The Mansion: Pretend You Love Me

Humiliated, she tugged the dress closed once more and took a step back. He was right. She’d come here with her bitch on. But hell, she always had her bitch on. It was all she knew. Without that, she’d be…nothing.

“I’m sorry,” she said, and for what might have been the first time in her life, she truly meant it. Sorry she’d come. Sorry she’d ruined his plans and screwed up his trip to The Mansion. Sorry she’d even considered this stupid idea.

“Tell me why you’re here, Alice. What is your fantasy?”

“I-I just wanted someone to be with tonight. I’m tired of spending Valentine’s Day alone.” Her eyes got hot and pressure built in her chest.

“There has to be more than that. There are easier ways to get a date for Valentine’s than having Mister Benedict match you up with a stranger.”

“Dates are easy. You go out and if it goes well you get an after-dinner fuck. That wasn’t the kind of night I wanted.”

“Then what do you want. Tell me what you need, what one of those easy dates couldn't give you.” He reached out and caught her hand, tugging her close to him once more.

“I needed more than an empty date. I want to be held. I need to be held.” If the tears spilled over she couldn't stop them. Oh God, she wouldn't be able to stop them. Control was all she had anymore, and he was shredding it.

“Tell me, Alice. What do you want?” She squeezed her eyes shut tight as his smooth baritone rolled over her, embracing her even as his words ripped away the only security she had. The words were low, seductive. They enticed her to tell her darkest secrets, to share her deepest needs.

“Tell me,” he said again. His warm hand cupped the back of her thigh, urging her closer to the tempting warmth of his body.

“I want you to pretend! Pretend you love me.”