Laura blushed and her thoughts once again went zooming to that night. “I had hoped so, too.” He was saying exactly what she wanted and needed to hear. “Good,” he said, smiling. The waiter came back with their bottled water and to take their orders. Laura was starting to wish at this moment that she and Angelo were alone. It’s just lunch, girl, she told herself, stay focused. They both ordered the lunch special. “Very good,” the waiter said, then took their menus and departed. Angelo turned back to Laura. “I would like to invite you to a charity ball as my date.” “Wow, that sounds wonderful. I’ve never been to a charity ball before.” “It’s quite an experience. Have you ever heard of the Dream Ball?” Laura’s face blanched. “The Dream Ball?” She swallowed hard. “Everyone in New York has heard of it.” This wasn’t what she was expecting. He smiled. “Well, my family is one of the major supporters of it. We participate every year to raise money

Saturday came and the night of the Dream Ball had arrived. Laura had spent the entire day getting ready. She had made appointments at her neighborhood salon for a mani and pedi and a blowout for her hair. Her regular stylist, Josie, had squeezed her in once Laura told her what the last-minute appointments were for. Laura was grateful to have the pampering. It relaxed her and it helped her to have someone to talk to about how nervous she was about the ball. They were just people, Josie told her. Just like them, just in a different set of circumstances. People were people. The rest was mostly dressing. Laura hoped what she said was true, but she was still uncertain. Laura had never been to such a formal, fancy function before, but Angelo had assured her he would take care of her and had filled her in on what to expect. She was working hard to shed her insecurities about not belonging. Finally, Angelo came to pick her up in a stretch limousine. Laura heard the buzzer.

She writhed sensually against his firm body. “Yes?” she asked, her voice a low purr. She looked up at him, pretending not to know what was on his mind or what effect she was having on him. She swayed her hips just a hint slowly from side to side, feeling his body clearly respond. She was generating some dangerous heat between them. His hands gripped her hips, holding them still. She tried to writhe out of his grip, but he held her firm. He pressed his lips to her ear. “You little devil,” he whispered, “you’re enjoying this. Teasing me, knowing I can’t do anything about it.” He leaned the side of his head against hers. His breath was hot against her neck, his breathing heavy. He held her hips away from his. “You started it,” she whispered back. She wanted to press close to him, press herself into him. Her primal side was taking over. She no longer cared about the hundreds of people close by. She felt emboldened, her instincts clamoring for more touch, more taste, more feel.

Angelo led Laura up to the 17th floor. He had booked an Emperor’s Suite with a view of Central Park. She was suddenly nervous again. She was quiet as they walked to the room. Angelo held her hand firmly. “What if I want to run away and escape?” she teased as they headed down the elegant hallway. He held her hand tighter. “You won’t get very far.” “What if I start to struggle?” He looked down at her, his blue eyes smoldering. Without a word, he scooped her up in his arms. She gasped, feeling a warm thrill at his strength and masculine dominance. Her heart was pounding in her chest. “You’re not going anywhere,” he said, his voice a low deep, growl. He marched them towards the room, her weight feeling like nothing in his arms. He set her down when they got to the room and opened the door. “Inside. Now.” She did as he said. He closed the door behind them. She was immediately taken with the spectacular grandeur of the room, but she was also e

She smiled as she undid the buckle on his belt. Her heart beat faster with anticipation. “I’ve been dying to look at you…to see your body.” She could tell how swollen and hard he was underneath his clothes. He was breathing heavier as he watched her unzip his pants. Her eyes lit up as she saw his body respond, straining against his pants. “I don’t think these pants are going to fit you anymore,” she said, shaking her head. “I’d better take them off.” His parted lips curved into a smile. His eyes, half-lidded, closed for a moment as he inhaled sharply, while she lightly touched his bulging manhood through the now sticky and wet fabric of his underwear. She slid his pants off. She looked at his long, muscular legs, then back up at the black Dolce & Gabbana briefs he wore, which were stretching with his arousal. She felt her face redden and her pulse quicken with desire. “God, you're sexy,” she said as she reached up to the waistband of his briefs. His body sh