The Pleasure's All Mine (3 page)

His gaze fell to her legs, then traveled up her thighs.

She didn’t dare show him how self-conscious she was by changing position. Damn Ava and what she called “a dress that’ll make you stand out.” Raven nearly glowered at him, mainly because an untimely moisture had pooled between her thighs. “I was having an even better time before you came over. I’m sure you’ll have a great evening somewhere else…away from me.” She returned to her writing, but watched him from the corner of her eye.

He smiled slyly before relaxing onto the chaise beside her. “I’m already having a great evening. I’m sitting with an absolutely gorgeous woman. I don’t see how you could think otherwise.”

She glanced at him. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up.

“Maybe it’s time for you to let go of work and learn how to play,” he said in a low, husky voice as he leaned toward her.

The mere suggestion of the type of play he had in mind was enough to make her swallow the barb poised on the tip of her tongue. Now was not the time to pick a fight. Especially not with a stranger who looked as though he carried a personal can of whoop-ass in his back pocket.

Raven returned to her tablet—one that had been disguised to look like a clutch purse—and tried to finish the chapter. She suddenly felt warm in places that had been cold for longer than she could remember. That frightened her a great deal.
Why wouldn’t he go away?

He moved in a little closer, his jacket brushed against her bare arm, and he rested a hand on his knee, mere inches from hers. His cologne—earthy, rich and warm—filled her senses. She felt an instant tightening of her nipples. And she definitely needed a trip to the ladies room to gather her wits. What was it about this man that had such a strange effect on her? She barely knew him, but everything about him was making her take notice, making her feel…wet and wicked. She could picture him kissing her; could picture her legs wrapped around him, arching to meet every thrust…
Good Lord!

“Do you think maybe you could sit somewhere else?” she asked, without looking at him and betraying what she felt.

“No need,” he replied smoothly. “I like it right here.” His smirk gave him a boyish charm, but irritated her nonetheless.

“Maybe security would help you see things differently.”

“Maybe they would,” he replied with an arrogant shrug, “but since I’m paying them, that wouldn’t work in your favor.”

Raven tilted her arm and checked her watch. Almost 10. She’d been there for three hours and had done her part for being social. Ava was on her own. Gathering her things, Raven moved away from him—whoever
he
was—and prepared to make a beeline for the nearest exit.

His large hand, smoother than she imagined, closed over her more delicate one. The warmth that engulfed her instantly transformed into a well-defined heat. “Please tell me you’re not leaving so soon.” A smile played about the corners of his sensuously curved lips. “Planet New York would not be the same.”

“Peddle it somewhere else, brother,” she shot back, inching away. “I’m not buying.”

“And I’m not selling. The dance floor is this way.” He gestured toward the square natural wood floor, where nearly every inch was filled with moving feet and bodies. His muscular body blocked her exit path.

A few people looked in their direction. If she made a break for it, she’d make a scene. A victorious glint flashed in his eyes as he plucked the tablet from her hands, quickly passing it to the tall, thin, blond man who appeared at his side. “Hold this for a moment, will you, Steve?” He gave her an intense glare. “I have work to do.”

Raven parted her lips to protest and just missed grabbing her tablet. “That’s private. Give it back. Now!”

“One dance and I’ll place it back in your hands. How bad do you want it?”

The tone of his voice left no doubt as to what he actually meant. He let the double-edged suggestion hang in the air for a few moments. Finally, she mumbled, “One dance.”

The nerve of him passing her work off to someone else! She glared at Steve, who looked right back at her, his pale, Nordic features devoid of expression.

The arrogant one signaled the DJ booth, bowed slightly, then extended his hand to her. Raven sighed impatiently, resigned to her fate. Moments later, and for the first time that night, the music slowed to something her heartbeat didn’t try to outpace. She groaned inwardly at the timing. “You didn’t even ask properly.”

“Was it really necessary?” He ushered her to the middle of the floor with a smile just begging to break across his lips. She placed her hand in his, and he pulled her gently toward him. “Now that I have you all to myself, can I get your name?”

“Raven…Armand.”

Though his eyes narrowed when she hesitated, he said, “Nice. Very nice.”

