THE VALQUEZ SEDUCTION Page 10

  Daisy floated down from the heights with a rapturous sigh just in time to feel his release power through him. He tensed over her, poised in that nanosecond between control and freedom. He gave a primal growl and surged deep, shuddering his way through his orgasm, the skin on his back and shoulders rising in the fine gravel of goosebumps beneath her fingertips.

  She heard him give a long, deep sigh before he collapsed on top of her, his head buried beside her neck, his breathing still racing.

  It was so different being held in a man’s arms. Being wanted. Her body was still tingling with the aftershocks of his possession. She hadn’t expected it to be so utterly consuming. Her entire body had been swept away with the rushing sensations of pleasure. Was it because it was him, not some other man? Was it his experience or something else? Every step of the way he had made sure of her comfort and pleasure. He had taken extra care of her. How could that not have an impact on her reaction to him? He had made her first time not only special but also memorable. How would she ever forget this moment? He had taught her the secrets of her body. Coaxed her into the most amazing orgasm that she could still feel trembling underneath her skin.

  He had said the first time could be emotional and she had laughed it off. But her emotions were shaken. Tumbled about. Confused by the storm of passion that had powered through her. Her body felt different. Her senses were turned to a different radar frequency. The glow of satiation fanned out over every inch of her flesh, each muscle and sinew softened in lassitude.

  Daisy ran her hands up and down his spine, stroking and caressing the strongly muscled flesh, wondering if he had experienced anything out of the ordinary or if this was another day at the office, so to speak. She knew it would be foolish indeed to put too much significance on their lovemaking. Chemistry was chemistry. Some people connected well physically. It didn’t mean they were necessarily ideal partners, for so many other factors came into play in order to sustain a long-term relationship. That she had connected so well with Luiz might just be her inexperience clouding her judgement. He had so many partners to compare her to. He was probably measuring her by them even now.

  After a long moment he lifted his head to look down at her. ‘I know what you’re thinking.’

  Daisy traced the stubble that surrounded his mouth with one of her fingertips. ‘So tell me.’

  His gaze went back and forth between each of her eyes. His eyes were so dark they looked like pools of black ink. ‘You want to know if it was different for me.’

  She made herself hold his gaze but hoped she gave little away in her own. ‘Was it?’

  He pushed back her hair from her face with a hand that was so gentle it felt like a feather. ‘It was.’

  ‘Because I was a virgin.’

  ‘Not just that.’

  ‘Then what?’

  He sent his fingertip down the slope of her nose. ‘I’ve never made love to a woman like you.’

  ‘Fat, do you mean?’

  He frowned. ‘Why are you so hard on yourself? You’re beautiful.’

  Daisy wanted to believe him but years of self-doubt were not going to be erased that easily. She might have pranced around in that tiny bikini as if she didn’t have a care in the world but she had been sucking in her tummy the whole time. ‘I’m probably taking up twice the space in your bed as your other partners.’

  His expression darkened as he moved away to deal with the condom. ‘That’s ridiculous.’

  She rolled over to her stomach to watch as he went in search of his clothes. ‘You’re angry.’

  He pulled on his jeans and zipped them up roughly. ‘No, I’m not.’

  ‘Then why are you frowning so heavily?’

  He blew out a frustrated-sounding breath. ‘So I date models. Is that a crime?’

  Daisy propped her chin on her folded over hands, seesawing her bent legs behind her. There seemed no point hiding her nakedness now. He’d seen all there was to see. Besides, lying on her tummy meant she didn’t have to concentrate on holding it in. ‘Why do you date them?’

  He gave her a worldly look. ‘Why do you think?’

  She rolled her lips together as she studied him thoughtfully. ‘I don’t think it’s about their looks. It’s their lifestyle. They’re on the move like you. Another city. Another hotel. Another catwalk. They’re free agents like you. That’s the appeal. They won’t make any demands on you.’

  He gave a laugh as he reached for his shirt, thrusting his arms through and loosely buttoning it. ‘I must’ve been mad to approach you in the bar last night.’

