Seductive Affair (Bend To My Will #2) by Emily Jane Trent Page A

it.”
    Vivienne blew on a spoonful and tasted. “Mmm, this is luscious.” She lifted a slice of bread. “And what’s on the bread?”
    “Aioli, a creamy garlic sauce.”
    One bite led to a second bite. “Delicious,” Vivienne said.
    “And how is your Bandol?” Jacob nodded toward her wine glass.
    “The wine? I like the fruity flavor.”
    And so it went, with Vivienne feeling more and more like a princess. The villa, the cuisine, and the service were exquisite. She remained focused on Jacob, uncertain what was next. Yet she looked forward to spending the day with him. Maybe he would open up to her more.
    The relaxed meal ended with a dessert of sugar-dusted almond pastries and coffee. Afterward Jacob took her out on the terrace, and with his arm around her, they looked at the star-filled sky. But, much to her dismay, when the evening ended he didn’t take her to bed with him.
    “I think it would be better for you to sleep in your bedroom,” Jacob said. Seeing her expression, he added: “We’ll talk tomorrow, Vivienne.” Yet his blue eyes reflected the desire she felt. “I have little restraint when it comes to you, baby. I dare not take you back to the playroom tonight. And my bed is not an option.”
    Jacob escorted her to the bedroom door. “Rest well,” he said. When he touched Vivienne’s cheek, her skin tingled. Then he kissed each side of her mouth. Even that tender gesture was filled with passion. Yet he didn’t do more, just turned to go to his room.
    Vivienne watched him walk down the hall, yearning for more of what she’d had earlier. Jacob’s pants hugged his ass just right, and his broad shoulders filled out the sweater. If only she could peel those clothes off, and taste him like she had only hours before.
    But not tonight . Vivienne went into her room, the luxury a bit overwhelming. She decided not to get spoiled by it. There was no assurance that the relationship with Jacob would last. Although the mere thought that it wouldn’t made her heart fall.
    Vivienne went to the enormous bathroom to get ready for bed. It was more than one woman required, reminding her that she would have preferred sharing Jacob’s. She returned to the room and slipped under the covers.
    The bed swallowed her, and Vivienne buried her face in the soft pillow. But thoughts of Jacob consumed her, putting sleep out of reach. She was wet for him, and her nipples poked into her nightgown. He was just down the hall. If only he would come to her room. But even thinking it, she knew he wouldn’t.
    *****
    The next morning, Vivienne dressed casually for a day in the countryside of Provence. Breakfast was served on the patio overlooking the main pool. Before they left, Jacob showed her around, and Vivienne learned the villa had a tennis court, a gym, and a poolroom. It was the ultimate bachelor pad.
    Holding Jacob’s hand, she looked up at him. “I don’t need all of this, you know,” Vivienne said.
    Jacob turned and wrapped his arms around her waist. The sun glinted through the trees. “It comes with the territory,” he said, his blue eyes sparkling. “It’s my home…or one of them.” He pressed her closer. “You’ll have to get used to it.”
    Maybe Vivienne could get used to that. But she wasn’t sure about getting used to Jacob. Being with him stirred excitement, and he continued to throw her off with what he did, what he said. “It’s you I’m trying to get used to,” she said.
    Jacob had no comeback for that. He released her, then took her hand. “Would you like to see the city?”
    “Absolutely.”
    Not surprisingly, Jacob owned more than one car. He chose to drive the bright red Ferrari. “I gave Philip the day off. It will be just the two of us,” he said, then opened the door for her. “This car is a thrill on the country roads.”
    “It must be.” Vivienne snuggled into the leather seat, and admired the well-appointed interior.
    Jacob slid into the driver’s seat and revved the engine.