Lion of Midnight by Aliyah Burke

whole house is absolutely beautiful. I know I’ve said it before, but I truly mean it.” She turned around and faced him head on. “This is spectacular.”
    With barely contained power, he pushed away from where he rested and prowled toward her. His gaze burned a hole into her as he came closer and closer.
    “I’m glad you like it here. You look good in this room.”
    “Where’s your room?” she asked and, then, clamped her mouth shut as the realization of what she just said hit her.
    He stopped before her, reaching out to stroke one finger down the side of her face. “Just say the word, and I’ll take you right there. Just to forewarn you, once you go there, you’re staying.”
    Resting her lashes against her cheek briefly, Cleo brought them up to gaze back at the man before her. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she murmured. His gaze reminded her of warm, smooth chocolate. Something she’d like to bathe in, submerge herself in, and never surface. His eyes had a way of changing from dangerous to inviting. Right now, they invited, and she seriously considered accepting.
    “Good.” He took his touch away, and she felt the loss. Nikolas straightened and offered her his arm.
    Steeling herself mentally, Cleo rested her hand upon the muscular forearm of the man escorting her. The material beneath her hand was soft to the touch, despite the denim look. There was nothing more she longed to do than forget about dinner and explore the feelings Nikolas evoked within her.
    As they reached the landing, he pointed with his free hand down the other hallway. “My room is down there.” He winked. “You know, in case you wanted to take a peek.”
    She shuddered at the pure sexual offer in his tone. Her steps faltered as she fought back the foolish side of her who damn near accepted his offer. Imagine what a night with him would be like. Jesus, Cleo, take him up on it.
    “Who knows,” she said teasingly, despite the internal turmoil she experienced. “Maybe after dinner.”
    His head dropped so his warm breath fanned along her ear. “I promise it will be a night you’d never forget.”
    Her eyes fluttered, and she swallowed hard before licking her lips. “Such a shame you aren’t confident.”
    Nikolas chuckled. “I know. Something I need to work on.”
    Cleo laughed with him, this time. Her ex-husband had been extremely arrogant, and she’d hated it about him. Always thought it a bad trait. But, on this man, it was totally different. He wasn’t just overly confident; he dripped with alpha male personality. And, honestly, it was such a turn-on.
    In companionable silence, they walked down the stairs. Cleo used the time to absorb more of the treasures the house offered. The temperature was lovely, even without her coat on, so she was very comfortable. Please, it could be freezing in here, and I’d be warm. Courtesy of the man beside me.
    Once on the first floor, they headed into another room. Like the previous rooms in the house, Cleo eagerly took in the look. It was smaller but very warm and inviting. There was a fire in the fireplace along one wall. A rectangular table with four matching Queen Anne side chairs sat positioned in the middle. Long ivory tapers in hurricane holders graced the dark cherry table.
    Silver covered plates sat before each end chair. Crystal water goblets shone in the flickering light from both candles and fire. Standing near one chair, Cleo recognized the man Nikolas had called Vassi.
    “Good evening, miss,” he said in a low accented voice.
    Removing her hand from Nikolas’ arm, she smiled. “Good evening. Thank you so much for this. Everything smells wonderful.”
    Vassi blushed. “Thank you, miss.”
    Nikolas held a chair and said, “Thank you, Vassi. That will be all. Have a great night.”
    “Very good, sir.” The man vanished in silence.
    “Your seat,” Nikolas said, staring at her, the flames giving his eyes a mottled look.
    Inhaling sharply, she moved toward him and allowed