Chapter 6

six

. . .

Kaitlyn

His hand is a brand on my back, the heat of his touch searing through the thin fabric of my dress as he guides me into his office. I'm still reeling from the kiss, my head spinning, lips throbbing. Is this really happening?

But there's no time to second guess as he ushers me through the doorway. My breath catches. The sleek, modern space sprawls before me, the city skyline glittering through floor-to-ceiling windows. It's the most luxurious office I've ever seen, a testament to his wealth and power.

I wander further in, drawn to the view, my heels clicking on the marble floor. "It's...amazing," I breathe, momentarily forgetting my predicament as I marvel at the sight.

"It is." His deep voice rumbles behind me, closer than I expected. "But not nearly as captivating as you."

A shiver races down my spine at his words, at the raw desire threading through them. I turn to find his blue eyes blazing into me, tracking my every move like a predator stalking his prey. Darkened with lust and possession.

My tongue darts out to wet my lips. His gaze drops to follow the movement, turning molten. The air thickens, pulses between us. I'm suddenly achingly aware of my curves straining against my dress, my breasts rising and falling rapidly with each shallow breath.

What is this man doing to me? The way he looks at me, touches me, it's unlike anything I've ever experienced. Overwhelming. Consuming . His very presence dominates the room, traps me in his orbit.

"Tell me, Kaitlyn," he murmurs, stalking closer with predatory grace. "Why did you really kiss me?"

His question shatters the charged silence, jolts me back to reality. Mortification floods through me, heated blood staining my cheeks. "I—it was a dare," I stammer, wrapping my arms around myself. A flimsy shield against his penetrating stare. "My friend, she?—"

He steps closer, the heat of his body enveloping me. "A dare?" A hint of amusement flickers in his eyes. "So you'll do anything if you're dared to?"

I swallow hard, my heart racing. "No, that's not what I meant. I just?—"

"Then let me dare you." His fingers tilt my chin up, forcing me to meet his piercing gaze. "I dare you to go out with me, Kaitlyn. Right now."

My breath catches in my throat. Is he serious? This enigmatic billionaire wants to take me out on a date?

"I...I don't know what to say," I stammer, my mind reeling from his proposition.

"Say yes." It's not a question, but a command. His thumb traces my lower lip, igniting a fire deep within me. "I want to unravel the mystery that is you, Kaitlyn Bennett. And I always get what I want." His lips tilt up teasingly. God, the man is gorgeous.

In that moment, I know I'm powerless to resist him. The intensity of his gaze, the possessiveness in his touch—it consumes me wholly.

"Yes," I breathe, surrendering to the desire coursing through my veins. "I'll go out with you."

A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "Good girl," he praises, his hand sliding down to the small of my back. And oh. My. God. That little bit of praise has me pressing my thighs together to try to quell the sudden ache blooming there.

Adam’s eyes darken as if he knows what he’s doing to me. His nostrils flare as he wraps an arm around me and leads me out of his office, his touch searing through the fabric of my dress. I'm lost in a haze of surreality.

Am I really going out with New York’s most eligible bachelor, Adam Prescott?

The cool night air caresses my skin as we step outside, but it does little to ease the heat building within me. Adam's hand remains firmly on my back, guiding me towards a sleek black limo waiting at the curb. The driver opens the door, and Adam ushers me inside, his body brushing against mine as he slides in beside me.

"Chez Pierre," he instructs the driver, his voice low and commanding.

As the limo pulls away from the curb, I'm acutely aware of Adam's proximity. His leg presses against mine, his fingers tracing idle patterns on my knee. Each touch sends a jolt of electricity through my body, awakening a hunger I've never known before.

"Relax," he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear. "I’ve got you.”

I swallow hard, meeting his gaze and instantly obeying.

His dark eyes smolder in approval as he murmurs, "Good girl."

The rest of the ride passes in a blur of heated glances and teasing touches. By the time we arrive at the restaurant, my body is humming with need, desperate for more of Adam's touch.

Chez Pierre is the epitome of elegance, with crystal chandeliers and white linen tablecloths. The ma?tre d'greets Adam by name, leading us to a private table overlooking the city skyline.

As we sip on expensive champagne, the conversation flows effortlessly. Adam regales me with tales of his business ventures, his passion for his work evident in every word. But there's a vulnerability beneath the surface, a loneliness that tugs at my heartstrings.

"I've built an empire, but sometimes I wonder if it's all worth it," he confesses, his eyes distant. "Money can buy many things, but it can't buy genuine connection. Not like what I felt the moment your lips met mine"

I blush and look away, but he tilts my chin up.

His gaze locks with mine, the intensity stealing my breath. "Never hide from me, beautiful."

God, he’s going to make me pass out.

As the night wears on, the chemistry between us grows more palpable. Every accidental brush of skin, every shared laugh, every heated glance fuels the fire burning within me. By the time dessert arrives, I'm aching to be touched, to be consumed by the man who has captivated me so completely.

"Let's get out of here," Adam suggests, his voice rough with desire. "I want to show you my world."

I nod, my heart racing with anticipation. As he leads me out of the restaurant and back into the limo, I know one thing for certain. I would follow Adam Prescott anywhere.