Still, as several of the dancers were presented with bouquets of flowers, I sat in my dressing room feeling sorry for myself. At least the thousand dollars left by the gorgeous stranger at my other job had allowed me to purchase a new stunning red dress, the extra money the only reason. While I was a company dancer for the Joffrey, that didn’t mean I earned enough to support both myself and my mother.

  The treat and the man had both been unexpected. For once I’d feel sexy for the required party instead of like a wallflower incapable of speaking to anyone. I tugged at the clip in my hair while I glanced in the mirror, taking a deep breath.

  Thoughts of the stunning, muscular man continued to flow into my mind. Maybe I was being silly. He was likely married with three kids, getting his jollies by gawking at the dancers. However, he’d seemed so different than the other men who’d done their best to fondle me. More sophisticated, far too handsome. While I hadn’t been able to see the color of his eyes, I had noticed his heated gaze, as if he had been hypnotized by my performance.

  He’d been nice to me when my asshole of a boss had treated me like a bitch since I’d been a few minutes late. Sighing, I started to brush my long strands of hair, noticing Jonas was right behind me. Even his parents had been in attendance, a feat since his father had wanted his only son to follow in his footsteps of becoming an attorney. They’d argued for years about Jonas’ decision.

  He’d been so happy when they’d come backstage for a few seconds prior to the show.

  He came forward, handing me a single red rose, a twinkle in his eye. “You were amazing.”

  “No, we were amazing together,” I said and took a deep whiff of the lovely flower.

  “Yes, we were,” he teased. “But I thought I lost you there for a few seconds. You seemed to be dancing for someone else altogether. Should I be jealous?”

  “Hush. You are my favorite boy toy in the world and you know it.” I grinned and so did he but the question remained.

  “I’m serious. It was like you were lost in a haze. What happened?”

  “I don’t know. I think I was just amazed at the audience, the energy. And maybe the spotlight,” I said, laughing. And lying. When he lifted his eyebrows, I kissed him on the cheek. “Don’t read into everything, boy toy. Thank you for this.”

  “Every star deserves recognition and you, my dear, were the highlight of the stage tonight.” He gripped my shoulders, leaning over and kissing my cheek in return.

  I felt myself blushing because I’d already seen the look of jealousy on several of the girls’ faces. I’d been on my game tonight, thrilled everything had worked out so perfectly. When he lifted his head, I tickled the tender area on the side of his neck, both of us laughing.

  But something caught both our gazes at the same time. A man was standing just off to the side, the lights surrounding the small mirror allowing me to see his reflection. While half his face remained in the shadows, I knew exactly who was standing behind me. The man from the club.

  Oh, God.

  Him.

  The stranger.

  The man I’d been certain was watching me.

  He’d been the one I’d been thinking about while dancing, the man obsessed with me. I’d been dancing for him. It was crazy. Or maybe I’d needed a muse for the evening. We were locked in a moment in time where there was nothing and no one else around. He was omnipotent in his beauty, dominating in his subtle moves. And I could feel his hunger ebbing and flowing.

  A single tremor of fear skated down my back and I wasn’t certain why. I’d been in a mask as usual, never allowing anyone to know the real girl dancing for the hungry men. I couldn’t risk losing my contract with the Joffrey Ballet, their immorality clause preventing me from dancing in such a sordid environment, possibly sullying the good name of the ballet company. Was he here to expose me?

  Get a grip, girl. He doesn’t know who you are.

  Jonas whistled, his eyes floating up and down the man’s broad chest in appreciation. “Oh, my goodness. I could eat him for breakfast. And lunch. And dinner.”

  “Down, boy,” I whispered.

  He chuckled. “It’s easy to see he’s not here for me, tigress. Pity. He doesn’t know what he’s missing. But he does have very good taste, including in flowers. Hold on. Do you know him?”

  I noticed what the mystery man was carrying. They appeared to be two dozen sterling silver roses, my absolute favorites. “I’ve never seen him before.”

