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CHAPTER 1
Maxsim
“Remove your clothes.” I wasn’t asking and she knew it.
Yet the beautiful, mischievous woman stood exactly where she was, her expression of defiance one of several reasons why my hunger remained unchecked. “And what if I don’t?”
I eased back in my chair, studying her from head to toe, admiring every inch of her voluptuous body. “Do I really need to provide an answer, Ms. Dayne?”
“So formal this evening.” Isabel tilted her head, glancing at the upper floor windows. “Are you certain it’s wise? What if someone sees us?”
“I would think a woman of your…”
She offered a glaring look while pointing her index finger at me. “Careful, buster.”
“Buster. I’ll remember that and I was going to say of stunning beauty wouldn’t worry about being seen.”
“It’s called modesty. I assume you’ve heard of it.”
I tapped my finger across my lip while debating all the filthy things I planned on doing to her. “No need. Those rules don’t apply.”
“That’s right. You’re a powerful Pakhan, a man refusing to follow anyone’s rules.” Her gaze lowered to the thick bulge between my legs. As usual, every sound faded into the background. The noise of waves crashing against the shore, the soft strains of jazz music coming from the outdoor speakers. The bubbles from the hot tub jets.
All I could hear was the thudding of my heart from raging desire.
“How quickly you forget. I am the Pakhan. Undress or face my wrath.”
Her laugh was carried by the light breeze much like the scent of her perfume, a luscious combination of night-blooming jasmine and spices. As soon as she brushed the tips of her fingers down the long line of her neck, I moved to the edge of my seat. She’d found a way with such ease to entice my predatory nature. She also refused to abide by my rules, which had a tremendous cause and effect.
Including my need to possess every inch of her.
She moved to the music but slowly began to undress. Every shift of her hips enflamed the longing. As had always been the case, she knew exactly what she was doing to me. Her long blonde hair whipped across her shoulders as she allowed gravity to slide the engaging outfit to the deck. I was still amazed how something so simple, a subtle movement could hold such power over me.
After stepping out of her thong, she dangled the lace in front of me, laughing softly as she tossed it in my direction. I snapped it from the air, bringing it to my nose and inhaling deeply.
My balls were now tight as drums from the evocative scent.
Isabel shimmied her hips while remaining completely out of my reach, watching me closely with hooded eyes as I pocketed her thong.
Then I beckoned her with a single finger.
She shook her head, even blowing me a kiss. All while taking a step farther away.
Her shock was evident by a sharp shriek she cut short as I lunged forward. I easily snagged her arm, yanking her toward me with enough force she slammed her palm against my chest.
Now our lips were centimeters apart, both of us breathing heavily.
“When I tell you to come to me, you will.” I fisted a handful of her hair, immediately digging my fingertips into her scalp.
“That’s where you’re wrong. I’ll do so when I desire.”
Her whispered words skimmed across my jaw. As soon as I chuckled, she quivered in my hold. “That’s where you’re wrong.” I captured her lips, holding them in place as I slipped my arm around her waist. In pulling her onto her toes, I could feel the rapid thrumming of her pulse.
Very slowly she slid her hand over my shoulder, tangling her long fingers in my hair. There were so many electrifying vibrations humming through us that even my skin felt more alive. She fit into my arms perfectly, our bodies molding together as if one.
Potentially losing her wasn’t acceptable. She’d belonged to me from the moment I’d laid eyes on her.
Perhaps even before she’d saved my life.
