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  As she sunk into his arms, she could feel the hardness of his erection pressing into her side. Suddenly, she was very aware of her vulnerable state. Her clothes were half off, in a public park, and she was in the embrace of a very aroused, extremely huge, stranger. She shivered, suddenly aware of the cold as the sexual heat of the moments before began to fade.

  She’d never done anything this uninhibited or irresponsible in her entire life. Her body felt lethargic, but she was almost lightheaded with the power of her emotional and sexual release. Thinking was beyond her.

  Cain’s fingertips soothed her swollen lips and she was instantly aroused again. “Taste yourself, Katie.” He rubbed his finger along her lips until they parted enough for him to skim the inside of her mouth.

  Unable to resist his lure, she licked at his finger, tasting the essence of her sexual release on him, breathing in the musky scent of sex and desire. She felt like some strange erotic creature and not like Katie Wallace at all. The muscles in his arms tightened in response, so she sucked hard on his finger, wanting to savor the moment. Her tongue licked his finger clean.

  Cain slowly withdrew his finger and shuddered as she scraped her teeth across his skin. “What am I to do with you, Katie?”

  “What do you want to do with me?” The question was out of her mouth before she had the wisdom to stop it. Her voice was husky and full of erotic promise. She didn’t sound like herself at all, but rather like a wanton seductress.

  “Everything,” he replied starkly, his voice a husky whisper. “But, for now, I’ll just take you home.” He stood with her still cradled in his arms, as if she weighed nothing. Holding her tight, he held her close for a moment before he reluctantly released her legs and allowed her to stand on her own.

  Clutching his arm for a moment, she regained her balance and stepped away from him. She felt cold and bereft without his touch. The reality of it suddenly sank in. She’d just played kinky sex games in a public place with a man she’d just met.

  Awkwardness fell over her as she struggled to fasten her bra, button her shirt, and tug up her jeans. She could hear the dog barking in the distance and the muted sounds of the never-ending city traffic. Now that the moment was past and her common sense was reasserting itself, she felt clumsy and totally inept. She didn’t even bother trying to tuck her shirt back into her jeans. It was enough for her to be covered from his gaze.

  Cain found her coat and plucked it from the damp ground. He shook it hard and then held it for her as she slipped into it. She was grateful for its warmth as her body was now racked with shivers, equal parts cold and nerves.

  Cain cursed in the darkness as he buttoned her coat and tucked her under his arm. “I’m sorry you’re cold.” He rubbed his hands briskly over her arms and back until the shivers gradually subsided. Tucked in his arms, she could feel the heat returning to her body. Leaning down, he kissed the top of her head before releasing her.

  Her eyes were glued to the leather leash as she watched him roll it up and return it to his pocket. She shivered, and this time it wasn’t with the cold. What could he have done with her?

  Neither of them spoke as he guided her back onto the path. The warmth of his hand at her back seemed to burn through the layers of her coat and shirt. Cain gave a sharp whistle and Gabriel came running from the other end of the park, rope toy dangling from his mouth.

  Katie was well aware that Cain was still fiercely aroused as he walked her towards home. The rather large bulge in the front of his jeans was a dead giveaway, and the arm wrapped around her shoulder was as solid and hard as a piece of steel. His jaw was clenched tight, and his stride was stiff.

  Now that the moment was over, she was appalled at her own recklessness. She was no tease, but neither was she ready to sleep with Cain. She’d already given him more of herself than she had to any other man, and that included Kent.

  “Cain, I don’t do things like that,” she began, only to stop when he gave a hoarse laugh.

  “I didn’t think you did.” His voice was edgy and tight.

  She stared at him in the darkness, unable to make out his mood. “I didn’t mean to be a tease…” she trailed off uncertainly.

  Cain was instantly alert beside her. He stopped and turned so his right side faced her. “You’re not a tease. You gave me a gift this evening.” He paused to gather his thoughts. “I want more. I want to spend time with you. I want you in my life. In my bed.”

