Page 65 of Secret Bet

“But…” He gulped his drink. Then he reached out and took her glass. "I never wanted a wife or to get married. I wanted what my father instilled in me to die out. No one else should have to question everyaction."

"What's inside you that'ssobad?"

His face had a slight tick. "That I can think like him, act like him, be like him. I could become so controlling that I lose touch and seal my fate ashedid."

"That isimpossible."

She made no sense. Heswallowed. "How?"

"You're too sweet to be so evil. You see the options and don't choosehispath."

He reached for her knee and leaned closer. "It's a constant struggle.I know how to get what I want, no matterthecost."

She wrapped her arms around him, and he kissed her. The apples mixed with the sweet wine made her the most succulent woman on the planet. He tugged her closer. He had to have her. She set himonfire.

She sighed as he stopped. Then she rested her head against his. "Wow, that wassomekiss."

She made him feel alive. The sparksin his soul demanded he have her again. He stayed still. "Do you want me to takeyouhome?"

“Let’s not sail for days right now. I was looking forward to your party on New Years.” She pressed her chest into his, and the sensation grew butterflies in his stomach. "Right now, I want to enjoy whathappensnext."

He wrapped his arms around her, kissed her nose and then led her to thedoor. "My bedroom isthisway."

"Perfect."

She was right. Right now she was perfect and just what heneeded.

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