Page 2 of The Billionaire's Catch

Three gasps – two from the men and one from her – sounded as a dangerous voice rumbled from up above. They all stared at the man standing like an avenging warrior, his muscular arms folded across his expansive chest, his expression thunderous. He exuded power, fury and danger.

The greasy man beside her gulped. “Mr. Sterling. She’s um…”

“Yours?” the other finished.

Jason nodded, then slowly leaned forward, his large biceps flexing as he gripped the edge of the seat. “That’s right,” he said softly. “And as you must know, I don’t like when someone tries to steal a base… or something else of mine.”

She could all but smell the fear of the men as they scrambled up from the table. “We’re sorry, Mr. Sterling. We didn’t know.”

“We didn’t mean anything!”

“Really?” Jason drawled. He didn’t make a move toward them, yet controlled power charged the air. He could contain the large men in a moment should he choose. “I’m sure your father will be dissatisfied to hear you’re getting hammered and cornering unwilling women.”

“But Mr.–”

“I suggest you leave now.” Jason clenched his fists, the only sign he wasn’t as in control as he portrayed.

The two men nodded profusely. With gasped apologies, they stumbled to the exit, where a team of security guards stood ready to escort them out.

Dara breathed out in relief. Then she looked up. Relief died.

The world stopped. She’d seen most of his games because even she couldn’t escape the family passion for baseball, and of course she could scarcely peruse social media without seeing his billion-dollar smile, yet nothing could prepare her for the sight of him up close and personal.

He was the most gorgeous man this side of the universe.

Not simply “He belongs in a magazine” gorgeous, not just “Greek God” gorgeous, but “This should really be illegal” gorgeous. He stood well over six feet, with massive muscles attesting to his power, his strength. Thick blond hair, a chiseled jaw and eyes as blue as the twilight sky gave the presence of a man who commanded his world. “Come here,” a deep voice intoned.

He was all power and confidence, and she fortified herself with her strength. She was just as powerful as he. She rose and came face to face with… his chest. Up close, he was so large, she almost had to look straight up. Heat swirled, electric-like energy sizzling all around, as his power focused solely on her. The rest of the crowd faded into the background, replaced by the deep scent of pine and sandalwood.

“I’m Jason Sterling,” he said as if he wasn’t known by millions. He leaned closer. “Are you all right?”

She told herself to move, her limbs to shift, but they didn’t listen, so she just stared. And for some reason, so did he. It was strange – he must be accustomed to women fawning all over him – and yet he seemed as disconcerted as she, his expression intense, searching. Emotion swirled, but no familiarity. Had he merely come to the rescue of a woman in danger, or had her cover been blown?

Did he recognize her?

It seemed impossible that he had, unless her uncle had shown him a picture. Perhaps he recognized her the second he walked in and was waiting to see how far she would take this.

“Did you travel here alone?” He spoke lowly, softly. Dara stared up at him in shock. He sounded protective, possessive. “Even if the building has security, we’re in the worst of downtown. Those guys might have been thugs, but the public arena afforded some protection. In the streets, no one will help you.”

Dara didn’t move, unsure of what to say and loathe to speak. She hadn’t planned on interacting with him, only observing to see if the newspapers had been fair in their condemnation. She should reveal her identity or leave, yet she did neither.

“If you were mine, you’d never be in a place like this alone.”

Anger vanquished caution like a tidal wave drowning a lit match. How dare he dictate her life when he’d destroyed one? “You mean I might run into a guy like you?”

His eyes darkened to sapphire shards. “Are you comparing me to those men?”

It wasn’t a fair comparison, as his jaw tightened like a woodshop vise. Jason Sterling may have a reputation, but he’d never been accused of anything inappropriate by a woman. In contrast, women fought for his attention, from fanatically fainting fans to A-list movie stars and everything in between. She couldn’t let herself get flustered. If he didn’t know her identity now, he soon would. She needed to stay calm, collected and professional.

This could even be an opportunity. She could play the part of adoring fan and observe how he treated her. Then she’d have firsthand experience to use Monday, when she would be introduced as the person tasked with reforming the team’s image. How would he take it when he discovered the person charged with changing his partying ways had been observing him? Likely he’d be furious.

Like with everything else, he’d try to take control.

“Appearances do not always reveal the truth.”

She looked up sharply at the unexpected comment. No one needed to assume anything about him – his actions and their consequences were there for all the world to see. “Everyone says you’re dangerous.”

“Do they?” His deep murmur sent shivers through her. “And what do you think?”

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