Capture Her Heart Read online

  “Speak of the Devil,” Blake quipped.

  “Blake, you have found my jewel; trust you to find her,” Gerald greeted Blake with familiarity.

  “Your Jewel?” Blake stared at Emily, censure in his gaze.

  “Yes, this clever young thing is simply quite brilliant. I had a devil of a time getting her to agree to come here tonight,” Gerald inferred, unaware of the tension in his friend's body.

  “I almost didn't recognize you, Em. You scrub up really well; less scruffy potter more artist sculptor. Doesn't she look sensational, Blake.” Gerald carried on without waiting for an answer.

  “Yes, sensational is the word,” Blake drolly commented to Emily.

  “If this party was not supporting the Glen Point Trust, I don't think she would have come. Have you seen her latest piece, Blake?”

  “No, I haven't yet, Gerald.” Blake enjoyed. The pink spreading across Emily's cheeks.

  “Emily can show you, mate.” Gerald patted Blake on the shoulder while letting go of Emily and leaving as quickly as he had shown up, cutting a dashing figure through the crowd.

  “So, Emily Wilde, I take it.” Blake made a small bow towards her, a short laugh escaping him. The surprise on her face tickled him.

  “You can't be interested in art in New Zealand and not know about Emily Wilde; plus, it wasn't' hard to figure out after Gerald referred to you as a potter and sculptor. Not to mention, Gerald raved after he managed to get those last pieces of yours Queenscape for the Hotel.”

  “Well, would you like to view them?” Emily gestured with her wineglass. “Now that you discovered all my secrets.” Vast thrills ran up and down her spine.

  “I would like that very much.“ Blake took her arm as he saw the color leave her face.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “No, no,” Emily hunched down a little as she looked over his shoulder, her attention held by the person entering the room.

  “That someone you had been looking for earlier,” Blake glanced in the same direction.

  “No,” Emily blurted out more forcefully than she had intended drawing in a breath.

  “Someone you were not expecting to see tonight,” he asked shrewdly.

  Someone she never expected to see again!. With growing outrage, she stared as Paul entered the room as if he didn't have a care in the world. He had only received an invitation because he was supposed to be her partner; he had been so excited to attend. It had been a bone of contention between them that she didn't trade on her family status.

  Blake watched fascinated at the emotions as they chased across her face. When she eyed up the male who had just entered the party, his eyes flicked down her as she looked up at him.

  “Does he mean anything to you?”

  Emily peered up at the man in front of her, the comparison between the two men was like night and day compared to Blake; Paul came up rather short, not just in height but in every department. She raised her glass for a sip, dismayed to find her hand tremble a little.

  “No, just an ex-friend,” Emily said, a hard twist to her mouth. She realized that he was a noxious little opportunist. She was just glad that he was so self-centered that he didn't realize how successful her pottery was.

  Your little pottery gig is finally paying off, sweetie…

  Thinking back to how excited Paul had been to get the invitation to this party, happy as it gave him a chance to press the flesh with the movers and shakers of New Zealand. He didn't have an artistic bone even if it bit him on the butt, she thought, giggling to herself, the sense of freedom bubbling through her veins.

  “Well then, sexy lady. Lead the way.“ Blake turned her towards the exhibits, away from Paul.

  It took a couple of seconds for Emily to realize that Blake wanted her to show him the art on display and had dismissed Paul as of no conscience to what he wanted.

  Emily led him over to the side of the ballroom that been set up much like a gallery spacea maze of temporary walls created an interesting walkway past the various pieces that were lite to enhance each piece of artwork on display, creating quite an intimate warm setting for guest to enjoy. A number of pieces from her latest series, entitled “Queenscape,” were dotted around, along with a number of new and established artists that made up the hotel's impressive collection.

