He would devour me.
Over my dead body.
When he refused to budge, I shifted deeper into the crowd, finally allowing two of the would-be suitors to dance close, their heated bodies wedged against mine. The beat of the music was powerful, the booming beats vibrating every inch of my body. As the men gestured their desires, hands and fingers skimming over portions of my body, I was thrown by the fact that I could only think about Miguel.
Why?
Why did I find him attractive? Because he was an obvious bad boy trying to prove himself to my father, a dangerous man? I turned away from him entirely, concentrating on enjoying myself.
Until a hand slipped around my neck, fingers squeezing in a possessive manner. The scent of him was incredible, unleashing a shower of goosebumps cascading across my naked skin.
Miguel pulled me around to face him and the calculated stare he gave both men was telling. He was a man not to be fucked with, especially around a lady.
There was no accurate way to describe how I felt in his muscular arms, his powerful hold as he moved to the beat, merely taking me with him. He was more than just an impressive dancer, he was incredible and practiced, his moves matching his sexy and dangerous persona. He was in full control, turning and twisting me.
And leaving me breathless.
Every part of me tingled as he pulled me close until our lips were almost touching. The weight of his fingers still grasped around my neck was warm and inviting, pulling me into a dark weave of desire that I’d never experienced before.
When the song finally ended, the number of people giving their raucous approval was surprising. There was something about him that troubled me for reasons that had nothing to do with the deal he forced my father to make. Or my attraction. Or the fact he’d spanked me like some bad little girl. My instinct told me that this man could mean the demise of my family. Suddenly, I was filled with apprehension, my throat closing.
“Te deseo. Te anhelo,” he whispered into my ear, his lips brushing back and forth across my cheek.
I want you. I crave you.
His words were said in such a way my breath caught, dazzling sensations erupting all over my body. My panties were soaked and there was no doubt he gathered a scent of me.
He led me to the table, his actions just as commanding as before. The second drink positioned in front of the other chair pissed me off.
“I took the liberty of ordering for you. I believe your drink of choice is Bombay and tonic.”
How in the hell did he know what I liked to drink? I was floored, my pulse racing. “I told you I only drink champagne.”
“Interesting but I believe you’re lying. I don’t like it when people lie to me,” he said in a commanding fashion.
I dared glance into his eyes, able to see the darkness concealed just beneath the surface. He was a complicated man, one who was hiding behind his bravado. I’d seen his soldiers. I knew they were hovering in the background, just waiting to come to his aid. I was also aware of the weapon he carried, just another reminder of how truly dangerous he was. “That’s… perfect. If you don’t mind, I’m going to freshen up.”
“Of course,” he said in a husky tone, gently pulling me toward him. “Just be a good girl, Valencia. I’d hate to have to punish you once again and in this fine establishment.”
I gave him a waning smile before winking, my legs shaky as I headed for the restroom. I was suddenly claustrophobic, trying to catch my breath as stars floated in front of my eyes. By the time I reached the bathroom door, a new round of rage was swelling. How dare he think he could order a drink or act as if I was already his possession. He didn’t have the right. He didn’t deserve to spend another minute with me.
After glancing at my reflection, I steeled my nerves. There had to be a way I could slip out sight unseen. I wasn’t going to spend another minute with the arrogant prick. The girl staring back at me was wide-eyed, anxious to get on with her life. I splashed water in my face, taking several deep breaths. My fingers fumbled as I attempted to find my lipstick, blotting the corners before smoothing down my hair. I held my head high as I walked to the door, counting to three before opening and darting my head outside.
While there were a few people coming and going, none resembled Miguel. I took a quick glance in both directions and seeing an exit sign gave me a feeling of relief. I remained close to the wall as I made my way through several customers, two of which enjoyed the closeness far too much.
My hand on the door, I knew I could get a ride from someone.
“I don’t think you want to do that, sweet princess. Do you?”
His raspy tone sizzled every nerve, his mere presence creating a wave of desire. I bit back a cry as he used his body to push mine against the wall, planting his hands on either side of me.
“I made your father a promise that I would take care of you and I intend on honoring that no matter the circumstances. You are not safe,” Miguel stated matter-of-factly, as if I was supposed to believe him.
“From you? I can imagine.” I could tell by the flash in his eyes that my statement had riled him once again.
“You are indeed strong-willed just as your father suggests. You have no understanding of this lifestyle or the dangers you face every day.”
“Dangers?” I laughed, shoving my hand against him. He was solid, my action doing nothing but irritating him again. “You’re the only dangerous creature I see, Miguel. You force my father to give me away for a night. What did you do, threaten his life? You’re a bastard.” This time, my actions were too quick for him, the hard slap across his face just enough that his head was thrown to the side.
He took several deep breaths before tilting his head to face me, crowding my space even more. The feel of his throbbing cock against my stomach was far too stimulating, my damp panties now soaked. I hated myself, the utter betrayal of my body.
“You believe that I forced your father into providing you as some sort of caveat for a business transaction?”
I huffed, trying to maintain eye contact. “Absolutely. You are a monster. I am not for sale.”
Rearing back, he issued a series of low-slung growls, the sound more frightening than the man. “I didn’t ask for your company tonight, princess. I wanted nothing more than a gesture of good will, not his daughter’s body to do with as I please. Your father offered you as reconciliation for his treachery and nothing more. However, you do need to keep in mind that when I want something, I take it.”
“I don’t believe you.” I was shocked, sick to my stomach. Could this be the truth? Was my father so ruthless that he’d sell me off even for a single night to this kind of beast?
“Believe what you want, but let’s make something very clear. He offered the deal. I accepted the deal. Your father gave me permission to satisfy my desires, doing anything necessary to keep you in line. In turn, I promised to keep you alive.”
The words rang loud and clear. I wasn’t going to get away from him. Not tonight.
Perhaps never.
“You are a horrible man,” I spat, pushing hard against him again.
“And you disobeyed me, something that I cannot and will not tolerate. I can see you didn’t learn your lesson the first time.”