Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Once the crowd had dispersed, he escorted her back to their hotel. She announced her intention to retire for the night.

“Thank you for a wonderful evening. It was enchanting, a memory I’ll cherish forever.”

“But the night doesn’t have to end here. I could make it even more memorable if you’d stay with me.”

He had her pinned against her room door, his body almost brushing against hers, his lips dangerously close to hers. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she placed her hand on his chest, pushing him away slightly.

“I’ve already said no.”

“I respect that. But would you allow me one goodnight kiss?”

“Just a quick peck, no tongue.”

He had promised her a kiss by the end of the night. With one hand braced against the wall, his other hand gently cradled her neck as he leaned in to kiss her.

His kiss was firm yet gentle; his hand on her neck sent shivers down her spine. The kiss left her feeling warm and fuzzy, her knees weak.

When the kiss ended, they locked eyes. His finger traced her cheek lightly, his smile broadening.

“We finally shared our first kiss, and it was everything I imagined it would be. Goodnight, Kat.”

She stepped into her room, closed the door, and leaned against it. The kiss, though brief, was filled with more passion and desire than she had ever experienced. Not even her ex could kiss like that. His gaze, the way he looked at her, left her yearning for more.

***

The next day, when she entered his room, he was waiting for her, dressed casually. Until now, she had only seen him in expensive suits.

“Good morning. Breakfast will be here soon. We could start the day with a museum visit, have an early dinner, and then head to the Eiffel Tower.”

As she ate, she couldn’t help but stare at him. There was something different about him. He seemed more relaxed, the deep lines on his forehead less pronounced.

He smiled as he caught her staring at him while he ate.

“Are you thinking about our kiss?”

She rolled her eyes at him.

“Please, don’t flatter yourself. I was just noticing how different you seem here.”

“In what way?”

“You’re not as stiff or arrogant. Tell me about yourself. How did you become so wealthy? Were you born into money?”

“No, my parents were ordinary, hardworking people. My father worked two jobs to support me and my mother. They made sure I got the best education, and I worked for an insurance company, saving every penny until I could invest in a diamond company.”

“So, you’re a self-made billionaire?”

“It wasn’t easy. I started at twenty-one, and it took about four years until I had enough to become a partner. Once I started making money, I opened different companies until I got here. Now I’m thirty-one.”

“Are your parents still alive?”

“Yes, they’re living in Florida. Now, tell me something about you.”

“There’s not much to tell.”

“You could tell me about your parents.”

“My mother died giving birth to me. I never knew her.”

“And your father?”

“He died of cirrhosis when I was thirteen. He was an alcoholic. My brother Kurt, who’s older than me, raised me.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Don’t be,” she replied, her gaze fixed on her empty plate.

He could hear the bitterness in her voice and knew there was more to her story than she was letting on. Seeing that the conversation was upsetting her, he decided to change the subject.

“Why don’t we head out and enjoy this beautiful day?”

As soon as they entered the museum, she was in awe. She had never seen so many famous paintings and sculptures before. He pointed out his favorite sculpture, The Kiss.

“I love this piece. It depicts two lovers in a passionate kiss. The story behind it is about an adulterous couple who were killed by her husband when he caught them together.”

“You certainly know your art.”

“I love art. Each piece is beautiful and tells a story.”

After a few hours at the museum, they grabbed a bite to eat and then headed to the Eiffel Tower. They walked up to the second floor and took the elevator to the top.

The elevator was crowded, and she tried to hide behind him. Sensing her discomfort, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close.

“Don’t worry, it’s okay.”

His arm around her helped her relax, and the short elevator ride to the top helped too. Once they stepped out of the elevator, she exhaled the breath she had been holding.

“Kat, I know you have anxiety issues. I should have waited for a less crowded elevator.”

The color returned to her face as the crowd dispersed.

“It’s okay. I’m just glad you were there with me.”

He gently touched her cheek and smiled. He was glad to see her warming up to him.

“Let’s check out the view. It’s breathtaking.”

She leaned on the railing, looking out at the city below.

“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. It’s so peaceful up here. It makes you forget about all the bad things in life. I could stay here forever.”

He gently lifted her chin, making her look at him.

“Kat, what happened to you?”

