Possessed

Sensing my discomfiture, he drew a chair and sat down, facing me with his pale blue eyes. “You know that you have a lovely body, don’t you?’ he said pleasantly, as easily as if he was discussing the weather.

I shrank. The words made me want to bolt from the room.

Smiling, he reached forward and held my wrist,” Don’t worry, “ he said drily.” I value my friendship with Gaston and he would kill me if I did anything more than admire you.”

I bowed my head, blushing, my hair slipping down to cover my face.

For the life of me, I couldn’t think of any witty repartee.

He continued to hold my wrist, stroking as he said, pensively, ”He’s rough, isn’t he?”

I raised my head, embarrassed and shocked. ”That’s none of your business.” I said hotly and tried to extricate my wrist.

Schwartz roared with laughter, still holding my hand and then said in a mollifying manner, ‘I didn’t mean in bed, I meant that the man’s a law unto himself!’

As I flushed , he went on teasingly,” I promise not to offend you. But you have to dance with me, it’s my party and I can’t see the most desirable woman in the room looking bored.”