Page 21 of Seeking Vengeance

I don’t respond, partly because I don’t answer to him, but mostly because I’m robbed of speech as a familiar figure saunters along the sidewalk to push through the front doors of the restaurant, her beauty captivating as she speaks to the maître d’.

She wears an auburn wig this time. A white dress. The glasses remain perched on her nose while she draws my attention to her perfect mouth etched in more subtle lipstick.

She’s pure temptation.

Still way too beautiful to blend.

“She’s here.” I meet Bishop’s stare and push open my door. “This time, you better not lose sight of her if she runs.”

8

Matthew

I stalkmy way across the room, not giving a shit who sees me as I pull out the chair opposite hers and sit. “It’s been a while, but finally, we meet again.”

Her face pales as our eyes meet, those gorgeous blue depths widening. “Are you crazy?” She frantically glances over her shoulder at the bustling restaurant. “What the hell are you doing?”

My pulse quickens at her panic. It fucking vibrates with euphoria. I can’t help a grin. “Costa’s not coming.”

She frowns. “What do you mean?”

“He’s in Italy. There won’t be a family dinner tonight.”

She blinks, her shoulders losing their rigidity, her expression falling. “Well, there goes a wasted flight.”

I disagree. I think her trip here is the best money she’s ever spent.

I’ve already discovered she lives far enough away to have to fly here.

It’s astounding, but seeing her again, after all those days fantasizing about her, it’s hard to believe she’s more alluring than my memories allowed. Her eyes more mesmerizing. Her lips more inviting.

She clears her throat and rests back into her chair, regaining confidence and composure. “If you knew they weren’t coming, why are you here?”

“Isn’t that obvious?” I rake my gaze along the parts of her I’ve missed during her absence—every single visible inch above the table. “I’m here for you.”

Her brows rise. The color in her cheeks does, too, as a timid smile curves her mouth. “That’s smooth. But I don’t buy it.”

“No?” I rest my elbows on the table and lean closer. “Do you mean to tell me this obsession isn’t mutual?”

She laughs and my dick takes notice of the hypnotic sound.

So pretty.

So real.

I know she’s here for underhanded reasons, that’s always been clear, but there’s a gentle innocence about her, too. A fucking purity that’s so subtle it makes me ache.

“Nice try,” she drawls. “Why are you really here?”

A waitress sidles up beside her, placing a glass of wine on the table. “Would you like a drink, sir?”

“Scotch. Thanks.”

The young woman nods and leaves us to our wicked games.

I swear the entire world ceases to exist for a few moments as Denver and I stare at each other with equal amounts of superiority and suspense. The air between us vibrates. The sexual tension crackles.

I narrow my attention to her mouth, her lower lip now slightly pulled between her teeth.Jesus.She’s a tease. “I apologize for scaring you when we first met.”

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