  Gerald, the owner of the new hotel, was one of New Zealand's 'art patrons,' as Emily liked to think of him. He'd launched many a new artist’s career. His own personal collection was vast. He was also a prolific fundraiser and had the ability to get the wealthy and famous to give him their time or part with their money, or both. Overall, Gerald was a fun person to be around. Emily had known him for years, and hence she let him talk her into attending the event that night. Gerald knew her soft spot and wrenched her arm behind her back. The proceeds from tonight, would go to the Glen Point Trust for artists, of which she was a trustee, so how could she refuse him?

  Emily stopped in front of the piece she'd personally called “Stolen,” and sneaked a sideways glance at him.

  “An extremely beautiful piece,” he remarked, his deep drawl strumming her nerves as his gaze slid over her face to rest for a pulsating moment on her mouth.

  Emily's heart jumped. He was as subtle as a sledgehammer, and his small touches while they looked at the artwork created a blatant response from every cell in her body. a warm fizz now vibrated through her,

  After swallowing, she said, “I had fun with the glaze. It is quite difficult to mix the balance just right.” “Stolen” was of one her best pieces to date, after having spent hours slaving over the shape and color to reflect the Lake and local area.

  “Hmm, wild, sexy, yet resistant,” he commented, his mouth curling slightly as he gazed at her in the eye.

  Emily was sure that he was referring to more than just the artwork; he had created a world for only the two of them as they weaved around the various pieces.

  “So, where did you learn to pot?” he turned directly to her, tucking her arm more firmly through his.

  “My uncle is an artist, and he taught me the basics.” Emily bit her lip as she viewed Blake taking in her work.

  “So, he's a potter as well.”

  “No, he's more into painting,” Emily fudged.

  “He must be proud of you”

  “He is, he's my biggest fan.” Emily gave him an epic smile as she thought about her uncle, the world-famous landscape artist who had raised her, unaware of the reaction she created in her companion with her expression.

  “What do you say we split this joint and find us some supper?” Blake proposed, his fingers creasing the top of her arm.

  “The venue I have in mind is not too far away,” his deep voice promising more than food.

  Emily felt her body go into overdrive at what Blake was proposing. She had kept this wild man's interest for quite a while. Could she go through with it? A wild flurry of imaginings flickered through her head. But what about her promise to stay that she had made to Gerald? Emily checked her watch; she had been in the ballroom for over two hours, just long enough to satisfy him. She hadn’t said she would stay all night. She tried to push the guilty pang aside as she reached for what she wanted for once.

  Plastering a smile on her face, she looked him in the eye. “Actually, that sounds rather nice, let's go.”

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Paul. He had apparently seen them. He was making a direct beeline towards them.

  “Let's go right now,” she said in a rushed breath while turning towards the exit. She tried to hustle Blake along with her, her thoughts taken up with the horrifying scenarios flashing across her brain if Paul caught up to her. Did he think approaching her in public would mean that she would listen to what he had to say? He was fully aware that she disliked being the center of attention was he counting on that? She hustled Blake along across the room, their progress slowed by all the people who sought to talk to Blake; people who had left them alone earlier as if brought forth to challenge her.
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  “If you wait here, I'll collect your coat,“ Blake said.

  “On but...” Emily fell quiet as she watched Blake's back retreat from her.

  “Emily, Emily, I know you saw me. I can't believe you’re here!” Paul planted himself in front of her.

  She turned around and felt the anger she had arrived with running to the fore again at the gaul of the man.

  “I was invited, remember? Why are you here?” She put her hands on her hips, a fake smile on her lips.

  “Well, we accepted the invitation. I thought one of us should attend, and as I thought you were not coming…” he shrugged his shoulders.

  She stared down at him, the anger at his actions draining away. All she found as she contemplated him was the once lovable man with blond hair. His soft brown eyes that had made her melt as only half a man with brash charm and an illusion of affection and genuine passion for her.

  “Well, as it happens, I did attend. Now, if you excuse me, I have better things to do,” Emily said with heavy sarcasm.

  “Come on, Emily. We need to talk. You didn't give me time to explain this morning. I never meant to hurt you. She didn't mean anything,” he tried to weasel his way to what he wanted.

