26 Hours in Paris by Demi Alex Page B

you?” Marko asked, taking the bag from her hands and pulling on the silver tie.
    â€œThe Pont Marie. He . . .”
    Marko produced a red cashmere wrap. He fit the oversized garment around her shoulders and arranged the way it flowed down her body.
    Swaddled in pure luxury, she raised the soft material against her cheek. “Thank you. I love it.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.” He rolled the edge between his fingers. “It was a self-serving gift. At least you’ll be warm while we stroll through Paris. Tell me, why Pont Marie?”
    â€œCyril, the man on the plane, said it was the first place he fell in love because an older girl kissed him beneath the bridge as legend requires.”
    â€œOkay. That one is easy,” he said, a shadow crossing his handsome features. He reached for his espresso and looked at her with a bright twinkle playing in his eyes. “We’ll have an afternoon picnic there.”
    â€œNot fair. You’ve taken over planning the whole schedule.” It was a fail of a scolding. Marko was efficient and complete in everything he did, and she had no reason for concern. Just because she was relieved didn’t mean she couldn’t protest for fun’s sake. “Please remember it’s my research, dear friend.”
    â€œKat, I haven’t seen you or spent any time with you in over five years. You no longer hold a friend card over me.” He sipped the remainder of his coffee. “You agreed to my terms. Therefore, I arrange the schedule. I keep you warm, and I make all our plans. I assure you will have the material for your article. You don’t argue.”
    â€œSounds like I’m supposed to surrender my will and do everything you want.”
    No verbal reply. He raised a dark brow and cocked his head.
    â€œYou’re serious?”
    â€œI am.” He tucked a stray lock behind her ear and caressed the side of her neck. “Let me spoil you, Kat. Allow me to make decisions and plans.”
    Her insides went soft and a molten pleasure spread through her chest. It would be such an indulgence to let go.
    â€œFor once in your life,” he continued in a soft voice, “live in the moment and don’t worry. Relax and enjoy. Trust me to take care of you and all your needs.”
    â€œI do trust you,” she said, studying his expression and wanting more than anything to simply be with him. “Okay. No more arguments from me.”
    He sealed the agreement with a coffee-flavored kiss. “Good choice,” he said. “Eat up. You need your energy for the day.” He pulled a small piece of bread off a baguette and popped it in his mouth while she finished her eggs and followed his advice. She relaxed into the moment.
    â€œWhy the grin?” Kat asked, heat sparking her insides at his expression.
    â€œI’m thinking of how the cashmere will keep you covered and warm when we visit the highlights on your list. But mostly, I’m imagining how it will feel against your bare skin when you cry my name as I make you come, at the location of my choice. ” He stretched out his hand and turned up his palm. “Give me your panties.”

Chapter Seven
    H e knew what she needed.
    He knew what she needed.
    He knew what she needed, and Marko repeated it over and over in his head.
    Holding his hand steady, he looked into her eyes and waited. Kat resumed breathing and her luscious lips softened. He could see the argument brewing in her mind with each pass of her teeth over her lower lip. She needed to be pushed.
    Once upon a time, he’d chosen the patient and understanding path. He’d listened to her concerns and had given them credence. Unfortunately, it was caution that had ruled their paths after his wrong handling of the situation. Kat’s hesitation had kept them apart when he could have settled her family’s financial situation, if only she’d allowed him to help. If he could have made