She lowered her gaze, avoiding his eyes, afraid she might break down and cry.

“Kat, look at me. Talk to me. I wish you would open up and tell me what’s making you so sad and scared.”

“I’m tired. Can we go back to the hotel now?”

He sighed, realizing she wasn’t ready to open up to him. He decided to give her time, and if she still didn’t open up, he would ask Kurt.

“Sure, we can leave now.”

The ride back to the hotel was quiet. When they arrived, he held her hand as they walked into the building and up to their rooms. He was surprised when she didn’t pull away.

He offered her a glass of wine in his room before she retired to her own. Just then, her phone rang. Seeing that it was Kurt, she looked at Xander.

“It’s my brother.”

“You should answer it.”

She put a finger to her lips, signaling him to be quiet.

“Kurt, it’s so good to hear from you. How’s Clara’s father doing?”

“He took a turn for the worse but is now improving.”

“Oh no, I hope he gets better soon.”

“I hope I’m not disturbing you by calling this late. Just wanted to see how you’re doing.”

“I’m doing okay. Even managed to go shopping and pick up some new clothes.”

“You went shopping? That’s great, Kat. You’re getting out and about. Are you keeping up with your meds?”

“I didn’t need to. Any idea when you’ll be back?”

“Kurt can take all the time he needs.”

Her eyes widened in surprise as she glanced at Xander, aware that her brother must have heard him.

“Kat, is that my boss? What’s he doing at your place at this hour?”

She shot Xander a warning look before responding.

“He…he dropped off some documents for me to proofread. He said he’d send me some work when I mentioned how I make a living. Seems like he’s not bothered about the time.”

“Well, that’s good, I suppose. I’ll give him a call and let him know when I’ll be back.”

After ending the call, she launched into a tirade, irate that he’d spoken while she was on the phone. She hated lying to Kurt, but it was only a half-truth. She would indeed be doing some work for him, but she wasn’t about to admit she was with him in Paris.

“How could you?”

“I didn’t do anything wrong. You’re the one who’s not being honest.”

“He doesn’t need to know and he’d be livid if he found out you made me come with you. I don’t want him to think it was to save his job.”

“When will you stop holding that over me? And who said his job was at risk anyway?”

“You did.”

“I never said that.”

“Not explicitly, but your implication was clear. What do you want from me?”

“Kat, I have everything a man could want. Wealth, businesses, properties worldwide. But there’s something I want more than all of that.”

“What else could you possibly want?”

He moved so swiftly that she was caught off guard when he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close and pressing her tightly against him.

“You, I want you.”

His lips descended on hers in a kiss filled with raw passion and desire. The room seemed to spin around her. All rational thought abandoned her as she looped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

She felt herself being lifted and carried to the bed. His kiss deepened as he deftly removed her dress, panties, and bra. She clawed at his shirt, tearing it open. The sensation of his hard length against her made her wet.

Stepping back, he undressed while maintaining eye contact. He’d been anticipating this moment since their first meeting. She lay naked before him, desire in her eyes as she watched him undress.

She returned to the bed, opening her arms and legs for him as he nestled between them.

The way he trailed his lips down her bare skin, between her legs, and moved his tongue inside her had her moaning and writhing. It felt incredible, and she ran her fingers through his hair.

“Oh God,” he groaned as he moved up and entered her with a single, forceful thrust. As he moved within her, he watched her face, loving how her eyes fluttered open and closed. It was as if she was trying to keep them open, but the pleasure was too overwhelming.

Everything about her was driving him wild, from the taste of her skin to her scent. Being inside her felt so warm, wet, and smooth, like a soft, damp cushion, yet tight.

When he began to thrust faster, he felt her legs wrap around his waist and her fingers digging into his back. Her screams and the way she moaned his name were incredibly arousing. Neither of them thought about protection as he continued to thrust into her until they both climaxed in a powerful orgasm.

He collapsed on top of her, burying his face in her neck. He lay there for a few moments, catching his breath.

Eventually, he rolled off her, lying on his side, his hand resting on her breast. Her eyes were closed, her breathing slowing down when he leaned over and kissed her gently on the cheek.

“Kat, that was incredible, and now you’re officially mine.”

She opened her eyes and turned her head to look at him.