  “Then you shouldn't have slept with her. Oh, my mistake. There didn't appear to have been any sleeping going on in the bed.” Emily blazed back all her hacks up.

  “We all make mistakes...”

  Emily cut in before he could finish.”Yes, and you’re mine,” she ended on a triumph note while spinning away from Paul and colliding with a sizable muscular chest as she did so.

  “Oomph,” Emily could smell the scent of musk and aftershave, and she found she just wanted to burrow into his chest as his warm arms closed around her, pulling her closer to him.

  “Ready to go, Em.” The deep voice vibrated through her body

  “Yes,” Emily looked up him with shining eyes, the instant attraction to this man fizzing in her blood as the anger drained away again.

  Behind her, she heard Paul start to speak. “Mr. Adams, we haven't met, but, of course, I know who you are, I'm Paul Smith. I work for Hood Real Estate.

  To Emily's surprise, Blake ignored the outstretched hand, settling the coat she had come with across his arm while tucking her under his other arm.

  “Shall we?” His smooth voice sent shivers across her arms. “You understand, don't you old chap, with someone as exceptional as Em, I'm keen to keep her all to myself.”

  Emily turned at the gentle prodding from Blake tossing out over her shoulder as she went.

  “Some other time, Paul. As I said, I've got bigger and better things to get on with.” As a parting line, it was not much, but she made sure to stare down at Paul's groin as she left a wicked feminine laugh falling from her lips.

  “I'm sorry about that.” Emily apologized without thought as they waited for the lift.

  “Hmm… his loss his my gain, Em, and for the record, I don't sharestrictly a one-woman man.”

  “One woman at a time then, before the next,“ Emily pointed out, aware her jealous side showed in her tone.

  “Yes, I make no apologies for my past, Em. I'm a normal man with normal appetites, but when I'm in a relationship, I'm focused on that woman only.”

  Her stomach flip-flopped at his dominant tone. Conscious of him looking at her, unable to read his expression. Had she blown it already?

  “Taking of appetites, how would you like to skip to dessert at my apartment? We can relax there?

  Emily’s breathing quickened from his question. Feeling a little sexy, she knew that if she agreed, she would be accepting his proposal. The way he stared at her made her wounded pride bounce back. Her pulse raced blatant sexual speculation was in his eyes.

  “I think that sounds wonderful,” Em said as the ping of the lift arriving, and the doors opening intruded.

  3

  Blake’s apartment was only a few doors down from the hotel, right on the waterfront of the lake. The sophisticated exterior of the residence was only backed up by the impressive foyer they were standing in as Blake opened the door to the penthouse, only the best for him. A little of the tension raised higher as she put her beaded bag down on the narrow entrance hall table. Blake placed her coat on a hook across from the table. She moved on down the hall, Blake following behind her, as she walked into the breathtaking open lounge area. In front of her was an impressive view of the lake, the floor-to-ceiling glass letting in the setting sun. To her left was an open-plan kitchen with a dining table, and to her right, a sunk-in lounge with an enormous TV screen mounted to the wall above a schist stone fireplace. The dining room table was covered with papers and an ultra-slim top of the line laptop computer open on the tabletop. The apartment was top of the line, as if it had come out of a Homes and Garden magazine spread. It was a little warmer and inviting than she would have thought. Blake's styleno black and chrome bachelor pad here. It was a pleasant surprise.

  “Allow me.” Blake cupped her arm and led her over to sink into the sofa. He bent his head, his silky hair brushing her cheek as he rested his mouth against the smooth dip of her shoulder.

  “What can I get you to drink?” Blake posed the question. His breath fanning over her skin.

  Emily's hands clenched at her side at the gentle rake of his teeth. An unexpected pang of heat speared through her body.

  It's now or never, Em. You know what you want.

  She gave up all pretense of a protest and raised her face towards Blake’s, drawing him towards her. She sank into the kiss; its passion addictive, the sensation causing her to groan in delight. Emily wrapped her arms around Blake’s neck. The sofa sank as he sat beside her. The sweep of his hand down her back drew a gasp as he drew her closer to him, the heat of his body warming her.

