Page 4 of Serpent & Saviors

What the fuck was wrong with me? Tell her to wear the goddamn things, my brain screamed. Hell, maybe send Marcus out for a fucking chastity belt while you’re at it.

Her eyes lowered, and she clasped her hands beautifully in front of her. I grabbed her chin and pulled her gaze up. Desire laced her eyes.

“I’ll leave that decision to you, angel. I can’t guarantee what might happen though if I check and find you don’t have any on, so you might want to factor that in.”

Not the right response, Counselor.

Another blush greeted me before she once more bowed her head, shivering. “I understand, Sir.”

“I’ll leave you to it,” I murmured.

Forty minutes later, she stepped out of the bedroom, and my eyes slowly drank her in. The dress was perfection. It flowed around her beautifully. It cinched her waist, emphasizing her full hips, and swayed as she moved toward me.

I extended my arm, and she took it, her breath hitching. As we walked side by side, making our way through the corridor of the hotel, I couldn’t help but be hyperaware of every damn thing about her.

The sweetheart neckline hinted at her sensual breasts. The long, sheer lantern sleeves billowed. With each step she made, the dress’s hem flared, creating an ethereal quality as she moved. Modest yet captivating.

“I was right. You look amazing. I really love that dress on you.”

“Thank you,” she breathed.

We walked out the double doors, and Marcus had the car ready. He handed me the keys and smirked in my direction. Victoria took in the exchange and cocked her head to the side.

“Is Marcus not joining us?” There was the slightest hint of fear in her voice.

I stepped up to her and caressed her face. “Are you suggesting I won’t be able to keep you safe? Think long and hard before you answer that.”

“N-n-no, of cou-cour-course n-n-not. Damn it all to hell. Go away,” she whispered.

I raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Pardon me?”

“Not you, the stupid stutter. I worked for two long, agonizing years to get rid of the thing, and it wants to show up suddenly all these years later. To be fair, it only happens now when I’m really nervous.”

“I make you nervous?” I asked, amused by her confession.

“A little. I’ll let you in on another secret of mine. I’ve never really gone on a proper date before.”

“Seriously?”

“What? You think it’s odd?”

I frowned. Yeah, it was odd. She was married. Did they not go out on dates? I drew in a breath.

“It’s a little strange, but I’m not here to pass judgment. Tonight is about getting to know you deeper. How about we table the discussion of your husband until later?” I paused, realizing my voice had taken on a hard edge and she was withdrawing.

I opened the passenger-side door of the black Bentley and waited for her to climb in before shutting her door. After adjusting my cock, which had made a very obvious appearance at the sight of her in that dress, I walked around to the other side. I climbed in and buckled up, straightening.

A rush of surprise hit me when Victoria’s beautiful face was inches from mine, too fucking close. I had to fight the urge to kiss her, and the night hadn’t even begun. I started the engine, and the car filled with classical music. I put my arm around the headrest and backed out.

“Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto?” she squeaked and twisted her hands.

“You know his work?”

“Yes, it’s actually one of the more difficult pieces to play. Well, if you have small hands, it is, anyway.” She held hers out in front of her, examining them.

“So you do play the piano. They mentioned it at the auction. I wasn’t sure,” I remarked, trying to keep it casual. One way or another, I was bound and determined to get this woman to open up.

“I don’t play anymore. It’s been a really long time actually, but I used to play daily when I was younger.”