Did he mean her pen name or the fact that they were closer than conventional dancing allowed? Lucky for him, his hand was just above the danger zone. If it slipped down one more inch, he’d be in for a swift kick in the rubber parts; no matter who the hell he was. And no matter that she was so horny she felt like riding him like a cowgirl on a prized stallion.

“Who are you?” he repeated as they moved gracefully across the floor.

She didn’t even look at him as she tried to come to grips with the sudden emergence of a need so potent, she thought she was losing her mind.

“Who are you?” His smooth, deep voice made her body vibrate.

Her gaze traveled the length of the dance floor and back to his chest. “Why do you ask?”

“A woman obviously unfamiliar with the music industry, who sits in a corner, focusing on something she loves to do, in the middle of the biggest party of the year and the loudest music in the world, has to be someone special. Who are you?”

“Raven Armand,” she said crisply, “author from Chicago.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

Raven’s eyes locked on his. “That’s as good as it’s going to get.”

His half-smile, which showed off perfect white teeth, did little to soften the dangerous glint in his eyes. “We’ll see.”

Pierce Randall relished the soft woman in his arms who easily followed his lead. Her breathing was shallow and quick, as though she might bolt at a moment’s notice. The vibrant red gown was expertly draped over her voluptuous frame. A small tease of cleavage begged for the attention of his fingers or lips.

Raven avoided his gaze and inquiries like a pro.
Though she answered a few questions about herself as they danced, she wouldn’t give him the main details. Why was she so secretive? Why was she trying so hard to deny the instant attraction between them?

Pierce lifted her hand and brushed his lips against her fingertips.

Her head snapped up, eyes flashing pure fire. “Watch it!”

“So you’d rather I kissed your lips?”

Raven’s eyes widened in horror.

Pierce threw his head back and roared with laughter. He kissed her fingertips once again. “You’re beautiful.”

“You don’t even know me.” Her voice, soft, clear and warm, had a sexual undertone that spoke volumes. She rested a hand on his chest as he whirled her around.

“I know that you’re beautiful.”

As she lowered her head hoping that he didn’t see the flash of pleasure at his compliment, her hair shifted and the soft, exotic scent of her perfume enveloped him.
God, she’s sexy
. Her skin glowed under the light. The full breasts and hips gave her an edge over every woman in the place. Pierce’s business partner always teased him because he preferred healthier women. But damn it, if a man wanted a woman, he should at least have one he could hold onto.

Pierce had watched her from the moment she entered until she’d perched her lovely derriere on the chaise. The red dress had grabbed his attention; her smooth, panther-like gait, as though her stride and purpose were the only things that mattered, was enough to distract him and keep his gaze focused on her.

People had responded to her with just the right amount of decorum. However, as some celebrities are known to do, they hadn’t engaged the newcomer. She wasn’t a recognizable celebrity and hadn’t shown the proper amount of awe. Instead, she had observed her surroundings, sized everyone up, and decided that her time could be better spent doing something else—writing. Moments later, when he realized that she hadn’t looked up from the tablet even once, he’d been a little insulted. She should have kept her tail at home if she wanted to work.

And now that he held her in his arms and there was this connection, he wanted answers—lots of them.

Knowing that she hadn’t come by choice didn’t make him feel any better. Manhattan Entertainment Group’s album-release parties were a media circus and a celebrity’s dream. Why would someone have to demand she attend? And why was he becoming more and more intrigued by the fact that she wasn’t impressed? He scanned the area, noting that everyone seemed to be having a great time, then gazed at the woman swaying with him to the wonderful music. He eased himself a little closer. “Comfortable?”

“Depends on your definition of the word,” she said, her dry tone almost hidden by the sultry voice.

Feisty
. Pierce liked them feisty. She would definitely give as good as she got. “Comfortable means that you’re at least enjoying yourself.”

“I was—”

“Don’t give me that bull about enjoying yourself before I came over,” he countered. “You’d given up on the rest of us aliens.” Pierce leaned closer to her ear and whispered, “I’m hoping you’ll like at least one of us before you take your toys and go home.” He didn’t miss the smile that played across her luscious red lips. What would it be like to explore her lips? To explore her? He resisted the urge to lean in and press his mouth to hers. Raven was a jolt to his system.