  She whimpered as Blake deepened the kiss. His hands ran down her back. Her heart raced and her arousal burned through her like wildfire.

  “I knew you would burn me up. You look and feel so hot, Em.” Blake's voice reverberated throughout her body, he started kissing her. Her heat raced and her nipples hardened, making her pussy wet.

  He stared down at her breastslush mounds that were trying to overflow the edge of her gown. His nostrils flared at the sight and scent of her curves. His hand moved towards the zip that held the dress together. He moved the zip down, almost as if he was opening a present, his eyes blazing heat at her.

  He peeled the dress down over her curves, pushing it down to her waist to reveal the strapless long line black lace bra she wore, an indulgence of hers lingerie in all its types. His nostrils flared as he took in the sight of her on the couch wearing the sexy number.

  “Hmm, I can't wait to have my mouth on these and suck themsuck them until you come, sugar.” Blake’s voice had gone down a further octave, the commanding tone sending her pulse rocking with anticipation as he stared at her breasts with intense concentration.

  He ran his fingers gently across the tops of the mounds, drawing a circle around her breast over her bra while his other hand moved to her back. Before she knew it, he had her bra off in one practiced move. Her breast lightly setting high on her chest, her engorged nipples jutted towards him. He rubbed at them with his thumbs until they grew even tighter, her thoughts turning to how his mouth would feel on them, his jaw scraping across his slight beard would feel like sandpaper, the pleasure and pain-causing her to shiver in anticipation.

  Emily found herself holding her breath as his mouth finally descended towards her nipples. Her hand sank into his soft hair, trying to pull him closer. His tongue flicked over her nipples before biting down, a bite of pain-causing her pleasure to spike higher as he sucked with greedy hunger. As he moved between her breasts, his hollow cheeks were visibly flushed.

  “F**k,” she exclaimed as the pleasure overwhelmed her. She was free-falling; she wanted to give him as much pleasure as he was giving her. This was moving so fast.

  Tiny muscles deep in her stomach clenched and yearned as she viewed him.
The fire licking at her breasts raced down to the juncture of her thighs. No man had ever touched her like this… ever!. She groaned aloud; she needed something to hold onto as her knees went weak. Emily looked into his eyes, the hungry desire blazing in his eyes. He was sure that hers were a mirror reflection of his. Their lips met, hard and demanding. He took his time exploring her mouth. She felt the flames lick higher still, the heat from his body sinking through what little clothes she had on.

  Emily touched his shoulder, the muscles of his body evident that they were tense to her touch, the tiger crouching, ready to spring. His body excluded a musky male scent that drugged her senses, and she dimly realized she was out of control.

  “Shall we take this to somewhere more comfortable?” he asked, breathing heavily

  “What?” Emily tried to shake the fog out of her brain.

  “Sorry, sugar. That’s my clumsy way of checking if you’re good, but we might be more comfortable in the bedroom. I don't think this sofa allows for a lot of freedom. I'm a big man,” he said, visibly flushed.

  “Oh, Yes. Bedroom, definitely. Lead the way.” His words sunk in. She realized this was actually going to happen. Little Emily Wilde had captured the wicked, and dangerous Blake Adams, and he wanted her, if only for a night. A thrill shot down her spine.

  Emily gasped as he picked her up effortlessly. He spread her legs around his hips, her dress rising on her thighs. She found herself whimpering as he strode towards the bedroom door, his hands firm on her rear. God. His possessiveness was intoxicating as he stopped to suck at the junction of her neck. The suit hid the man beneath, she thought. Emily gasped for air. Groaning, she pushed down onto his lap. The touch of his lips on the magic spot sent the heat tingling to her core. I don't think I can make it to the bedroom, she thought.

  The cum leaking into her panties made her pussy slick. His penis pushed against her. Thick, hard, and massive, his size caused her to gulp.