Slowly, she swivelled on her heels and headed out into the cool October night. Beneath the elegantly columned portico of the hotel, Ari leaned, cross-legged and cross-armed against a gleaming black sports car.
The sight of him, magnificently imposing, arrestingly gorgeous, was incredibly dangerous to her well-being. He wore a dark blue cotton shirt with black trousers and a matching jacket that hugged his wide shoulders.
The intensity of his stare as it drifted over her made her body grow hot all over. And even though he didn’t say anything, by the time his gaze returned to hers she had the distinct impression he was displeased.
But then what else was new? Ari alternated between finding her irritating and being incredibly considerate.
Given the choice, I’d settle for a little bit of peace.
‘What did you say?’ he asked, straightening from the car to open the passenger door for her.
Realising she’d muttered her thoughts, she blushed. ‘Nothing. I thought we were meeting inside?’
He shook his head. ‘Change of plan. I thought we could experience what Washington DC has to offer. You had a Greek restaurant on your list. Care to try it?’ he asked.
Pleased that he’d remembered, she smiled. ‘I’d love to.’
He straightened, waited for her to slide in and shut the door behind her.
Unable to stop herself, Perla watched him round the bonnet. God, even the way this man moved demanded attention. His lean, sinewy grace seemed innate.
The moment he shut the door all her senses flared to life. His scent was intoxicating, addictive in a way that made her want to throw herself across the console and slide her greedy hands all over him.
Expecting him to start the car and drive, she glanced at him and caught his rigid profile. When his fingers wrapped around the steering wheel and gripped tight, she knew he was fighting the same raw need.
She must have made a sound because a choked noise filled the tense space.
‘Ari...’
He sucked in a jagged breath. ‘We are not teenagers and we are not animals.’ His voice was rough, darkly husky. ‘We have enough self-control to be able to resist this...this insanity between us.’
Her hand tightened around her clutch. ‘I agree.’ Although fighting it felt like a losing battle right now.
‘What happened between us can’t happen again,’ he continued gratingly. The mild self-loathing in his voice finally pierced the cocoon of sensual delirium.
Stung, she whipped her head to stare out of her window. ‘I get the message loud and clear, Ari.’
‘Do you?’ he demanded, and she knew he was staring at her because she could feel the intensity of his gaze on her skin.
She bit her lip to stop another helpless moan from escaping. ‘You hate me because I remind you of something in your past. I don’t know what exactly. Maybe it’s connected to this insane temptation we can’t kill. I could find a reason to hate you too but what good would hate do either of us?’
‘I don’t hate you,’ he growled. ‘There are a lot of things I feel but, rest assured, hate isn’t one of them.’
A little bit of the hurt eased but hearing that self-loathing still present in his voice made her heart lurch. ‘That’s good to hear.’ She took a deep breath and immediately regretted it when his scent filled every atom of her being. ‘I’d suggest handing in my notice and finding a new job if I could—’ She jumped at the snarl that filled the car. ‘But I’ve only been working a few weeks, and my chances of finding another job are—’
‘You’re not quitting this job. You’re not going anywhere.’ He pressed the button that started the ignition but he didn’t drive away. ‘You signed a contract so you’re staying put.’
CHAPTER EIGHT
ARI MADE SURE his words left no room for doubt or ambiguity. Which was laughable, considering he was nowhere near as stalwart under the barrage of the emotions coursing through him.
He’d firmly believed he had regained some control after yesterday’s incident. It was the reason he’d called to discuss business with her. He’d been so certain, after seeing her in that bikini and not jumping on her like some hormone-riddled teenager, he could see Perla, be within touching distance of her without experiencing that unbridled depth of yearning that seemed to claw up from his very soul.
A soul he’d believed withered and charred after Sofia...after his father...