  “Well, he’s intent on knowing you. Be careful, girlfriend. I think that hunk of a man might just bite.” He nuzzled my neck, even blowing in my ear. Jonas adored teasing me relentlessly.

  “Stop it, silly man. You’ll be at the party?” I asked, trying to keep my wits about me as the man’s eyes pierced mine. He was more handsome than before, his tuxedo likely costing more than the yearly cost for my apartment, which was pricy.

  “Of course, darling, although I’m certain I’ll be fashionably late. However, I wouldn’t miss all those rich assholes for the world. Mom and Dad just want to take me out for a quick bite as a celebration. I think the world just turned on its axis.”

  “Maybe your dad is coming around.”

  “Maybe he has a hidden agenda as usual. I would ask you to come but I can see you have a hottie waiting for me to leave.”

  A small part of me wanted to stop him from leaving but I was a big girl. I could handle the situation, even if the mystery man recognized me. There was something about him that seemed so familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on why.

  “Very funny. Go enjoy. Maybe your dad will prove you wrong.”

  “And maybe pigs really do fly in the winter. Count on needing to buy me a drink when I arrive at the party.”

  I couldn’t help but notice Jonas gave the guest a solid onceover before leaving, giving me his thumbs-up as approval.

  A lump had already formed in my throat as the stranger lifted his head, his heated gaze just like I’d remembered from the club. He took a step closer, and I was struck by his incredible scent. A man didn’t have the right to both look amazing in a tuxedo while smelling like sin wrapped in expensive attire. The touch of exotic spices and a species of wood I couldn’t identify had already ignited my senses.

  As well as my core, something that hadn’t happened in a long time. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had a date let alone hot sex. I was twenty-seven, for God’s sake, and I could count the decent experiences on part of one hand.

  The strangest images floated into the back of my mind and they were all extremely dirty. What was going on with me? It had been forever since I’d had sex, but really? Okay, so the man was hot as Hades, evoking another powerful round of longing.

  Why in God’s name was I thinking such filthy thoughts when for all I knew, he was one of the rich benefactors I was supposed to be nice to? Maybe in return, flowers were presented to all the female dancers. I slowly stood, trying to keep my wits about me. It was more important than ever to try to pretend I’d never seen him before.

  I had to keep my dirty little secret for my mother’s sake.

  “Sweet Bella.” His deep voice was husky, completely sensual and the way he said my name created a scintillating feeling of full arousal.

  Swallowing, I did what I could to regain my composure as I turned around, offering a kind smile. “Yes, I’m Bella. Do you know me?”

  “I know you’re a fabulous dancer.”

  He made me blush. “Thank you. Are those for me?”

  “Absolutely, although I must admit they are not nearly as beautiful as you are. Perhaps next time I’ll need to provide several dozen.”

  There was such darkness in his deep baritone, the sound more like a beast in the wild than actual vocal cords. He was older, maybe ten or so years, the hint of gray at his temples only adding to the distinguished and suave look he had. There was a distinct twinkle in his eyes, as if he knew my darkest secrets and passionate needs.

  I took the crystal vase from his hand, doing the obligatory deep whiff before placing it on the small table. “Nonsense. These are incredible. Thank you very much.”

  “Of course, Bella.” Even the way he accentuated the two syllables in my name was sexy.

  “You know my name?” A strange tickling sensation scuttled into me. Maybe I should be concerned instead of flattered. I licked my lower lip and he shifted his gaze, studying the subtle move intently. Were his nostrils flaring?

  He laughed and the sound sent quivers deep into my pussy, my throat and lips suddenly so parched I dragged the tip of my tongue across my bottom lip again. He was watching me intently, his chiseled jaw clenched. He was even more handsome up close, the long shaggy dark curls falling just to his shoulders.

  “Absolutely,” he said and I obviously had a fearful look on my face. He lowered his head slightly, allowing his eyes to shift back and forth. “From the program? You were featured prominently?”

  What an idiot I was.

