Chapter 10 Her Answe

Ruby’s pulse spiked so hard she was certain He could hear it.

A proper date.

Master William Steele — the impossibly composed, dangerously seductive owner of Fantasy — was asking her out while looking at her like restraint had become physically painful.

Everything inside her screamed yes.

Common sense tried weakly to remind her this was insane.

Too fast.

Too intense.

Too dangerous.

But the way He looked at her…

God.

No man had ever made her feel this wanted before.

Not just desired physically.

Chosen.

Ruby swallowed softly, trying to steady the tremble in her breathing.

“Yes, Sir.”

The words left her lips almost instinctively.

And the effect they had on Him was immediate.

William’s eyes darkened with unmistakable satisfaction, hunger flickering sharply beneath His usual restraint. He held her gaze for several long seconds as though savoring the answer before finally leaning back slightly.

“Good.”

That single word wrapped around her like velvet and command all at once.

Ruby’s body reacted instantly again.

It was becoming almost embarrassing how easily He affected her.

Almost.

William studied her quietly for another moment, visibly regaining control piece by piece.

Then His demeanor shifted subtly.

Still seductive.

Still intensely masculine.

But now purposeful too.

“I’ll arrange everything,” He said calmly.

Ruby blinked. “Everything?”

“Yes.”

The certainty in His voice made her stomach flutter.

“You won’t need to worry about reservations, transportation, or attire.” His silver gaze moved over her slowly again. “I already know exactly how I want you to look.”

The words sent another pulse of heat through her core.

God help her.

Even His planning sounded seductive.

William reached into the inner pocket of His tailored jacket and retrieved His phone.

“Your number.”

Ruby gave it to Him while trying not to notice how beautiful His hands were.

Strong.

Controlled.

Capable of very dangerous things.

William entered the information carefully before looking back up.

“And your address.”

Her breath caught faintly again.

The intimacy of giving Him that information felt strangely significant somehow, yet Ruby found herself trusting Him far more than logic suggested she should.

She gave Him the address quietly.

William nodded once.

“I’ll have clothing sent over tomorrow afternoon.”

Ruby stared at Him.

“You’re sending me clothes?”

“A dress,” He corrected smoothly. “And anything accompanying it that I decide you’ll need.”

The possessive undertone in His voice nearly melted her on the spot.

Ruby tried to hide her smile.

“Telling me what to wear already?”

His mouth curved slightly.

“You respond well to control.”

Heat flooded her cheeks instantly because he wasn’t wrong.

William slipped His phone away before asking casually:

“Is Friday evening acceptable?”

Ruby laughed softly, nerves mixing with excitement.

“You make it sound less like a date and more like a royal summons.”

A dangerous glint appeared briefly in His silver eyes.

“And would that bother you?”

The question hit harder than it should have.

Because the truth was…

No.

Not even a little.

Ruby lowered her gaze briefly, smiling despite herself.

“No, Sir.”

William watched her carefully then, something warmer beginning to surface beneath all that legendary composure.

He looked pleased.

Not merely because she agreed to dinner.

Because she understood Him.

Or at least the parts He allowed her to see.

“Good,” He said again softly. “Friday night, then.”

Silence settled between them afterward, but it no longer felt awkward.

It felt charged.

Anticipatory.

Like the first breath before something life-changing.

Around them, Fantasy continued pulsing with moans, music, and whispered desire, yet the secluded corner suddenly felt strangely private despite the crowded club surrounding them.

William’s gaze lingered on her face again.

On her mouth.

And Ruby knew immediately He was thinking about kissing her again.

The intensity of it made her heart race harder.

“Careful, Ruby,” He murmured quietly.

She looked up.

“Why do you keep saying that?”

William’s silver eyes held hers steadily.

“Because I’m starting to realize I may not be nearly as patient with you as I should be.”