“Who said I’m going anywhere with you? I’m in the middle of a night out with a girlfriend.”
“I did. You have a hell of a lot more at stake in this than I do.”
“Are you sure about that? In a year, you may end up with a wife you don’t want. I say you have as much on the line as I do.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. No matter what, I come out ahead. I’ll remain the head of my family, have half of a giant trust, and most of all, I’ll get to fuck you whenever I want. Whereas you’ll lose this town, this life, this freedom you love so much.”
I glanced to my side where Tony now had replaced Stevie to keep a watchful eye on us. He’d intervene within seconds of a signal from me. But it would only cause more problems for me.
Releasing a sigh, I shifted in my seat and whispered, “You could really make me hate you.”
“I’m sure this won’t be the last time you’ll say that to me.”
As I stood, I pushed his hold on my waist away, but he grabbed my wrist in a similar fashion to how he’d captured it in the restaurant, making my heartbeat accelerate.
His green gaze locked with mine. “Lead the way, Nyx.”
“Stop.”
“Stop what?” His lips curved at the corners, telling me he knew exactly what.
“Asshole.”
Turning, I jerked my arm, but to no avail. I couldn’t free my hand.
Moving around the bar, I shot Akari a glare. As my best friend, she’d been no help. Hell, she’d let him sneak up on me.
Akari mouthed, “Sorry. He’s potent.”
Yeah, wasn’t that an understatement.
We remained quiet as I guided us through the dimly light hallways of Kato with its three levels of security. When we reached a large wooden door, I placed my palm on a security panel, waited for a beep, and then pushed open the door.
After we entered, I glowered at him. “You can let me go now. I’m not going to run. You have me captive in here.”
“I had you captive out there too.” He released my hand, stepped away from me, and leaned on the edge of Akari’s glass desk.
Folding my arms across my body, I followed his stance and set my back against the closed door.
“You wanted to talk. Talk.”
“You know it’s inevitable between us.”
“Keep dreaming.”
“Tell me you don’t feel it.”
I stared into his hypnotizing emerald depths that seemed to pull me and lure this need I never realized lived inside me.
Licking my lips, I took in a slight breath, and then asked, “Feel what?”
“Exactly what’s happening to you right now. I’m not even touching you, and the draw is killing you.”
God, I hated him for what he was doing to me. I ached, especially between my legs.
“I can admit this attraction is unique. However, your sunny disposition tends to negate some of it.”
“Liar. It turns you on.”