  Daisy widened her eyes. ‘Was it only last night? Gosh, I feel like I’ve known you for ever.’

  He snatched up his phone. ‘I have a couple of calls to make. Excuse me.’

  ‘That’s another thing I’ve noticed about you.’

  He turned from the door leading into the lounge area, his expression tight with tension. ‘I don’t suppose you’ll refrain from telling me even if I expressly ask you not to?’

  She smiled sweetly. ‘See? You know me so well too.’

  He leaned one shoulder on the door jamb in an indolent fashion. ‘Go on. Tell me what you’ve noticed.’

  Daisy looked at the pulse that was beating at the side of his mouth. ‘Intimacy scares you. And no, I’m not talking about sex. That requires very little intimacy. It’s just bodies rubbing up against each other. Anyone can do that.’

  His top lip curled. ‘Or a machine.’

  ‘Excellent point.’

  The cynical gleam was back in his eyes. ‘One would hope you enjoyed the man more than the machine?’

  Daisy rolled over onto her back and tilted her head over the edge of the bed to look at him upside down. ‘Are you fishing for compliments, Luiz Valquez?’

  His eyes feasted on her hungrily. She had never felt such feminine power before. It made her forget her doubts about her body. He made no secret of the fact her body delighted him. The way he looked at her heated her flesh in anticipation of his touch. He wanted her even though he was trying to distance himself. It was what he did when he felt cornered. He didn’t want to want her more than once. She saw the battle play out over his face as his gaze ran over her naked breasts and beyond. Stay or go. Stay or go.

  ‘You want to play some more, querida?’

  She gave him a vampish smile. ‘Edward can go as long as I want him to.’

  ‘Did you bring him with you?’

  She sent him an arch look. ‘What do you think?’

  He came back over to her and traced a lazy pathway from her sternum to her mound, stopping just above the seam of her body. ‘You are the most bewitching woman I’ve ever met.’

  Daisy basked in the compliment like a fur seal in the sun. His finger was tantalisingly close to where she most wanted him. The ache was building deep inside her, all of her nerves dancing in anticipation of that first delicious stroke of his finger. His eyes grew darker and darker with desire as they held hers. Then, ever so slowly, he separated her folds, slipping one finger into the silky wetness of her body. She arched her spine like a cat, all but purring as he began to stroke her. It was impossible not to come. She didn’t even have to concentrate or empty her mind of distracting thoughts. The sensations triggered by his magical touch were so intense they took over her body as if she were a rag doll, shaking her senseless.

  But he didn’t stop there.

  He unzipped his jeans, stepping out of them roughly before reaching for another condom. She watched as he peeled it back over his length, proud and strong and virile.

  He came over her, nudging her legs further apart, his eyes black and glittering as his hands pinned her arms above her head in a masterful manner, making everything that was female in her shudder in primal pleasure. She gasped as he sheathed himself to the hilt, the sensation of him stretching her to
capacity sending her senses reeling. There was no slow and considerate pacing this time. He set a ruthlessly fast rhythm that made her nerves come vibrantly alive. Her body welcomed the sensual assault, delighting in the way he was thrusting with such relentless vigour as if the desire he felt for her was an unstoppable force. His face was clenched tight as he fought for control, his breathing rough and hectic.

  She cried out loud as the first wave of her release hit her. It ricocheted through her body, shaking her, rattling her, sending her spinning off into a vortex that was beyond the reach of all thought and reason.

  But she was still conscious enough to be aware of him as he spilled. He gave one deep sound that sounded as primitive as a feral growl, his face contorting with pleasure as he emptied.

  Daisy released a shuddering breath as he released his grip on her arms. ‘You really know how to give a girl a good time.’ She rubbed at her tingling arms, wondering if she would bruise.

  He frowned as his gaze went to the reddened marks on her skin. ‘Did I hurt you?’

  She suddenly felt embarrassed. She didn’t want to come across as fragile. She wanted to be his equal, not some vapid wimp who didn’t know how to play the casual dating game. ‘Not at all.’

