Page 41 of Demon’s Temptation

She tried to look contrite. “I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

He shook his head. “You need to stop apologizing, Chaya. The regret is all mine, I assure you.” He reached out and took her hand. It was cold and smooth. “Submission is a gift. Not just anyone will have the ability to make your body sing with pleasure. I knew almost right away that wouldn’t be me, as much as I wished otherwise. You will make some lucky Dom very, very happy one day.”

No, she wouldn’t. That would never happen.

But if she wanted to learn more about the demon sitting across from her, she needed to keep up the act and get him talking, which meant opening up a little about herself, making him think she trusted him as a confidant at least. “I’d never really acknowledged that part of myself, what I wanted, not until I met…”

“Ah, this…Brent? That was him, the male who came for you last night?”

“That was him.”

“He brought this out in you?”

“Yes.”

“He’s a very lucky man. And you are a very rare find.” He squeezed her hand then released it.

Oddly, his understanding warmed her. “He’s a stubborn ass at times. He’s refused to acknowledge the connection between us until now, and I’m still not sure he’ll ever allow himself to truly let go or to see what’s right in front of him.”

Victor chuckled. “He and I are cut from a similar cloth, I think.”

He held her gaze, full of intensity. She realized she was staring back, staring him down—not the actions of a sub. She quickly glanced down at her hands.

“Sometimes the only option is to push until they fall,” he said into the silence.

She looked up, her heart kicking up a notch at the dark note to his voice. But there was nothing dark about his expression. He smiled. “I’m sure you’d provide a soft landing.”

“Are you implying I’m on the curvy side?” she said in mock affront.

He winked. “In all the right places.” Then he grew serious again. “I understand what it is to love someone, to have them take you for granted.”

“Oh, you have someone?”

He shrugged. “Like you, I feel invisible at times. I’ve loved him for the longest time. I do things to please him that I would never do for anyone else, in some cases things that I regret deeply…still, it’s never good enough…” He shook his head. “Sorry, I’m going on.”

His pain was acute. He was letting her read him and it was deep and real. This was no act. “You’re not. It’s good to get these things off our chests, to talk about it.” She reached out and gave his hand a squeeze. “You won’t leave?”

“No, I could never walk away.”

“I’m sorry.”

He forced a smile. “Don’t worry about me, honey. I’m tough as old boots.” Sliding a hand into the inner pocket of his jacket, he pulled out a brochure. “I think I told you that one of the galleries I own is hosting an exhibition?”

Chaya fought back her excitement. This was the event she’d wanted to attend. A way to hopefully learn more about Victor.

“I’m showing a few of my own pieces, actually, and thought the subject matter might interest you?” A bit of heat drifted into his gaze.

“You take photos?”

He smiled. “It’s a passion of mine.”

She flipped through the brochure. The images she saw were striking. The focus of the exhibition was bondage. “These are…amazing.”

“I’ll leave your name at the door.” He leaned over the table and kissed her cheek. “I’m really glad I saw you today, Chaya. Like I said, I’d love us to remain friends.” He tapped the brochure. “I hope to see you there.” Then he stood and strode from the coffee shop.

She looked back down. She had every intention of going, even though she was having serious doubts that Victor was any real threat. Maybe if she went to this exhibition she could find out more about him and the people he associated with. Possibly rule him out once and for all.

Brent didn’t have to know.