Her lips parted. ‘I wouldn’t exactly say that.’
His teeth were bared in an approximation of a grin. ‘Wouldn’t you?’
Damn him. He knew what he was worth to this business, and he knew she’d do just about anything to keep him happy.
And he was right. She sensed the jeopardy they were in, and no way would she do anything to worsen it. If going to some event with this man was the price she had to pay to keep him happy then she’d do it. She’d do it for Clare and she’d do it for Amy, even though it was the last thing she personally wanted!
‘I’d have conditions,’ she mused.
‘I’m all ears.’
He definitely wasn’t all ears. He was all hot, handsome face and Greek god body. That was a huge part of her problem. She’d never found a man it was harder to ignore.
‘This isn’t romantic in any way. Under no circumstances will there be any touching, kissing or flirting.’
‘Agreed.’ Why then did his droll smile feel exactly like flirtation? Inwardly, she groaned.
‘It’s only for one night. After which you’ll drop me home and that’s the end of it.’
‘Isn’t that covered by rule number one?’
‘I’m a lawyer; what can I say? Specificity is my stock in trade.’
‘Fine,’ he agreed, his voice warm with amusement. ‘I won’t look to seduce you on a technicality then.’
Fire burst through her. She could no longer sit at the table, so close to him. Instead, she stood, pacing to the windows that overlooked the bustling streets of London. She wore a slightly oversized trouser suit but the sunlight streaming in through the window highlighted her slender silhouette. She was unaware of the way Ares’s eyes lingered on her body, appreciating her shape—her breasts, the curve of her hips—or she would have sprinted from the natural light as though a tiger was on her tail.
‘And you’ll forget about yesterday completely,’ she added.
She wasn’t looking at him, and Ares didn’t speak for a while. ‘I can’t do that.’
She gaped, turning to face him. ‘It was a mistake, Ares,’ she pleaded, forgetting momentarily to address him more formally, then wishing she hadn’t when that same look of sensual appraisal appeared in his eyes. She was drowning, and there was no lifeline within reach.
‘Not your mistake, though.’
‘Yes, my mistake,’ she rushed to correct him. ‘I was here, and I should have—’
He stood abruptly, a warning in his gaze now as he strode towards her, fast and intent. ‘I will not forget yesterday but I will forgive it, so long as you agree to accompany me this evening. Do we have a deal?’
Her heart shifted in her chest. He stood right in front of her, so close that if a gust of wind blew her forward by a matter of an inch or so they’d be touching. She took a stilted step back, an awkward gesture that didn’t escape his notice, if his slightly mocking look was anything to go by.
‘Not quite.’
‘More details?’
Her lips twisted in wry agreement. ‘Always. I don’t need you to forgive me or forget yesterday, but I do need you to promise to give the London Connection another chance. Allow me to have this meeting with you now, seeing as I spent all night preparing for it. Or to call in one of my colleagues, who actually does most of the grunt work on your case and would be far better versed and able to answer your—’
He pressed a finger to her mouth and every cell in her body began to tremble. Her lips were like lava, her face bursting with heat.
‘No.’
Her stomach dropped but Bea was unable to feel as much disappointment as she should have. Instead, her body was intent on making her aware of just how nice it was to be touched by him.
‘I can wait until Clare returns.’
‘I don’t know how long she’s away for, but I’m sure she can do a virtual meeting at the earliest convenience.’
‘I will arrange this.’