  He ran his fingers over the marks in a barely-there touch. ‘I’m sorry. I lost my head there for a bit.’

  Daisy tiptoed her fingers up and down his chest. ‘You don’t like losing control, do you?’

  ‘It’s not a habit of mine.’

  She circled each of his nipples in turn. ‘There are some things in life you can’t control.’

  ‘Young, smart-mouthed Englishwomen being one of them.’

  She smiled at him. ‘The more I get to know you, the better I like you.’

  Something flashed over his face. A camera shutter quick movement that left a nerve ticking in his jaw. ‘Let’s stick to the rules, shall we?’

  ‘Oh, I’m not changing the goalposts,’ she reassured him. ‘Why would I? You’re not what I’m looking for in a husband.’

  ‘So you keep reminding me.’

  ‘Why does that annoy you?’

  His frown brought his brows together. ‘It doesn’t annoy me.’

  Daisy reached up and smoothed out the crease between his eyes. ‘Yes, it does.’

  He pushed her hand away and got off the bed. ‘I have to—’

  ‘I know, I know,’ she said with a knowing smile. ‘You have to make some calls or check some emails, right?’

  He shifted his lips from side to side as if wondering what to do with her. ‘What is it you want from me?’

  ‘I told you. A holiday fling. Sex without strings.’

  He raked a hand through his hair, releasing a harsh-sounding breath. ‘You expect me to believe that?’

  ‘Why not?’

  He stepped back into his jeans and pulled up the zip. ‘Because it doesn’t usually work that way.’

  ‘You mean because women usually want the fairy-tale ending?’

  ‘Don’t you?’

  ‘Yes, but not with you.’

  He looked about to ask something but changed his mind. His mouth slammed shut as he glowered at her. But, for all that, the unspoken words rang in the silence: Why not me?

  Daisy decided to answer anyway and ticked off her fingers as if checking off a list. ‘One. You’re a player, not a stayer. Two. You live in Argentina and I live in England. Three. You’re—’

  ‘Spare me the rest,’ he muttered. ‘I think I get the picture.’

  She swung her legs off the bed and reached for the bathrobe, making a little moue with her mouth. ‘I thought men were supposed to be all soft and mellow after sex? You’re a big old grouch.’

  He let out a just audible curse. ‘I’m going to have a shower.’

  ‘Is that code for “you’re pressing my buttons”?’ she asked innocently.

  He caught her by the ties of the bathrobe and pulled her roughly to him. ‘No,’ he said. ‘It’s code for “I haven’t finished pressing yours”.’

  * * *

  Luiz left Daisy sleeping while he read through the sponsorship contract that had come through on email. But his gaze kept tracking back to the bed, where she lay with her cheek resting on one of her hands. Her hair was spread out over his pillow, her kiss-swollen mouth slightly parted. His groin tingled at the memory of her mouth beneath his, the way her tongue played and flirted with his.

  He glanced at the bedside clock. Midnight. The second night he’d spent with her. The first one he’d spent watching her sleep. The second one he’d spent making love with her and wondering how he was going to let her go at the end of their affair.

  Was this how his brother felt watching Teddy sleep? This inexplicable feeling of tenderness he couldn’t shake off, no matter how much he wanted to?

  Daisy didn’t belong in his life. He had no time for a relationship. He wasn’t relationship material—a fact she kept reminding him of at annoyingly regular intervals. He was the first to list his inadequacies. He didn’t need her to spell them out for him. He knew he was unreliable in a relationship. He got bored easily. He liked to get out first before someone left him.

  But for the first time in a long time—possibly ever—he didn’t want to leave. He wanted to see Daisy wake up in the morning, blink those big baby-blues at him a couple of times and then smile that radiant smile that made something in his chest squeeze tight. He wanted to sit opposite her and watch her eat her breakfast like a child who had been let loose in a candy store. He wanted to see her embrace her sensuality even more, to indulge her senses without the hang-ups she had about her body. How she could doubt her physical beauty astonished him. She might not be as reed-thin as some of the models he’d dated but she had an inner beauty that was even more alluring.

