Chapter 57

Dermott nodded. "Dani filled me in, asked if I was willing to go along with the idea."
"Why did you?" That, more than anything else, I had to know.
"Do you really have to ask?" That voice made my toes tingle as it deepened. "I want you, Jess. I have since the moment Ty introduced us three months ago."
For a moment I forgot how to breathe.
He went on. "I won't do anything you don't want - I've never forced a woman in my life, and I'm not about to start now. But I gained the distinct impression during our few meetings that you were as interested as I was in getting to know each other better."
Elek returned before I could speak, handing each of us a crystal goblet filled with dark red wine mixed with blood and spices. The bases were just the right size to set in cup holders that popped out of the sides of the armrest. Whoever designed this plane had taken care of every last detail.
When Elek disappeared again, Dermott licked his lips, making my pussy clench. I'd been damp throughout our conversation and his bald-faced announcement that he wanted me had me drenching my little black thong. I couldn't help squeezing my legs together as he looked at me again, his eyes hot with passion. "Well? Was I wrong?"
I dragged in a breath. "You weren't wrong. I want you." I was terrified of admitting it but too proud to lie when my body was blatantly responding. I knew he could see my nipples peaking beneath my thin silk gown, and with his preternatural senses, he could probably smell my arousal.
"Will you let me...pamper you this weekend? Three days of nothing but pleasure and relaxation?"
I'd already agreed to the relaxation part. Why not enjoy the pleasure he offered as well? It had been awhile since I'd been involved with anyone. We were both consenting adults with no commitments - and he was the hottest damn thing on two legs. I'd be a fool to pass up the chance to see what he could do with those long, agile, pianist's hands. Making a conscious choice to break free from my usual self-restraint, I tossed my hair back and nodded. "Yes. For the next three days, I'm all yours."
He pressed another button on the intercom, and I heard locks click into place on the doors to the cockpit and the rear compartment. Dermott stood and held out his hand, wineglass clasped loosely in the other. "Come here."
I took his hand, feeling the sparks that flared between us at even such a casual touch. My breasts were swollen, my pussy soaked and aching. I couldn't remember being this turned-on in - ever, and he'd only touched my fingers. As I followed him back to the sofa, I sipped my wine, savoring the rich, coppery taste of the blood and feeling it fuel my weary body. I had the idea I was going to need all the energy I could get.
Dermott sat on one end of the couch and gently pulled me down beside him so our thighs were pressed together, our linked hands resting on his. I could feel his heat through the fine wool of his evening trousers. It's a myth that vampires are cold. Touching Dermott was like holding my hand above an open flame. Another myth is that our hearts don't beat. Mine was pounding like a jackhammer in my chest.
He squeezed my hand before sliding away from me to the other end of the sofa. At first I was disappointed, but his warm smile let me know this was in no way a rejection. He pulled a drawer out from the base of the sofa, removed a pillow and handed it to me.
"Lean back against the arm and put your feet up in my lap. Just relax." He popped another of those nifty drink holders from the arm of the sofa and set down his wineglass as I rearranged myself, lifting my tired feet into his lap.
"Such pretty shoes." He carefully undid the buckles on my spike-heeled sandals. Since the toes were open, I hadn't worn hose. "Even prettier toes. I wouldn't have guessed you'd go for blood-red polish, but it suits you."
"Dani treated us to girls' day at the spa." I sighed with contentment as he took one foot in his hands and began to gently massage the arch with his thumbs. "Facial, manicure and pedicure, even a massage."
"Ah, so you've had a head start on the pampering. Good - you deserve it." He kept up the kneading, gradually moving to encompass more and more of my foot.
I leaned against the pillow, sipping my cocktail and wallowing in the simple pleasure of having a handsome man rub my feet. It had been a surprise - I'd been expecting to join the Mile High Club, but this was - nice. I'd have fallen asleep but I was enjoying myself too much to doze off and miss a moment. "Will you play for me?"
"Hmmm?" His talented fingers never stopped moving.
"You must have a piano at your beach house. I wondered if part of my 'anything I want' could include a piece of music or two. I love your music." The wine and massage had loosened my inhibitions if I was admitting that so openly, but I was too content to care. When he switched feet, I gave a happy hum.
"I'd love to play for you." His voice was deep and his accent lyrical, pulling me more deeply under his spell. "Who knows? I might even be inspired to compose something special to commemorate the moment."
"Is this weekend going to be special, Dermott?" His touch had gone from soothing to sensual, and I wasn't sleepy anymore. I drained my goblet and set it in the holder beside my seat.
"I think so." His smoky brown eyes darkened further as he looked into mine. "I've been wanting you since the day we met."
"And what do you want to do with me?" With the foot he wasn't massaging, I rubbed his thigh, feeling smooth, hard muscle through his fine wool trousers.
"Everything."
The raw sex he infused into that one word shivered down my spine, making my pussy clench.