Well, we’ll see won’t we?” he grins playfully. “Now back to my point before. We are both in understanding this isn’t a romantic relationship. But in the interest of keeping things safe, it would be a mutually exclusive sexual relationship. Would you agree to that?”
    “This is so weird,” I mutter under my breath. “Why can’t you just talk normal to me? Say you don’t want me to fuck anyone