  “Oh, yes.” Now the heat was really rising on my cheeks, something even in the dim lighting I was certain he could see. “Of course. And you are?”

  “Creed Saint. A lover of the arts, a master of none. Enough of a lover that my brothers and I are creating a special facility for underprivileged artists.”

  Ah, yes, I’d heard a major corporation had broken ground on a sweeping several story building. Was he trying to impress me? It was going to take a lot more than stunning flowers, arrogance, and inflating his own ego.

  “Oh, come now. I’m certain you’re very talented.” I allowed a hint of defiance to slide into my voice, which seemed to amuse him.

  “Perhaps in business, yes, but I’m not very creative. However, the Saint brothers are attempting to expand their horizons.”

  Why did his name ring a strong bell? He was powerful. That was obvious. Rich? You bet. Where did I know him from?

  When it dawned on me, I was floored by the fact he’d sought me out. I was also back to being concerned that he had.

  The Creed Saint. He’d been in every Chicago newsletter and online magazine. I hadn’t paid close attention, but I knew enough to realize the man was as rich as he was dangerous. Sadly, I couldn’t remember the reasons why. I’d been in my little cocoon for so long that the outside world seemed untouchable. Still, I was nobody in comparison to a wealthy man who could have any woman on his arm.

  “Bella Rothschild.” While he already knew my name, saying it out loud seemed the appropriate thing to do. Why did the man make me so nervous? I held out my hand for a polite handshake and he lifted a single eyebrow, the corners of his mouth turning up. While he took my hand into his, he brought it to his mouth, brushing his lips back and forth.

  I wasn’t the kind of girl to swoon over any man. At least that was one decent thing my mother had taught me, but Creed was dangerously close to pushing every button I had, the longing increasing.

  “You look very familiar. Have we met before?”

  There was a strange glint in his eyes as he asked me the question. I had a feeling he recognized me from the club, maybe thinking I was easy. The thought alone infuriated me. “I don’t think so, Mr. Saint. I’m a good girl trying to make a better world for herself and nothing more. You’re a rich man with a fetish for control.”

  “My goodness. You think you know me and we just met. However, oddly enough, you are correct. I came to ask you if you’d consider having a drink with me tonight.” He acted as if he didn’t want to let my hand go, finally doing so and adding a more mischievous grin.

  The invitation shocked the hell out of me. I was flustered and floored at the same time, unable to say anything at first. I didn’t care if he was a famous person in the dark coils of the Chicago underground or in the upper echelon of society and highly respected. Neither precluded him from being a possible freak.

  Or worse.

  At least I didn’t need to come up with a plausible excuse. “I’m sorry, Mr. Saint. Tonight, I have a party for the ballet company I’m required to go to. It’s part of my contract with the ballet. We’re trying to raise money.”

  I had a sense my answer made him angry. I was teetering on running away, but I stood my ground.

  He took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds before letting it out. “Yes. Of course. Perhaps another time.”

  “Maybe. Unfortunately, my schedule is very busy right now with the various performances and practices.”

  “Yes. I understand. However, I’m not the kind of man who usually takes no for an answer. I will enjoy spending time with you, Bella. It’s rare to meet the one person you know is supposed to be in your life.” He stepped closer and instead of feeling crowded or overwhelmed, I was more electrified than ever. Since I was still in my leotard from the last performance, it was easy to tell my nipples were rock hard, the throbbing between my legs intensifying.

  But the moment he lifted his arm, curling his fingers before rubbing them across my cheek, he set my entire body on fire. I was stunned by my body’s reaction, my heart racing as it had never done before.

  Every aspect of the man screamed of power, his aristocratic features only part of what took my breath away. Why did I have the distinct feeling he was dominating, his earlier answer only the beginning of his need to possess a token of prey?

  I was building a fantasy world like in a crazy romance novel, only in my mind a serial killer didn’t serve well for achieving a happily-ever-after. His touch was gentle, stroking me as he would a kitten he was holding in his lap. I almost found myself purring, which was as silly as my body’s immediate reaction.

