Scandalous Games (Arranged Games Book 1)

I stand in front of the full-length mirror and don’t recognize myself.

The dark blood-red gown drapes over my curves, the bodice built like a corset with the sweetheart neckline in black lace ruching while the fitted skirt, with a slit going up to my thigh, flares out to the floor.

Sliding my curled hair over one shoulder, I twist and gasp again at the back of the dress. Two strings, which were made up of numerous tiny diamonds, crisscross and adorn my bare skin, the deep cut dipping to the top of my hips.

Royal, sexy, and bold.

It’s the feeling running through my veins at having been surprised by Dash yet again. My gaze had zoomed in on the large black box sitting in the middle of the bed when I came back from my second shower. I was contemplating whether or not to touch it when he had entered the room and declared he bought it for me to wear tonight.

My mind was still reeling and glowing from what happened in the bathroom to do anything but nod at him mutely in acknowledgment. The corner of his mouth had lifted knowingly before he himself went in to shower, leaving me alone with my racing heart.

My daily quota of sass around him had apparently run out while I was seducing him.

I thought for sure a set of sexy lingerie or some kind of sex toy, even a combination of both, might be waiting for me inside the box decorated with a plain black bow. We’re talking about Dash here. The man is as kinky as they come. So, my wild guess could totally have been a possibility.

However, I was pleasantly stunned with the gorgeous gown and the fact that he got my size right. First, the coat, and now this—I’m quite impressed with Dash.

Perhaps this was his seduction plan all along.

I mean, what can I say? A girl can dream.

The sound of footsteps approaching pulls me out of my musings just as the energy in the room shifts and sizzles with tension. I hear his sharp inhale when he sees my back a second before I see his reflection behind me in the mirror.

Silly girly butterflies dance in my stomach when our eyes lock. His caress on my skin is like a thousand bolts of electricity.

Instead of killing me, I feel alive.

No words are spoken for a while as we absorb each other in. As always, he looks magnificent in his sharp and pristine thousand-dollar suit with his hair styled back. There’s no mistaking his sharp cheekbones, chiseled jawline, and trimmed beard. The black bow tie, completely different from his usual style, makes his appearance undeniably sexy. Something about it is making me all hot and bothered.

As we stand together, our outfits beautifully complement each other.

His raw masculinity, making me feel feminine and soft in all the right places.

I meet his intense gaze when he presses closer and rests his palm on my lower back. I feel the shape and callousness of each long finger heating my skin with just one innocent touch. These little caresses, heated glances, drive me wild almost as powerfully as coming on his tongue when the deviant beast beneath his calm veneer dominates me.

He has to do nothing but be in my vicinity to have my panties soaked.

“Having dirty thoughts about me, wifey?” He smirks.

I blink back to reality and school my features. “You wish.”

“I better be the only man making you blush like that.”

The jealousy dripping from his rough growl has me smiling and I turn around to face him. His arms circle my waist and he rests his palm possessively on my ass.

“Or what?” I challenge.

His nostrils flare. “Or else I’ll fill you with my cum, so every time you walk and it drips down your thighs, you’ll know who you belong to.”

“You’re giving me all the more reason to do it, Mr. Stern.”

“Then how about this?” he growls, yanking me flush to him. “If you think about another man, let alone touch him, then the rumors about me killing a man will become true.”

“Dash,” I gasp, speechless.

“I’ve already lived through hell watching you in another man’s arms while wishing you were mine, Bianca. I won’t survive it again.”

His confession tilts my reality and my heart feels like it’ll beat out of my chest. He doesn’t need to say it but I know he’s talking about Niall. Dash desiring me all those years ago isn’t something I could’ve imagined in a million years, if that’s what he’s implying.

He felt so out of my league with his broody glares and quiet intensity that I was sure he hated me for living in his home with his stepbrother whom he despised.

“You wanted me?” I ask, whispering and searching for the truth in his face.

“How could I not? You’re perfect, kitten. But you were in love with Niall.”

“You hated him.”

“Because all you ever saw was him, while I all ever saw was you.” Our foreheads touch when he bends and cups the back of my neck, his thumb tracing languidly. “It took seven years and a fake relationship but I finally have you, for however long it lasts.”

The last part is said for my sake but I know he doesn’t mean it. It’s written in his piercing gaze he intends to keep me and for some bizarre reason, it doesn’t frighten me.

Today has been nothing but an emotional roller coaster.

The adrenaline is still pumping in my bloodstream and as long as we’re here, the last thing I want to do is sort out my new and messy new feelings. I want to live in our flirty bubble a little longer because once we get back home, reality will be waiting for us.

“Where are we going, Dash?” I ask curiously instead.

Does Paris have opera shows? The way we’re dressed, I feel like we’re going to one.

“It’s a surprise,” is all he says in my ear before kissing the side of my neck and straightening to his full height.

My skin tingles where his lips were. It’s like he knows all my secret spots that are meant to madden a woman with lust.

“You’re not even going to give me a hint?” I half complain.

“It’s a party.”

“Really? I couldn’t tell.”

He chuckles. Intertwining our fingers, he pulls me out of the bedroom and together we walk out of our suite, then to the elevator. Inside, he cages me in the corner and runs the back of his knuckle down my arm, raising goosebumps in its wake.

“You look like a dream, kitten.” His voice is husky. “I can’t take my eyes off you.”

Just one compliment and he turns me all mushy inside. “You look handsome too, Dash.”

“Want to know what I love most about this dress?” he says, low and rough. With one hand resting above my head, the other moves from my arm to the top of my thigh visible through the slit, and he glides the pad of his finger up and down.

“What?” I whisper, anchored by his stare.

“That I can touch this anytime.” His roaming hand inches underneath my skirt through the slit and he cups my pussy, grinding against my clit. I bury my face in his chest as he traces a single finger between my folds over the thong until it’s soaked with my wetness.

“Dash.” I moan.

“Take off your panties.”

I shiver at his demand and stare at him with wide eyes. “Why?”

“Because I want your cunt bare all night long.” He drags the tip of his finger to my center and pushes in, making me clench involuntarily. “If I’m in the mood to play with it, I want nothing in between. So take it off or I’m ripping it.”

His hand disappears and he waits, stern and patiently.

A trill courses through me and I do as he asks while my cheeks flame. I feel naughty as I inch my fingers underneath and slowly glide the thong down my thighs. Dash watches raptly while I pray the elevator doesn’t stop at a random floor, getting me caught. The second it’s off, he takes it from my hand and slides the lace inside his pocket.

The move, sexy and possessive.

“Good girl.”

I shiver.

Those two words of praise should be illegal on his tongue.

I’m thankful the elevator stops before he can make another dirty request. Once again, he takes my hand in his as we walk to our car waiting outside.

Every step reminds me of my nakedness underneath the dress and the second cool air caresses my pussy outside the hotel, I inhale sharply. Dash smirks and I narrow my eyes in warning.

It has no effect on him.

“Feeling cold, kitten?”

“Shut up.”

He chuckles low and helps me into the back seat before doing the same. As we glide into the traffic, I’m entranced by the nightlife in Paris and gaze out the window the whole ride. Stars glitter in the sky while the moonlight lights up the history buildings and I wish we could stay here forever.

I was worried my trip would be sad and unmemorable. Should’ve known Dash wouldn’t let that happen. He doesn’t even realize it but he gave me an unforgettable experience at my dream destination.

Whenever I think of Paris, I’ll always think of him too.