She sighed, her breasts rising and falling with the slight movement. He tore his gaze away from the full, inviting mounds. He had better get a grip—and quick—before he practically made love to the woman out in the open. What the hell was wrong with him? He had much better control than this.

Luther Vandross crooned the chorus to “Forever, For Always, For Love,” as they continued around the dance floor. She hadn’t tried to move away again, but it annoyed him that she hadn’t bothered to ask his name. Maybe she knew who he was? Intuition said she didn’t.

“Do you always dance with men without learning something about them?”

She blinked and grimaced, before giving a small sigh. “And you are…”

“Someone you’ll get to know better as the night goes on.”

Raven lifted her chin defiantly. “Not if I can help it.”

“Maybe I can change your mind.” He pulled her closer as his lips brushed a feather-light caress on her temple.

A small gasp reached his ear, and Raven trembled slightly before she stiffened a little, putting her guard up.

Hmmm. A sensuous woman
. All those smart comments didn’t hide the fact that she was attracted to him. It was in the looks she gave him, the way she rested against him. Unfortunately, she also seemed to be the type to let her head overrule her heart. Getting to know her would take some work, but Pierce was definitely up for the challenge.

A slight tap on his shoulder made him twirl Raven in the opposite direction. His assistant, Steve Iken, stood just off to the side, strangely still in the middle of all the dancing bodies. “We have a bit of a problem.”

Pierce gave it a quick thought and didn’t miss a step as he maneuvered Raven so he and Steve were eye to eye. “We
shouldn’t
have
a bit of a problem.”

“One of the digital audio tapes is missing. Aries won’t be able to perform.”

“Didn’t they check that this afternoon?”

“Aries took the master to the hotel to practice. It’s still there.”

Pierce shrugged. “Hey, not my problem.” He hadn’t wanted to sign Aries in the first place; he was all pretty-boy face and chiseled body, but had no voice or talent. Unfortunately, Sim had dismissed Pierce’s suggestion that they pass on the young performer, a move they both had reasons for regretting; though Sim would never admit it out loud. Tonight, was one example. What artist would leave the most important item for his performance in a hotel across town?

Turning Raven so she was now facing Steve, he said, “Then he’s going to have to sing it live with the band.”

Steve inched forward, moving behind Raven, pursing his thin lips as he stared at Pierce. His unspoken message was received: Aries
needed
the vocal tracks and as much help as electronics—and Heaven—could provide.

Pierce cursed under his breath, a sound that brought Raven’s gaze to his. “I have to take care of this,” he said softly. “But since you barely touched your food, I’d like to take you to dinner when this is over.”

He didn’t miss the glint of interest in her dark brown eyes as she replied, “That sounds nice, but I’m sure you’re a busy man.” Her voice, laced with so much promise, made him want to stay glued to her side.

“Business first,” he said, brushing his lips lightly across her cheek. Her sharp intake of breath brought his focus to her luscious mouth. “Pleasure…later.”

Raven’s seductive smile pleased him immensely. The suggestive lift of her thinly arched eyebrow was encouraging. Was she finally warming up to him? Pierce took her arm and escorted her back to the chaise. She sat in queen-like fashion, gazing directly at him as her lips parted, letting a soft sigh slowly echo between them. His dick throbbed a precision tune.

Steve’s slender hand held out Raven’s tablet. She reached out, but Pierce swiped it out from under her before she could get a good grip. He folded the leather flap, turning it into a cute little clutch again.

“You said one dance.”

“Which was cut short,” he countered smoothly.

“Not my fault,” she snapped as her luscious lips formed a sexy little pout.

“Dinner. I’ll give it back when you have dinner with me. I promise.”

She held out her hand. “Give it back now and I’ll think about it.”

Pierce leaned in, brushed his lips across her cheek, then went toward her lips, causing a soft moan of pleasure to escape before she reigned it in. He turned away, gave her a smirk over his shoulder as she leveled a look at him that said, “You want play games? Let me show you what I’m working with.”

Oh yes, the game was on
. Pierce tucked the tablet under his arm like a secret weapon. “I’ll be right back.”

As he turned to go, she crossed her legs again, exposing a smooth stretch of thigh. He could feel the heat rise within him.