Unfortunately, Aidan appears almost intrigued with me now. As Monique settles back at his side, he asks, “So, Lia…how did you meet Luc? I’ve never heard him mention you before, so it must have been recent.” What is the saying, if you’re going to lie, add some elements of the truth to it? Since Lucian isn’t rushing ahead with an explanation, and both Aidan and Monique are looking at me expectantly, I forge on. “It was quite by accident. Lucian texted my phone…thinking I was someone else.” I smile, trying for a sexy grin. I have little practice in that area, so it probably looks more like I’m constipated. “It was a very enlightening conversation, to say the least.” Far from being angry, Lucian chuckles beside me.

“It was certainly that, baby.” There it is again, the warm feeling washing through my body at his easy use of the endearment. He’s good; I have to give him that. Even I am taken in by the intimate tone of his voice.

Monique looks as if she could spit nails, and Aidan appears to be deep in thought as he studies Lucian and me. No doubt the poor sap is wondering how his handsome, powerful friend has ended up with an average, cheaply dressed schoolgirl. He ponders us another moment before directing his next question at me. “I believe Monique mentioned you were in school. Where do you attend?”

This was one question I am at least comfortable with. “I’m in my last year at St. Claire’s.”

Aidan looks suitably impressed; it’s rare that anyone in Asheville hasn’t heard of the prestigious school. “Wow, that’s quite an accomplishment. What’s your major?”

“Business Administration,” I answer, suddenly shy at the attention focused on me. I thank God at that moment for the dreadful Public Speaking classes I have been forced to take. I am completely out of my element, and I damn well know it. Maybe it’s just my imagination, but Lucian seems just as interested in my answers as his friends.

Monique, not one to be out of the spotlight for long, gives a yawn before covering her mouth as if it were an accident. “Oh, that is just so…interesting, Lucy. I’m sure you’ll find a little job somewhere after you graduate. Now, since this is a party, shall we go have some fun?” I fight the urge to hold up one finger and yell, “Score one for Cruella,” but manage to control the urge. She has effectively put me in my place and reminded everyone I’m not of their social class. The only advantage I still have over her is that firm grasp that Lucian continues to have on my waist; I know it’s driving her out of her mind. With equal parts stupidity and bravery, I decide to press my advantage over her. Turning to Lucian, I let my hand rest on his broad chest and notice his eyes flare in surprise and something else…something exciting and possibly forbidden. I like it more than I care to admit.

“Luc, would you mind showing me around? I’ve never been here before, and it’s beautiful.” I hear Monique snort at my admission but ignore her. Lucian looks at me for a moment, humor dancing in his beautiful eyes.

“Of course, Lia.” Without looking away from me, he says, “Aidan, Monique, I’m sure I’ll see you later on.” With that, we walk away, and I release the breath I’ve been holding. Lucian is stopped several times on our way across the crowded floor. He is polite but aloof. He is the boss here, and all these people know it; the men stand just a bit taller and the women glow when he acknowledges them. He is the force field everyone gravitates around. I find myself firmly under his spell as well; it’s impossible not to be. Instead of pretending I don’t exist, he introduces me to each person we meet. I’m surprised and oddly touched by this move. Most of my dates with Date Night use me as nothing more than an attractive prop to stand next to them all evening. A potted plant would likely fill the same purpose. Not Lucian, though essentially, we are a couple this evening. The curiosity that fills the air tells me this is rare for him.

We finally reach a quiet corner of the restaurant, and I’m enchanted by the lovely waterfall covering one wall. The sound soothes me, and it’s easy to forget there are people only steps away. I trail a finger through the water while I try to look anywhere but at the man before me. He captivates me, and I’m so far out of my depth it’s absurd. I should walk away now…no, I should run. He steps closer to me and simply stares. He seems to feel the same inner conflict I do. Maybe he will be strong for both of us and be the one to leave. As the seconds turn into minutes, I start when his hand is suddenly at my waist. The decision has been made; neither of us is leaving. “You look beautiful tonight.” Just as I began to glow at his compliment, he adds, “I’ve never wanted to fuck a woman as badly as I want you right now; did you know that, Lia?” I look up at him, mesmerized, and shake my head. My God, what is he doing to me? My nipples harden and push against the fabric of my dress as he continues to study me. I want him to put his large hands over them, to pinch the painfully hard peaks that ache for him.

His head lowers slowly toward mine as he whispers against my lips, “Would you like that, baby? Do you want me to turn you to face the waterfall, hold your hands against the wet rocks, and push my cock balls-deep into your wet pussy?” His tongue trails over my neck and I moan low in my throat before I can stop myself. I want everything he just said and more. I’ve never had a man talk to me like this, and I’m surprised at how wanton I feel. He pulls my lower body into closer contact with his, the weight of his erection pressing into me. I’m not the only one lost in the moment. Lucian is big and hard, and I sway against his length, unable to help myself. He moans and suddenly his hands move from my waist and dig into the delicate skin of my ass. He grinds against me, and I feel the big head of his cock nudge against my entrance through the thin material separating us.

When his tongue enters my mouth, I’m lost. There is nothing I wouldn’t give him in this moment just to continue feeling this way. I ride the leg he has inserted between mine and feel the tension starting to build within me. When his lips move to my neck, I moan his name, completely caught up in all things him. “Luc…ohhh.” He seems to realize from the sound of my voice that I’m close to coming just from his mouth, hands, and knee. At this point, I don’t even need his cock inside me to find Heaven. When he starts to pull away, I whimper, needing him to ease the ache in my body.

“Shhh…baby, it’s okay,” he whispers as he continues to put distance between us. I stand there dumbly as he straightens my dress and hair. Almost matter-of-factly he says, “This is a public place, Lia, but I would fuck you here and now if you had done as I asked.”