Page 25 of Royal Shark
Her green eyes flash. “There’s not going to be any trouble, except for the troubleyoumight cause by being there.”
“I’ll be discreet.”
She crosses her arms. “Sorry, but a black Mercedes with tinted windows isn’t exactly discreet.”
“They all live in wealthy neighborhoods, right?”
“Yeah.”
“So it should fit right in.”
She narrows her eyes. “Your car sticks out. Most of them don’t own cars. They walk or use a ride app. A car’s a hassle in Brooklyn.”
“Tell them I’m your boyfriend, and we’re going out afterward.”
“I’m not going to tell them that.”
The car pulls up to her place. I get out and get her suitcase for her, intending to see her safely inside with it. “I’m walking you in,” I inform her.
She sighs. “Fine.”
I follow her upstairs and watch her dig her key out of her purse by her apartment door. “So why won’t you tell them I’m your boyfriend? Don’t you know I’m a catch?”
She shakes her head. “Ya know, for someone who’s been here for, like, two seconds, you’re awfully pushy about the way I do business.” She opens her door.
I follow her in and set her suitcase next to the coffee table. “So?”
She locks the door and turns back to me. A tense beat passes, our eyes locked.
Her voice is breathy. “So it’s a lie. You’re not my boyfriend.” She looks up at me under her lashes, a pink flush to her cheeks. She wants me to kiss her.
I lower my voice to a husky tone. I may be aggravated with the risk she’s taking, but I’m also deeply drawn to her. She’s like the missing piece to a puzzle, the perfect fit I hadn’t known I was searching for until I found her again. “So kiss me and make it the truth.” It’s a dare and an invitation.I want you.
She steps closer. “I’m not kissing you.”
“Bet you’re too damn scared.”Kiss me.
“I don’t operate on a bet anymore.”
I close the distance. Sara Travers can’t resist me. “Shame. You were more fun when you did.”Let’s see what you got.
Her eyes widen, and then she grabs my head and kisses me hard on the lips. A surge of triumph shoots through me.
She pulls back, and we eye each other. We both want more. I can feel it.
She kisses me again, softer now, her hand resting on my cheek. “Adrian.”
I slide my hand into her silky hair and take the kiss I’ve been aching for. It’s hot and hungry. I’m greedy for more, my arms wrapping around her, bringing her close.
Next thing I know we’re on her futon, and she’s straddling my lap, her skirt hiked up to her hips, her fingers gripping my hair, kissing me urgently. It’s heaven and hell at the same time. I need so much more.
She breaks the kiss, breathing hard, her fingers tangled in my hair. “I swore I wouldn’t do this.”
I stroke my fingers down her throat. Her pulse is beating rapidly. So’s mine. “Why not?”
“Because…” She swallows visibly, looking away. One of her tells—avoiding eye contact. “Because I want to remember you as part of my sweet past.”
I kiss her gently. “Tell me the truth. Why not?” If she’s really opposed to exploring what may be between us, I’ll back off.
