A

ese classes at my mansion, or one of my clubs. But Nario-ever the strategist-suggested that we hold them publicly, on the

something else to g

eeks. Her face is thin and her cheekbones are set high like a princess. Her body is lithe, fit, tempting. The

ar too pale, like snow. Fire-red hair and

shakes her head, loosening more

or the time being, the rest of the world doesn't exist. I haven't fel

that what helpless maidens usually offer

iden?" she s

yes. You men

all her own. Perversely, it's the last that draws me in: her distinctive odor. I want to smell more of her. I want to taste he

brows as though annoyed at herself for saying

me is Carlo," I tell her. "It is a mutual pleasure, I

ly being done with jerks

r hip graze against my side. "I was hoping y

s so brazenly. Does she want me as badly as I want her? Her ass is a tempting curve in t

ring you're the asshole who's responsible fo

. "And, in life, I have foun

lady because she's taking too long at the

ap. How long since I have laughed

iles despite herself, half-turned towar

. We just met. You're clearly in charge of these animals.

her. She doesn't turn,

re is nothing more im

but it comes out in a strained voice that sa

Or rather, Fire and Snow

"What the hell are you tal

facing away from me, her back flush against my chest, so I can't read her expression. But I sense a shiver coursing through her. "Not to mention

up little nicknames for women

tell her

n wh

can't hel

he says. "But only because I've had a long, long day, and considering you pulled up in a l

r fingertips shake, too, as though her heartbeat is out

and she doesn't like the transparency, she abruptly yanks her

then?" I ask

ys with the bluster of someone w

ards the limousine, waiting for us with the

lazily through the city. The lights get brighter as we reach t

t done any

get any ideas, big fella. We

The tires screech, and the unexpected jolt s

that might melt away at any moment. My hand is on her thigh, keeping her steady, tracing each corded musc

driver calls back

ck flipped on its side, smoke emanating from

cliff's edge of emotion before she collects her thoughts and t

Only when the limo stops outside the club's glittering red façade do

but no thanks. I think I can manage the six-inch drop

have a lot to say, Ha

r to be drinking with a woman too sc

y. "No, I