  His raw statements were almost as frightening as they were arousing. She’d never been the focus of this much male attention before in her life. “Who are you?” Her life was spinning out of control and she didn’t like the feeling.

  “I’m just a man. Nothing more.”

  Katie glanced away, seeking relief from the intensity of Cain’s gaze. Relief washed over her as she noted her familiar surroundings. She’d been so wrapped up in her inner turmoil that she’d paid absolutely no attention to where they were walking. Subconsciously, she had trusted Cain to take her home. Still, her pace quickened as they rounded the corner and her building came into view. Cain said nothing, but adjusted his pace to hers.

  She wanted to be home where she felt safe. This stranger had knocked down all her defenses, and she felt vulnerable. He had touched her artistic soul when he bought her painting, and he had touched her physically and emotionally with his lovemaking. She knew nothing about him. Nothing at all.

  Katie ducked from under Cain’s arm, raced across the street, and up the lighted steps of her apartment building. She needed to get away from him. To get her equilibrium back. Her thoughts were scattered and her emotions were raw. She could feel him watching her desperate escape from the shadows.

  “Good night,” she called, pulling her keys from her pocket as she mounted the stairs.

  “Katie, don’t be afraid.” His voice carried clearly on the night air. She didn’t want to look. Told herself she wouldn’t look. But when he called her name again, she was unable to resist the lure of his voice. “Just spend some time with me. We’ll wait until you’re sure, because there’s no going back.” She could feel the heat of his stare even from this distance.

  Katie didn’t even try to formulate an answer. Jamming her key into the lock, she turned it and charged through the door, slamming it shut behind her. She fled up the stairs, not stopping until she gained the safety of her apartment. He’d made no move to follow her, but still she felt compelled to run. Her breathing was ragged, and tears stung her eyes.

  Whether she was running from him or from herself, she wasn’t quite sure. All she knew was that her life had changed. She was not the same woman who left this apartment this morning. Cain had tapped into a wanton side of her that she hadn’t known existed. The lure of sexual pleasure was great, and for the first time in her life she wasn’t sure she could resist its call.

  Chapter Five

  Katie scrubbed the bathroom with a vengeance. The white porcelain of the bathtub gleamed and the chrome taps sparkled in the morning sun. She’d tossed and turned all night long, unable to get Cain out of her mind. The sun was just rising when she dragged herself out of bed, determined to put him out of her mind and get some work done. It was now just before noon and the small apartment had been swept, scrubbed, and dusted from top to bottom.

  Katie sat back on her heels and surveyed the bathroom. She peeled off her rubber gloves and swiped her hand over the sweat on her forehead. Images from the night before flashed through her mind. She still found it hard to reconcile the woman from the night before with the woman she normally was. She’d been reckless and somewhat stupid in venturing off with an unknown man. And what she had done with him! Just thinking about it made her feel hot and tight all over, as if her skin no longer fit her properly.

  Rising from the floor, she picked up her bucket of dirty water and dumped it down the toilet. Giving the handle a quick downward push, she watched as the dirty water swirled around for a few seconds and then disappeared, leaving cleaner, fresher water in its place. S
he wished her own thoughts could be discarded as easily. Sighing deeply, she picked up her rubber gloves and sponge and dragged it all to the kitchen closet where she stored her cleaning supplies. The fresh smell of lemon cleaner and the bright glow of winter sunlight filled the air. Her apartment was clean and tidy, but she was a mess.

  Katie stared out her small living room window. For once, she was not noticing the sights and sounds of the neighborhood that usually enchanted her. Street vendors enticing people to their carts with the savory smell of food, children playing on the sidewalk, the colorful display of the newsstand on the corner, and the varied groups of people rushing down the street. This was usually a source of unending inspiration for her painting. She was only vaguely aware of it, as a sort of hazy vision off in the distance, but she couldn’t seem to focus her attention on any of it today.

