Ana was lost in thought for several minutes. When his hand curled around her waist, resting on her hip, she noticed him looking oddly hesitant. “Do you have any major appointments today?” Gio asked with uncharacteristic hesitance.
“No, not until my office is set up. Why?”
“My sister didn’t want to bother you until you were settled. But if you are free, I hope you can spend some time with her today.”
“Oh, of course. I would love to.” Ana smiled happily, pleased that he’d asked her.
Gio returned her smile, almost as if he couldn't help himself as he gazed up at her. He looked relieved at her ready agreement. It was…sweet, for such an aloof and dangerous man to be so worried about his little sister. She would have agreed to meet Gabriella regardless, but seeing his reaction bolstered her decision even more.
Tenderly and unconsciously, she found herself brushing her fingers along his smile, tracing the expression there. Savoring it.
The look on his face grew sensuously intimate at her shy touch, smug and satisfied at her obvious craving for him. His eyes drew her in with that nameless pull that tethered her to him every time they were in the same room. And they were together quite often. But it never seemed enough. He inspired so many conflicting emotions in her, yet, above all, he mesmerized her. Making it difficult to avoid him for too long.
She wasn't sure she wanted to anymore. She wanted the pleasure, the freedom from her own thoughts that only his touch could provide.
As his hand absently rubbed circles around her hip, Ana shifted restlessly. Her legs parted unconsciously in an effort to alleviate the ache that had been building since she’d woken up.
At her movement, Gio paused and inhaled sharply.
Her pale brown eyes silently flared as his hand snaked up one leg. He went past the hem of her nightgown, watching her with each torturous inch as his hand slid higher and higher up her silky, bare skin.
Before Gio could reach his destination, however, Ana impulsively put a hand on his chest.
A flame of defiance lit within her.
Why did she always have to lose her peace of mind while he remained in control? For once, she wanted to make him come undone. To shake him out of that cool and careful façade.
Would he become angry?
Would he sneer at her rebellion?
Would he…force her…?
Fear and curiosity filled her. In a daring move, Ana pushed him until he was forced to lean back in his chair.
A dark brow rose, but he didn't stop her.
Nervous excitement flowed through her at his submissive pose. She knew he was anything but submissive; he was just indulging her. But it gave her the courage to take the reins and explore him for once.
And what a specimen of a man he was…
Her hooded eyes took in his short, messy curls. His full lips. The top buttons of his shirt were left open, exposing a tanned throat and chest. Below that was a tapered waist that led to long, endless legs, which spread wide, revealing the part of him that made her blush.
Her perusal had clearly left him aroused.
At her continued stare, a low groan left him.
She knew she should look away. It was obscene–and frankly, she had no idea what the hell she was doing. He had guided all their sexual encounters so far. But she just couldn’t stop staring. She felt gripped by some sort of strange compulsion that overwhelmed her with desire and defiance. Her eyes roamed desperately all over him before landing on his arousal again.
Ana swallowed.
“If you want something,” his hand gripped hers, “take it.”
Her eyes widened. The challenge was clear.
Take it.
Before courage deserted her, Ana sank slowly to her knees and tentatively placed her hands on his thighs. The muscles there bunched tightly. Gio stifled another groan, but she could not quite hear him. A heady buzz filled her ears as she contemplated her next move.