Chapter 14: I Want You

 

“Adrian, are you approving the setup plan or not? Give me a straight answer.”

The privacy screen is already raised in the back of the Rolls-Royce. Rosalie has asked him several times since dinner, but he keeps avoiding the question.

“I’m taking you back to the hotel first.”

“At dinner, you said we’d talk after we ate. Now we have to wait until we reach the hotel?”

She turns on him. “Do you enjoy messing with me?”

Adrian takes out his phone and holds it toward her.

An email from the arts center fills the screen. The setup plan has passed final review, the approval letter has been signed, and Cole will receive it tomorrow afternoon.

Rosalie reads it twice. Relief comes first. Then her temper returns.

“It’s already approved. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You don’t willingly talk to me very often.” Adrian pockets his phone. “I wanted it to last.”

“How touching.”

She turns toward the window.

Adrian reaches over to smooth a loose strand of blonde hair from her cheek. She slaps his hand aside.

“Don’t touch me.”

His hand pauses before he withdraws it.

The moment the car stops outside the hotel, Rosalie gets out without waiting for him. Adrian follows her through the lobby, barely acknowledging the employees who greet him.

He steps into the elevator just before the doors close.

“The plan is approved,” Rosalie says. “Why are you still following me?”

“To walk you to your room.”

“The hotel has cameras and security. I’ll survive.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you here?”

Adrian doesn’t answer.

Rosalie walks straight to her suite, taps her key card against the lock, then turns to block the doorway.

“You’re not planning to come inside, are you?”

Adrian no longer bothers hiding the hunger in his blue eyes.

“Rosalie, don’t pretend you can’t see it.” His voice drops. “I want you.”

She laughs softly. “You’re too expensive for me now, Mr. Mercer. Sleeping with you comes with a marriage proposal, and I can’t afford the responsibility.”

His expression darkens. “You don’t have to be responsible. Just lie back and behave.”

Only days ago, he refused to give her anything without marriage. Rosalie doubts he has changed his mind, but the offer is too tempting to refuse.

“All right, then.”

She enters the suite. Adrian remains in the hallway.

Rosalie looks back. “What’s wrong? Are you afraid?”

That does it.

He steps inside and shuts the door. The entryway light comes on as he pins her between the door and his body.

His kiss is hard and impatient. One hand closes around the back of her neck, holding her exactly where he wants her. Rosalie pushes at his chest, but her fingers soon curl into his shirt instead.

Five years apart haven’t changed how easily they undo each other.

When she finally turns her face away, both of them are breathing hard. Her lips still burn from his kiss.

A memory from the cemetery slips into her mind.

“I thought you said I treated you like a dog,” she says between breaths. “Why did you come running back?”

Adrian leans close to her ear.

“I’ve been your good boy often enough.”

Heat rushes into her cheeks. “Adrian!”

“Remember now?”

“I have no idea what you mean.”

Her uneven breathing betrays her.

He studies her flushed face, then slowly lowers himself in front of her.

Rosalie’s heart jolts. “Adrian, what are you—”

He catches her hand and kisses her palm.

“You said you couldn’t remember.”

His mouth moves lower, disappearing beneath the hem of her dress. Rosalie draws in a sharp breath and braces one hand against the door.

The entryway light dims, then brightens when her shoulder bumps the panel.

Adrian remembers every place that leaves her helpless. He takes his time until her legs begin to tremble and her fingers twist in his dark hair.

At first, she bites her lip and refuses to give him the satisfaction.

It doesn’t last.

“Adrian…”

His name breaks on her breath.

He looks up at her, his usually neat black hair falling across his forehead. Hunger darkens his eyes, along with a trace of unmistakable satisfaction.

“Remember now?”

Rosalie glares at him through damp lashes and tries to kick him. Adrian catches her leg.

He presses a kiss to the inside of her knee without looking away. The teasing curve of his mouth almost makes her hate him. What he does next leaves her unable to think at all.

After that, she can’t manage another complete sentence.

She doesn’t remember when he lifts her away from the door or when their clothes begin falling across the entryway rug.

By the time the haze clears, she is in his arms. Adrian supports her beneath the thighs and carries her toward the bedroom. Rosalie clings to his shoulders, her face buried against his neck.

He lays her on the bed and reaches into his jacket.

When she sees the foil packet, she catches his wrist.

“Don’t use that.”

Adrian stops. “You don’t like them?”

She shakes her head. “It doesn’t feel as good.”

“Rosie.”

His voice is gentle, but his decision is already made.

“I bought the thinnest ones they make.”

“Adrian…”

He bends down and kisses her slowly, coaxing her fingers loose from his wrist.

“This is for you, sweetheart.”

Rosalie is too weak to argue for long. Her hand slips away, and Adrian tears open the packet, leaving nothing about tonight to chance.