  More often than not, she found the mundane housekeeping tasks almost restful. There was something soothing about the repetitive chores of sweeping and cleaning that allowed her mind to drift into a state of almost artistic meditation. Unfortunately, this morning it hadn’t worked.

  Katie felt restless. She was startled to realize that she was waiting, but wasn’t sure what for. Cain had left her uncertain last night. Would he contact her? She didn’t know how to reach him even if she wanted to. The real question was did she want him to? Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back and allowed the fatigue to wash over her. She didn’t know what she wanted, but she had an unsettled feeling in the pit of her stomach that she had to find out where this thing with Cain was leading. If she didn’t explore it, she’d regret it for the rest of her life.

  She rolled her head from side to side to loosen the tension in her neck. One thing was for sure, she was finished moping. It was a beautiful winter day, crisp and clear, and she had things to do. First, she would take a shower and then she’d take herself to lunch at Gino’s Italian Deli before she went grocery shopping. Thoughts of spicy Italian food started her mouth watering and her stomach growling.

  The painting on the easel caught her attention as soon as she opened her eyes. It was no longer complete, but rather was the beginning of what she feared would be a series of works. The dark shadow from this painting now had substance. Cain was real to her now and no longer a night phantom.

  Her emotions always found their way onto the blank canvas and already her brain was picturing and discarding many possibilities. Idly, Katie picked up a dry brush and tapped it against her chin as she was drawn into the painting. She needed to see more of him this time. Removing the finished canvas, she propped it next to the wall where she had a clear view of it. She grabbed a fresh, blank canvas and positioned it on the easel.

  A loud knock on the door made Katie scowl. She hated to be interrupted when she was working. It was probably just as well, she thought as she lay the brush down. She really needed groceries. Katie opened the door, but kept the chain on as she peeked through the opening.

  “Delivery.” A young man in a delivery uniform tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for her to respond.

  “But I didn’t order anything,” Katie answered suspiciously. In all the years she had lived here, she had never had a delivery of any kind. “Are you sure you have the right apartment?” It had to be a mistake of some kind.

  The young man glanced at his clipboard. “You Katie Wallace?”

  Katie nodded hesitantly.

  “Then it’s for you.” He laid the box on the floor when she still made no move to open the door. “Look, I just need a signature here.” He thrust the clipboard through the small opening. “The tip has been taken care of. Just sign on line three.”

  Katie scribbled her name on the proper line and pushed the clipboard back towards the deliveryman. Glancing down to make sure his paperwork was in order, he turned and hurried away. “Have a nice day,” he muttered as he disappeared down the stairs.

  Katie waited until his steps faded and then she cautiously unlocked the door and picked up the large white box. Propping it against her hip, she relocked the door and then carried the package to the coffee table. Carefully, she removed the cover and peeled back the crisp, white tissue paper. She forgot to breathe as she peered down into the box.

  Her fingers tentatively reached out to touch the flowers, tempted by their lush, burgundy petals. The box overflowed with long-stemmed roses. There had to be at least two dozen of them and their heady scent filled her nostrils as she took a deep breath. The blood-red roses were a sharp contrast to the one perfect orchid that lay in the center of the box. Its white petals and pale pink center looked all the more fragile surrounded by the roses. It was a gift of sensual promise. Of passion.

  A white envelope was tucked into the tissue paper and Katie plucked it out. She didn’t need to open it to know who had sent them. Still, she was curious enough that she opened the envelope and drew out the plain white card. The writing was bold with a masculine bent, making her think that he’d written the message himself. “I’ll call you at midnight,” she read aloud. Nothing else. Not even a signature.

  Katie placed the card carefully on the coffee table. She couldn’t decide if the message was more threat or promise. The gift was an extravagant one. Katie didn’t even want to contemplate the cost of the exotic flowers. They were hers and she planned to enjoy them. Grabbing up the box, she hugged it and laughed out loud. She danced her way into the kitchen, her feet shuffling as she swung her hips from side to side. Setting the flowers carefully on the counter, she rummaged around the cupboards for a container to put them in.

