Page 31 of Brutal Sin

He nodded, as if pondering his immense self-worth. “Finding a willing woman wouldn’t be too hard. I’m more concerned with finding the right one. That’s why I’mhere.”

She laughed. He had to be joking. There was no way in hell a man could have balls big enough to ask that of her after the way he’d treated her. “You want me to be your assistant?”

“Yes.” The answer came strong and sure. No doubt. No guilt.

Another laugh escaped. “Are you kidding?”

The tight set of his jaw implied he wasn’t.

“Is this some sort of game? You thought I was interested in you, so you shot me down in flames, and now that you realize I have no intention in joining your drama-llama lifestyle you decide you want my help?” She pushed back in her chair, ready and oh, so willing tobail.

“I came here because you’re the perfect fit for this demonstration—”

“Out of all the women at the Vault, I’m the perfectfit?”

“There’s no one else.” His nostrils flared and he stilled, taking precious moments before he said, “What happened last night has ensured nobody else will help me. Not without the public apology I refuse togive.”

“Oh.” She batted her lashes, the picture of sweet innocence. “I get it now. You need me,” she enunciated the words, letting them dance over her tongue. “Isn’t this a delicious curveball?”

“I don’t need you, Ella. I can cancel the class. It’s no skin off my nose. But working together would benefit usboth.”

“No.” She pushed back in her chair, preparing to stand. “It wouldn’t benefit me atall.”

“Are you sure about that?” His tone dropped, having a torturous effect on her belly. “You came to the Vault in search of something. And you know I can give it toyou.”

“You could,” she corrected. “Back when you hadn’t grated every one of my nerves. For me, mental stimulation is ten times more effective than physical. There’s no way you could get me to cross the line now I have a clearer picture of who youare.”

“Don’t assume to know me.” He held her captive with his fierce stare. “We’ve spent little more than an hour together.”

An hour that packed the punch of a three-year obsession.

“Look…” She sighed. “Maybe if last night hadn’t happened, I’d consider it. But I didn’t exaggerate what I told you in the parkinglot.”

She wasn’t interested. She couldn’tbe.

He raised a brow. “Not even about the livestock?”

She snorted over his unexpected humor. “Okay, so maybe I exaggerated about the livestock. But that’s all. You’re not my type and I’m definitely not looking for complications.” She’d had enough to last a lifetime. “Enjoy your coffee. I need to get back towork.”

She pushed from her seat and stepped away, only to be stopped by a large hand clasping her wrist, the fingers delicate in theirhold.

He glanced up at her. “I don’t need to be your type to get youoff.”

He was right. So damn right her uterus squeezed, begging her to concede. Every part of her reacted to him in an unforgiving way. Her skin buzzed. Her heart fluttered. The nerves he’d grated to stubs were waving wildly with energetic excitement.

“Yeah, you do.” She knew her sexual limits, even if her body wasn’t predictable at the moment.

“So, your rapid pulse is from what?” He tilted his head. “And the goose bumps?” He trailed his thumb along the inside of her wrist. Teasing. Tormenting. “You may not like me. But you’re still attracted tome.”

He released his hold and stood. All male. All muscle. “What happened the night in the locker room is a drip in the ocean to what I have planned for the class.”

Adrip?

She kept her chin high, even though her breasts ached. All she could do was shake her head, no longer able to voice a rejection.

“I’ve proven you wrong once before. Give me the chance to do it again.”

“While under the scrutiny of a crowd at the club? No, thanks.” She walked for the café doors, even though her libido remained begging at his feet. Her interest was temporary. A sleep-deprived delusion. There was no doubt he’d be unsuccessful a second time around.

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