  As quickly as his tender touch from his hand had begun, it was removed, the absence of the rough pads of his fingers creating a hole in me. Wow. That was the only word I could think of for my reaction.

  I purposely broke the mesmerizing moment, taking a deliberate step away. “Thank you for the flowers, Mr. Saint. I apologize but I need to get changed for the party.” I was thankful I’d found my voice and my usual defiance, breaking the obvious spell he had over me.

  His heated look became even darker, much more possessive than before. “Until we meet again, sweet dancer, and please call me Creed, Bella. And I assure you that we will meet again. And when we do, it will just be the beginning. We’re going to become very close, you and I. Soon, I’ll make you a star.”

  The hunger increased, the possessive need keeping me on a steep precipice.

  With that he turned around, taking careful steps away, acting more regal than before. And for far too many reasons, I wanted to ask him what beginning he was talking about.

  I’d been right.

  He’d come for me.

  And once I was captured, he would never let me go.

  CHAPTER 6

  Bella

  “Soon, I will make you a star.”

  Creed’s words burned into me the entire time the cabbie drove to the posh hotel where the party was being held. I’d indulged in the ride instead of walking the six blocks because of the light mist as well as the fear I had that my mystery man would creep from the shadows, making good on his promise. Plus, I was wearing heels, something I wasn’t used to.

  The dress fit perfectly and as the cabbie made a left turn, I took a quick glance out the window, brushing the palm of my hand down the silky material. I’d spent way too much on it, almost a hundred dollars, which wasn’t like me at all. Not when every dime had to go to my mother’s care. However, it was the nicest gift I’d been given my entire life.

  I’d earned it.

  And this night.

  The group of expensive hotels loomed in the distance, their bright lights reminding me that for all the luxury my mother had amassed over the years, she’d lost it all because of bad decisions. Maybe that’s why I hated the limelight most of the time. Maybe I’d had my breakthrough after all. I sat back, nervous as a kitty cat and I wasn’t certain why, other than I couldn’t help wondering if Creed was going to be at the event.

  Why wouldn’t he be? It was obvious he was someone of importance in the ballet world and not just because he and his brothers were funding a building. I had to admit I was impressed by that. I pressed my hand across my lips, thinking about his, which were rosy red and very delectable. The man was what fantasies were made of.

  It was so very wrong of me to remain tingling all over since meeting Creed in the dressing room, but I couldn’t seem to get the delicious and powerful man off my mind.

  I closed my eyes, the vibrations of the engine humming between my legs. As soon as Creed’s face washed into my mind once again, I bit my lower lip to keep from moaning. Why was my pussy was throbbing so much? A tiny bead of perspiration was threatening to trickle down the side of my face. Suddenly, the dark visions of a sultry fantasy played out as if it was happening at this very moment.

  “Come to me,” he growled from the shadows, the flickering light of the dozen candles barely illuminating his sculpted features.

  I found myself obeying his command, longing for his touch. As I crept closer, I could feel his desire intensifying, the look on his face utterly carnivorous. When he gripped my jaw, I was floored at his electrifying touch, my legs quivering as he’d promised they would be. “Oh,” I moaned, wishing I could control myself around the dangerous man, but it was impossible.

  “I can’t wait to taste you all over, my sweet Bella. My perfect dancer.”

  “I’m not perfect.”

  “Yes, you are. In every way. And I’m going to keep you that way no matter what I need to do.” He lowered his head, crushing his mouth over mine. I was immediately swept up in the roar of passion, the burning desire that I knew couldn’t be denied.

  He shifted his other hand over my shoulder, crawling his fingers slowly down my back. As he cupped my buttocks, dragging me onto my tiptoes, I shivered from the feel of his thick cock pressing between my legs.

  As he’d promised, he wasn’t taking no for an answer, the kiss an explosion of fire and animalistic hunger. He wasn’t holding back, taking what he believed belonged to him. As he thrust his tongue inside, I was captivated by the hold he had over me. Every cell was on fire, every muscle aching.