Dominick was indeed dangerous, not because he insisted that he was, but because of the way he’d managed to slide past my defenses. I felt naked standing next to him, my raw desires on display in a similar fashion as my art. Domination wasn’t one of them.
“Of course.” With a single finger, he brushed the tip across my jaw, allowing the touch to linger. “I do hope that we can continue our discussion, perhaps over a drink. I would love to see your studio if that’s a possibility. Another layer to such an incredible woman.”
I’d never taken anyone to the tiny space I’d rented in an ugly but up and coming section of the city. The location was the only one I’d been able to afford, my father refusing to allow me to paint in his house, but I’d fallen in love with the bistros and music venues close by. “We shall see, Dominick.”
He chuckled darkly as he walked away, his air of confidence and sexuality overwhelming. He assumed I’d fall prey to his desires, my defenses falling easily.
He was wrong. Dead wrong. I wasn’t the kind of woman to allow a man to dominate me in any manner.
“Who is that?” Audrey whispered, crowding my side. “He was leering at you last night in the same manner, I might add. Had you met him before?”
“No.”
“Uh-huh. He certainly seems to know you. I could tell by his body language exactly what he’s thinking. Raw sex.” She fanned her face, her grin returning. “Gorgeous. I swear I’ve seen his face somewhere. Maybe he’s a model.”
“He’s no model, Audrey.” No, he was much more powerful. I realized I’d walked closer to the back room, as if trailing behind him.
“You like this guy.”
“I don’t know. There’s something off about him purchasing every painting.”
“I think you’re jaded, my friend. Enjoy the fact you are now a successful artist.”
She was so happy for me, her joy something I should relish. She was right. I should be thankful for the fact he’d strike a check for almost thirty thousand dollars. I was aroused yet terrified that the man inside was a true carnivore, ready to ravage not only my body but my very soul. “You’re right.” I faked another smile, my hand shaking as I attempted to lift the glass.
Dominick continued to glance in my direction both before and after he pulled a checkbook from his jacket. I knew in my heart whatever plans he had for me would strip the mask away completely, exposing the very dark desires he claimed to understand. What I would never tell him was that I burned with need, my body begging for the kind of passion that I’d only read about.
But I was utterly and completely afraid, terrified not of the man himself, but what I might allow him to do.
“I need to go. The job requires an early start. Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” Audrey asked.
“What?” I’d heard her but found it difficult to take my eyes off him.
“Look, let me give you some advice. He’s sexy. He’s obviously rich and he’s very interested in you. The way he looks at you is like he’s ready to devour a hunk of juicy meat. Go for it. You haven’t had a boyfriend in months and that blond fake surfer dude doesn’t count. That’s a real man, a hungry man. Enjoy your success, my darling girl. You only live once.”
I groaned as she squeezed my arm. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“The success or the fact a man finds you irresistible?” She gave me a wicked smile before walking toward the entrance.
“Being devoured,” I whispered.
I waited, for some insane reason, making small talk with the few people remaining in the gallery. He’d disappeared with Mr. Reynolds into the far reaches of the back room. I had a terrible feeling they were discussing my work in some insidious fashion. The thought riled me as much as my excitement remained, creating flutters in my heart.
I stood in front of my favorite painting, tracing the lines with my fingers. Dominick was right. Every piece of art had a different meaning, but all revolved around the very intense emotions lurking in my soul.
Bold.
Confident.
Disturbing.
Those were my words.
A hand slid around my neck, the grip firm in a controlling yet gentle manner. I shivered again from his touch, my mind reeling from the reason he’d been able to see right through me.
“I understand you have at least a dozen additional paintings.” Dominick’s husky tone was even more alluring.
“The majority are works in progress,” I managed, my pulse ticking.
“I would love to see them. If they are anything like these, I will commission the finished product.”
“I don’t know you, Dominick, and what occurred last night ticked me off.” He certainly didn’t seem to appreciate my frankness, his body tensing.
“I assure you, Caroline, that if I wanted to hurt you in any manner, I would have done so already. I am interested in your art and in the woman who created them. If you will allow me, I would enjoy seeing where you create your masterpieces and determine if I’d like to purchase the remainder. Nothing more.”
I debated, my heart racing and the same electricity soaring into every cell. I was wildly attracted to him in every manner, my mouth dry from excitement and sordid anticipation. “Then I will show you, but…”
“But?” he asked, his fingers running through my hair.
“But when I say you need to leave, you will.”
“Fair enough.”
He eased the wineglass out of my hand in a manner that suggested complete possession. His fingers wrapped around mine, the grip firm as he led me through the crowd and out the front door. I hadn’t worn a coat and the frigid air was biting, my hands and feet tingling.
“My car is over here. You can follow me,” I said with as must confidence as I could muster.
“No. You will come with me.” There was no question as he pulled me into the tiny parking lot and toward a reserved space. I couldn’t help but believe his appearance at the gallery had been planned in advance.