Tied to the Billionaire(83)

His iron grip wrapped around her cheek, directing her eyes up to his and not allowing her to escape his gaze. “I don’t think I was clear last night.” He rubbed his thumb across her cheekbone, the honest emotion in his eyes stealing her breath.

“Yes, I believe marrying you would help with the merger, maybe even in future deals I haven’t begun yet. But that’s not the reason I want to marry you.

“I want to marry you because I know this isn’t enough for me anymore. I want you in my bed every night. I want to wake up to your soft body pressed against me each morning. No more sneaking out before daybreak, no more only one week a year. I want all of it. I want all of you, my pet.”

She locked her jaw, forcing back the whimper threatening to escape her throat. The urge to lean into him, to press her face into his neck and whisper how all she wanted was the same was almost too hard to resist. But she couldn’t.

She shook her head. His words, while beautiful, weren’t enough to change the differences between them. “I can’t.”

“Why not?” His tone was commanding, fierce, definitely that of her Master. Yet even his dominant tone couldn’t disguise the pain in his voice.

“I’m not the right woman for you.” Her voice croaked, pain slicing through her heart. No matter how truthful it might be, it still hurt to admit. “I’m not the kind of woman who should be on the arm of a man like you. I’m not beautiful or sophisticated. I’m not like the women you’re used to dating.”

He grasped her chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing her head back with enough strength to send a tingle of electricity down her nerves. Her nipples prickled and her * dampened at the touch. They’d only spent one night apart, yet to her body it had been a lifetime. Already, with just the forceful touch, she was shaking and on the edge, desperate for more.

“I don’t want to ever hear you talk about yourself like that.” His voice was deep and husky. His eyes flared down at her. “You’re just as beautiful as those women. But you’re so much more than a pretty face.

“Those women might have been perfect for a society function. But they could never give me what you do, your trust, your submission. It’s more stunning than all those women combined. And the way you offer it to me so completely, without reservation, takes my breath away each time.”

Her Master pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her temple. “I never wanted any of those women. Not like I want you. Why do you think I always came back to you?”

She’d never really thought about it. Always assumed she was just easy or convenient. But even in its unconventional nature, it was the longest relationship she’d ever had, and from his question, she guessed her Master could say the same.

“I haven’t played with another woman in years.”

That can’t possibly be. Her Master was gorgeous, rich and powerful. He’d have subs hanging all over him if he stepped within fifteen feet of a club. Could he really rise above such temptation? Could any man?

Her Master had never lied to her before, and she wanted more than anything to believe him, but the questions remained. “What about the pictures of you on page seven exiting Burnt Thorn?”

He smiled. “Saw those, did you?” She tried to duck her eyes again, but his grip wouldn’t allow her gaze to fall too far. “I just had a drink with Dante at the bar. That’s all.” He slid his finger down her throat, his touch teasing, and her knees shook, her body weak beneath his touch. “I still go to the club some. That’s where all my friends spend their nights.” He winked at her. “I taught a few instructional sessions, and helped a few other Doms, but I haven’t taken on another sub since the first day we met.”

Serena released a breath she hadn’t even known she’d been holding. Could it be true? Did he really not want anyone else? Was it possible he’d not dominated anyone since the beginning of their relationship? She hadn’t been with another man since allowing him to top her. She’d tried at first, gone on a few dates, attended a few parties, but no one compared to her Master. It was easy to believe she spent her nights alone on her couch watching crime shows, but he was a different story. He was gorgeous and forceful and rich. How could he not have women falling all over him? Begging for his mastery?

“What about the women I saw you photographed with?” Her voice shook, her whole body quivering, as she waited for his answer.

He smiled down at her, brushing his thumb across her bottom lip in a smooth motion that set her heart pounding. “Most of those were arranged by my public relations team. They were nice and all, but they didn’t interest me. They certainly couldn’t build me a transatlantic flier that uses eight per cent less fuel.”

She glared up at him. “I thought you couldn’t have your wife working for you?”

He shook his head. “That’s what I thought. But the more I considered it, the more I realised I want a wife who I can share everything with. A woman I can share my need for domination and control with, as well as someone who can understand the thrill of gliding above the clouds.”

He slid his fingers down the sensitive skin of her throat, and she fought to focus on the conversation. “I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. I don’t quite know how we’ll work it out. But I know I want you. All of you. And the rest we’ll figure out as we go. As long as you promise to tell me what you want.”