Page 26 of Worth the Risk

CHAPTER FOUR

Leonie

TIMESTRETCHEDON a taut elastic string, steeping each moment in vivid colour. The hot brush of his firm, smooth lips as I tasted him. The sharp explosions of our breaths mingling when I flicked my tongue over the seam of his lower lip. The springy luxury of his hair between my fingers as I clutched him closer, opened my mouth and boldly attempted to devour him.

The faint aroma of whisky on his breath as he leaned into my touch, imprinted his lower body deeper, harder into mine.

My hips undulated independently of my brain’s direction, the bold thrust of his cock firing lustful craving throughout my body.

I wanted this man.

Desperately.

As if he’d heard that unguarded confession, a rough sound rumbled through his chest.

I drew back, a proud, desperate need to know I wasn’t alone in this scything through me. ‘You want me.’

Stormy eyes met mine. ‘After this morning in the bathroom, you need further proof?’ he growled.

I shrugged. ‘Maybe.’

His eyes grew watchful, a little wary. My gaze dropped to the drink he still clutched. My fingers wrapped around his wrist, felt the powerful flex of muscle as I nudged it upward. Eyes reconnecting with his, I pressed my lower lip against the glass and tilted it.

Gideon’s breath expelled in a heated puff. ‘Leonora...’

Despite the fever in his eyes, there was a reticence in his voice that rubbed me the wrong way. Just like this morning, something drove me to test his control, gain the upper hand before he snatched it from me.

With a step back, I perched my bottom on the edge of the blackjack table, and braced my hands behind me.

Gratifyingly, his gaze dragged down my body, lingering on my breasts, my hips, to stare brazenly at my legs as I slowly crossed them.

‘Let’s finish this meeting, shall we? What else do I need to know about your client?’

He visibly gathered himself, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed again. Draining his glass, he discarded it, then stepped closer. Our bodies didn’t touch but his heat drew me like a seductive fire, inviting me to lose myself in his warmth.

Or burn in his dangerous flames.

‘He’s been dragging his feet on this deal for weeks. I’ve just about reached the end of my rope with him.’

I uncrossed and recrossed my legs. ‘So this is a last-chance schmooze to get him to sign on the dotted line?’

Gideon hauled his gaze up my body. ‘Something like that. Although I can’t promise I won’t throw him overboard if he refuses to play ball.’

‘I have insurance for that sort of thing but I wouldn’t recommend it.’

A strained smile lifted one corner of his sexy mouth. ‘What would you recommend for an intransigent Russian?’

‘You’re already doing it. You’re bringing him on board my boat.’

One eyebrow lifted. ‘You’re claiming magical powers,’ he stated drolly.

‘You doubt me?’

He sucked in a slow breath. ‘Right this minute, I’d doubt nothing you told me,’ he replied, his voice slurring sexily.

The evidence of his fractured control made me wetter. I knew I didn’t want to leave this room without at least tasting him again.

Slowly, I let my thighs fall apart. ‘Come here, Gideon.’

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