Page 43 of King of Deception

Grinning, she tilted her head. “Why don’t you surprise me?”

Nathan approached with a cocktail in his hand. “You should really try the Australiana Spritz,” he said. “Nathan Wright, glad you could make it.”

I smiled, explaining, “Nate is our host. Ella Rose Boraine,” I made the introductions and watched her politely shake his hand.

“You have a beautiful home,” she grinned.

“Thank you.” He turned to me. “Did you give her the tour?”

“How about that Australiana Spritz first?” I proceeded to fill her glass.

When Nathan left to mingle with other guests, Ella quickly shook her head. “You don’t really have to give me a tour.”

“You’re not even a little bit curious?”

She suddenly dipped her hand into her purse, whispering, “Sorry,” as she did. The expression on her face changed into one that was more solemn before she pressed her lips into a thin line, tossing the phone back in.

I couldn’t resist the urge to ask, “Is everything alright?”

“Think I should change my number?”

“Jude again?” I tried not to let my jaw clench.

“I just don’t know what else to do.”

“How about this?” I leaned forward, kissing her.

When I pulled back, she smiled, gazing down at my lips. “Are we gonna do that every time he calls?”

“Or, I dunno,” I shrugged. “Whenever we want?”

She placed down her drink on a table next to us and then turned to me, putting her hands on my cheeks. “God, you’re hot.”

I chuckled. “I’ll take it.”

“Let’s do the tour,” she grinned. “I have a game in mind.”

Excited, I grabbed her hand and decided to start with Nathan’s gym. It was located at the farthest end in the back in an all-glass room surrounded by Zen gardens. Halfway there, Ella tugged on my hand, stopping me and leaning with her back against the wall.

“Kiss me,” she whispered.

And I did. It was quick and light, without much of a chance to deepen, since she suddenly pulled away, grabbing my hand as she marched toward the gym.

The space was completely dark, illuminated only by the remnants of light seeping in from outside. With her back against the glass window, she grabbed my hair on either side of my ears. Her nails gently scratched my scalp as she pulled me closer.

“Kiss me.”

This time, I picked up where we had left off, intending for a more powerful kiss. But then, once again, she pulled away as if running from me. Hanging on to her fingers, I let her lead me.

“What’s upstairs?” she glanced over her shoulder at the foot of the staircase.

“Another living room… bathrooms… bedrooms?”

Racing upward, I watched the thrill radiate from every inch of her skin all the way to her bouncing locks. I couldn’t help but smile.

We stopped in the middle of the hallway. Next to a large painting on the wall, Ella backed up into a corner, pulling me close.

“Kiss me.”

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