  Settling on two Mason jars for the roses, she carefully positioned the flowers one at a time in the containers until she was satisfied with their placement. The thorns had been removed and that made the task much easier. She floated the orchid in a Depression glass bowl that she’d found at a thrift store. The pale pink of the glass matched the center of the exotic bloom.

  Katie stood back and admired the flowers, enjoying the rich texture and color, and slightly drunk on the heady perfume of the roses. She hugged herself in glee, feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. One at a time, she moved the containers into the living room and placed them in various positions until she found one she was satisfied with. One jar of roses sat on the windowsill, their beauty framed in the morning sun. The other one sat in solitary splendor on the coffee table and the orchid bowl perched alongside her easel so she could admire it while she worked.

  Her stomach growled, reminding her that she’d promised herself a spicy Italian lunch. Katie glanced at her watch and was surprised to see that almost an hour had passed. It was almost one o’clock.

  Reluctantly, she headed for the bathroom. She had to shower, change, and then head out to run her errands. Katie couldn’t resist one last glance behind her as she left the room. The sight of the flowers filled her stomach with butterflies and a feeling of anticipation.

  Katie stepped back from the easel and contemplated her latest work. Tipping her head to one side, she examined it from another angle. It was better than good. She’d managed to capture the sheer animal magnetism of the man, his image half-hidden in the shadows while the half illuminated by the streetlamp showed a man of power. A sense of danger and darkness surrounded him, as if he were a predator just waiting to pounce. This was a man who valued control and exerted the power of his will on those around them. She’d had a firsthand lesson in that last night.

  Cain’s was not a handsome face, but a strong and a surprisingly sensual one. His hair blended in with the black of the night and fell over the left side of his face. His nose was large and had a bump in the middle, but it suited his face well. His jaw was square and his cheekbones were prominent. But it was his eye that drew her. She’d managed to capture the intensity in his startling green eye.

  Her back ached and her fingers cramped as she stood there. Katie groaned and stretched, but her eyes never left her painting. She’d been working for hours. When she’d left the apartment at lunchtime, Katie had planned on a lei
surely lunch before running her errands. Instead, she’d grabbed a quick pepperoni and salami sandwich, raced through the grocery store, and hurried home to work. The need to paint Cain was almost overwhelming. Her fingers were itching to paint and she readily succumbed to the temptation.

  Satisfied for the moment, Katie cleaned up her brushes and set her supplies to rights. The empty feeling in the pit of her stomach informed her that she had missed supper. She shrugged, unconcerned. It wasn’t the first meal she’d missed. When she was painting, time seemed to disappear as she immersed herself in her work.

  The kitchen beckoned and Katie answered the call. She quickly washed her hands and assembled a quick snack of cheese, crackers and slices of crisp green apple. Stopping long enough to grab a bottle of water from the refrigerator, she carried her booty to the living room.

  Sinking into the comfort of the well-worn sofa, she munched on an apple slice as she tilted her head back and closed her eyes. She was tired, but it was good kind of tired. A satisfied kind of tired. She was pleased with her latest effort. One eye popped opened and glanced at the clock. Just after eleven. And she was pleased that she had managed to keep her mind off Cain’s mysterious message.

  She shook her head and sat forward. Who was she trying to kid? Cain had filled her thoughts all day. It didn’t matter if she was cleaning, shopping, or painting, her mind continually turned to him. Piling a cracker with cheese, she stuffed it into her mouth and chewed. It would serve him right if she went to bed and turned off her phone.

  But she knew she wouldn’t.

  When her plate was empty, Katie took it to the kitchen and dumped it in the sink. Taking her time, she checked to make sure the lock was on the front door, turned off all the lights and went into the bedroom.