Page 27 of Seducer

Zach continued to advance while I debated making a grand escape. What good would that do me at this point? I had a feeling from the way Zach was allowing his gaze to fall ever so slowly that he’d follow me. Was it possible I wanted him to?

I swallowed hard when he was only a couple of feet away, darting yet another glance toward where Jerry was clawing his way up the brick wall.

My savior casually glanced over his shoulder, chuckling in a way that indicated he had no qualms about beating the man to a bloody pulp if necessary. How strange I felt thrilled from the thought.

“Are you alright, Wild Kitty?” He didn’t use the name as if it was a pseudonym, but more as a moniker reflecting my personality.

“I’m fine. He’s just…”

“An asshole?” Every move he made was methodical, his slow and deliberate steps echoing on the pavement.

I laughed, but the sound remained nervous. Jerry grumbled something while pushing himself away from the wall. I sensed Zach was still studying me carefully. My guess was he was uncertain why I’d been so popular. “Just misguided. Thank you for stepping in. Again.” What kind of warning was the jerk planning on issuing? My nerves remained on edge.

“My pleasure.” He threw another look at Jerry and frowned. “Did he say something to you?”

“Just crazy shit about me being a bitch.” I wasn’t going to tell a perfect stranger the jerk had acted like he was threatening me.

Zach didn’t crowd my space any more than he already had, which I was grateful for, considering the electricity was worsethan it had been before. I didn’t know why I was thinking about it in negative terms, except no good came out of being so terribly attracted to someone who was untouchable.

Perhaps he sensed my discord, the moment more awkward than I was used to. He took a step back, shoving his hands into the pockets of his tuxedo trousers. He’d removed his mask and bowtie, unbuttoning his dazzling white shirt and exposing a hint of the tattoos covering a portion of his broad chest. I couldn’t help but glance at it, drawn by what I could see of the intricate design.

Just then as if on some twisted cue, my stomach rumbled loudly. Tonight, I was starving, eager to eat pointless but delicious carbs while consuming my wine.

He immediately heard the sound, grinning instead of smirking as he usually did in the office. The action highlighted his dimples, creating an even more youthful appearance. He seemed somewhere near forty, a hint of gray at his temples the only giveaway he’d lived a full life.

He was beautiful in every other regard, his facial features perfectly chiseled and utterly aristocratic with a high forehead and carved cheekbones. His hair was thick, the kind of long strands women fantasized about running their fingers through during a heated moment of passion.

Okay, myself included.

He stared at my stomach as if an alien creature would soon break free from the tight confines. I covered my abdomen protectively, laughing before issuing a single snort, a signature sound when I felt free enough to do so. Why I did around him was beyond me. Most men hated the noise.

His nose wrinkled and his demeanor changed, his body tensing. I could swear it was as if his entire being was filling with lust.

I was caught off guard, my nipples instantly aching.

“You need to eat. Go home,” he said in a commanding tone, one that drew me in like a sweet, velveteen lure. “I’ll make certain you get home safely.”

“It’s been a long night, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine. It’s not too far from here.”

“Yes, a long night, but still longer for some. What will you have to eat when you get home?”

The question might seem strange, but I had a feeling he was trying to make me feel less nervous.

“If I could, I’d get a sloppy cheeseburger with a sack full of French fries and a delicious malted milkshake on the side. But that would be sinful.”

His eyes were suddenly hooded, his breathing more ragged than before. “There is nothing wrong with indulging in sin during portions of your life. It makes everything worthwhile.”

Whew, if the way he issued the words didn’t send a heated series of sensations crisscrossing the length of my body.

“Everything in moderation as my mother would tell me.”

“At times, but letting go when it’s least expected can be joyful.” It was as if he knew that from experience. “Why if you could?”

I laughed nervously again, now feeling embarrassed. “That would be considered a luxury and I’m on a budget.”

“I see.”

I bet he didn’t, not with as much money as he made.

---