  He liked her sense of playfulness. She could be serious when she needed to be but a smile was never far away. He liked the way her smile lit up her eyes so they danced and sparkled.

  She burrowed further into the pillow, her eyelids flickering, just like they’d done the first night he had watched her sleep. Her skin was free of make-up, as pure and as smooth as milk. He could spend hours watching her. The peacefulness of her when she slept calmed him. It soothed that restless energy deep inside him.

  He came over to the bed and touched her creamy cheek with his fingertip, tracing the aristocratic slope, watching as her eyelids flickered again before opening to meet his gaze. ‘What time is it?’ she asked.

  ‘Just gone midnight.’

  She sat up and pushed her hair back over one shoulder, holding the sheet up to her chest to cover her nakedness. ‘Have I missed dinner?’

  He couldn’t hold back a smile as he traced her cheekbone again. ‘Do you think of anything but food?’

  Her cheek bloomed pink under the brushstroke of his fingertip. ‘I do now.’

  Luiz bent down to press his mouth against the lush bow of hers. It never failed to amaze him how soft her lips were. Soft and pliable as they moved against his in a kiss that spoke of physical yearnings that simmered under the surface. He cupped her face and deepened the kiss, putting his knee on the bed beside her as he pressed her back down on the bed. Her arms went around his neck, her mouth hot and tempting beneath his. He explored every corner of her sweetness, the taste of her like an intoxicating elixir. He wondered if he could ever satisfy his craving for her. He was trying not to overwhelm her with too much too soon. Her body would be tender and sore if he made love to her too vigorously and too often. It was strange territory for him to be feeling so protective.

  It was strange for him to be feeling…

  He pulled back as she reached for him. ‘You need food.’

  ‘I need you more.’

  He stood and put some distance between himself and her tempting body. ‘Food first.’r />
  While he was on the phone ordering room service he watched her slip on a bathrobe. She gave a little wincing movement as she walked away from the bed. Something slipped in his stomach. He’d hurt her. ‘Are you OK?’

  She gave him one of her bright smiles. ‘Of course.’

  He put the phone down and came over to her, tipping up her chin to look deep into her clear blue gaze. ‘I was too rough with you.’

  Her forehead pleated in a protesting frown. ‘No, you weren’t.’

  He stroked her reddened chin where his stubble had prickled her soft skin. He heard her breath softly catch. Saw her pupils dilate. Watched as the tip of her tongue came out to dart over her lips. Felt his own body quake with want as she put her hands on his chest. Her pelvis was within a millimetre of his. He could feel the magnetic pull of her body drawing him inexorably towards her. His erection swelled, tightened, ached. It was all he could do not to crush her to him and slake the wild lust that threatened to overwhelm him.

  He put his hands over hers and gently but firmly removed them from his chest. ‘You need to pace yourself, querida. We have plenty of time.’

  ‘Three days…or is it two now that today’s over?’

  Luiz ignored the odd little ache below his heart as he selected a bottle of champagne from the minibar. He popped the cork and poured two glasses, handing one to her. ‘It’s two.’

  She took a sip of the champagne, wrinkling up her nose like a bunny as the bubbles fizzed. ‘I really shouldn’t be drinking this. Before you know it, I’ll be spilling all my secrets.’

  ‘Feel free.’

  She laughed and set her glass down. ‘Not unless you tell me one of yours first.’

  Luiz leaned against the arm of the sofa. ‘I don’t have any. The press take care of that.’

  He was acutely conscious of her gaze as it rested on him as if she were peeling back the mask of indifference he wore. He had spent most of his life pretending not to care what people said or thought about him. He had especially perfected the art in the company of his mother. He never let his mother think she had the power to hurt him. While Alejandro silently brooded over their mother’s critical comments, Luiz actively encouraged them, laughing them off as if life was one big game. He enjoyed the lovable bad boy role. He’d been doing it for so long it felt normal…and yet, when Daisy looked at him with that thoughtful gaze, he wondered if she could see a tiny glimpse of the sensitive boy he had once been.