Lured (Team Zero #1) by Rina Kent

“That’s low,” I mumble.

He lifts a shoulder. “If it gets me what I want…”

“I didn’t agree to stay.”

He pulls me into him by the waist. “Let me convince you then. I’m sure I can think of an argument or two.”

One hand clutching the mug, I place the other on his shoulder. I’m not sure if I want to pull him close or push him away.

Who am I kidding? I’ve been awfully curious about him even before he spoke to me. Now that my curiosity got a taste of how intense Dominic actually is, there’s no way I will pass this opportunity to study him up close and personal.

This is the adventure I came here for. I’ll just have to hope that I don’t completely lose myself in the process.

“Stay, Camille.”

“You won’t ask if I have someone in France?”

He narrows his eyes. “You do?”

“What if I do?”

“I’m not giving you back. He was idiot enough to let you go.” He pauses. “Hmm. I don’t know if I want to thank the fucker or murder him. In fact, I will thank him then fucking kill him.” His harsh eyes fall on me. “You have someone?”

I bite back a grin. “No. And if we’re doing this…” I stop before saying ‘whatever this is’ “Then you better not have anyone either.”

“So you will stay?”

“I’ll see if you keep your promises.”

His carefree grin shoots an arrow straight to my chest. That’s it. I’m sure he’s using some sort of black magic.

“Oh. I will. But you have to stop fainting on me.” He pushes a rebel strand off my forehead. “Your pulse and vitals were fine. Do you usually pass out after orgasms?”

I bite my lower lip and shake my head. “I think it’s because everything was so heightened and intense.” I never felt such sweeping pleasure in my life. I keep the last thought to myself since Dominic’s ego is already too big.

“In that case, I better start my persuasion.” He lowers his head, lips hovering over mine but he doesn’t kiss me.

The tease.

“It takes a lot to persuade me.”

“Persuasion is my skill.” He flings me over his shoulders. I yelp then break down into a fit of giggles as he carries me to the bedroom.

For a moment in time, Dominic and I were happy.





Chapter Sixteen





A week or so pass, and I’m in a haze.

Sometimes, I call Maman just so she would tell me that I indeed ran away and she might or might not forgive me when I go back.

I smile at a customer with an automatic nod and head to the storeroom. I’ve been often absent-minded at work. It’s better to take care of the stock rather than the customers.

Once I’m inside the small storage room, I retrieve the bill and recheck the delivered items.

I bite the end of the pen, but instead of seeing the shelves filled with coffee boxes, I’m transported to last night when Dominic took me against the kitchen counter. It was hard and raw and out of control. My hips are bruised and I’m deliciously sore, I’m surprised I didn’t faint again.

I guess I’m getting used to Dominic’s level of intensity and his impossible stamina. It was hard at the beginning. I was always so tired and wanted to sleep after each mind-blowing orgasm. But he’s training my body to accommodate his madness.

And it is madness.

He was a mere curiosity that morphed into an obsession and now it’s a mind-shattering adventure. I simply can’t get enough of him and the way his brain works.

Every time I fall asleep in his arms, I can’t help thinking that all this is beyond sex and the whole physical connection. There’s no mistaking that I love how he takes control of my body, but I also love how he gathers me close and buries his head at the top of my head.

It makes me feel things I shouldn’t be feeling.

Whenever I’m at work, all I do is count the hours so I can go back to the flat.

I lift a few boxes and arrange them in their respective shelves.

Although even if I return early, he won’t be there. Dominic is a serious, unbending workaholic. Not that it’s unexpected from a genius his level.

I like it when we sit for breakfast or late dinner – he’s making me fat with those – and tells me about the last inventions or updates in the medical field. He doesn’t talk about his actual research, though. It seems to be a top secret of sorts.

He also listens to me talk for hours on end about my college life. Unlike many, Dominic doesn’t listen just to appear polite. For one, he doesn’t care about politeness. It’s only a mask he puts on for the others but never in front of me. And I love his arrogance and control more than the fake politeness.

Whenever I talk about my life and my studies, he watches me intently with a hint of admiration in his dark eyes.

I told him about my parents. My North African side of the family. Our small town. Our mansion-like house that Papa built in the middle of nowhere. At times, I have the urge to drag Dominic to my home. I want him to see where I grew up.

When I mentioned Pierre in a fleeting conversation, Dominic got all pissed off and fucked me rougher than usual. He didn’t hold back one bit. It was too delicious. I think I might mention Pierre again. Not that he lights a candle to Dominic, but I can use my failure of a relationship with him to get ruthless, mind-blowing sex.