Madness Read Online Free PDF Page A

thinking about that kiss.
     
     
    * * * *
     

    Cameron watched Olivia walk through the front door of the hotel, admiring her graceful stride and erect carriage. She was truly striking, and he longed to find out what she had been up to over the past twelve years. His pulse kicked up and his cock filled as his gaze slid over her breasts and down the length of her body to her rounded thighs, flexing beneath the linen dress she wore. He swore he could still taste her on his mouth. She went to the desk, probably to check for messages and he positioned himself so that she would have to stop and deal with him, rather than head either for the elevator or the lounge and restaurant. Olivia turned from conversing with the receptionist, a polite smile still on her face, when she saw him. He regretted how her face paled, but then saw her flush and her head come up. This woman had spirit, and he never wanted to break that. He knew he had high expectations, but was quite aware that if he didn’t take this opportunity with Olivia, there might well never be another. Seduction aside, he absolutely wanted to initiate Olivia into his lifestyle, explore her needs as it were. Her well-bred demeanor would preclude her making a scene in the lobby, and she might be persuaded to have a drink with him. That could lead to dinner, and afterward, well, he could hope.
    Olivia fairly spat at him, “What are you doing here?”
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    “I want to take you to dinner, Olivia,” Cameron answered calmly and quietly.
    “No.”
    “Are you afraid, honey?” he asked, knowing she would react to the endearment he often used in their former life. He was then totally taken aback by her honesty.
    “I am, and equally uncomfortable,” she answered.
    “Honey,” he assured her, “I’m a bit unsettled, too, but I can’t push this away. Dinner, Olivia. We can talk and maybe lay some things to rest.”
    “I can’t, Cameron,” she nearly whispered. “Please don’t do this to me.”
    “Olivia.” He used his Dom’s voice in an attempt to mesmerize her. “Look at me.”
    He watched Olivia visibly draw the tattered remains of her composure around herself before she looked into his eyes. Whatever she saw there seemed to further frighten her yet call to her, too, for she didn’t try to move away. He was finding it easier to read her and he exulted.
    “Dinner then. I’ll meet you in the restaurant.” He heard her say the words, and then she pushed past him to get to the elevator, careless of the impropriety.
    “Half an hour, Olivia, or I’ll come to escort you.”
    * * * *
     

    Olivia was almost undone by how forthright Cameron was. She wanted to talk to him about that night she had seen him with Jennifer, to learn more of what lurked so deep within him, and, if she was honest with herself, within her. But it terrified her. She didn’t want to unlock something denied for over twelve years in case she couldn’t manage it, couldn’t cope. Damn the man, damn his high-handedness.
    How dare he! She found that the fuming centered her and she was 30
     
    able to make it to her room without crying in reaction. She needed more time than he “allowed” to get ready, to prepare herself. He could darn well wait. All the same she found herself rushing through her shower and hurrying to find a suitable outfit for dinner. She chose a severe, fitted suit in taupe, softened only by the cream silk camisole showing at the lapels. Something that would keep him at a distance, speak about her professional self. She used makeup sparingly and added simple gold jewelry and eschewed scent all together. The thick band of her wedding ring and its accompanying large diamond engagement ring seemed to reproach her silently. She drew her hair up again and fastened it around her head in a severe style. There, no mixed messages. Olivia checked the clock and saw she had but a few minutes to spare. She sat on the bed and calmed herself, breathing and focusing her thoughts, trying to