Page 5 of King of Temptation

I loved that place. I even became a teacher there, helping some of the small girls to learn the basics. It was some of my favorite time in my whole life.

We were always moving from crappy rental to crappy rental, but that little studio had felt like home.

But those lessons she taught me about not letting men distract me, of chasing my dreams, not men, run deep. Something I try to remember as Leo leans next to me on the rail and everything about this man tells me he’s way out of my league.

From his natural swagger, to his ridiculous good looks, to his money, I can’t believe he’d even be interested in a single night with me. And I shouldn’t want one with him.

The wedding only had about twenty guests. I’m guessing his options are just limited…

“So…” He quirks a brow. “How about it?”

My jaw drops at his open and direct invitation. Not many men can get away with that kind of ask, but somehow, he does.

I can’t deny that part of me is still tempted. Attractive men proposition me often but not like Leo. There is something so supremely confident about him that makes him so appealing.

He’s not faking, he just is an alpha, and that kind of energy is heady.

“Viewing the moon?” I ask, turning my back to him and looking out over the manicured lawn to the mountain beyond. From the top of the largest peak, the moon appears, a sliver that shoots rays of silver into the sky. I point my finger, “I think we can watch it from here.”

He glances back over my shoulder and quirks a half grin, one side of his mouth tipping up in the sexiest way.

It’s so hot, it makes my stomach flutter and an ache start between my legs. Turning my back to him to face the moon, I try to keep my breath calm.

“So we can.” He says this quietly, not like he’s disappointed but more like he appreciates the exchange. The challenge. Alpha. “Can I get you a drink?”

“No, thank you,” I answer automatically, before I realize I’m being difficult. Looking back at him, I blush. “I have to get up at about three in the morning to make my flight to New York.”

“New York?”

I nod. “I’ve got an audition for the New York City Ballet.”

His eyes slide over me. “Dancer? I’m not surprised, you move like a dancer.”

I nod again, as I hold up my empty glass. “I shouldn’t have had this one, but I couldn’t resist toasting to Mason and Charlotte.”

He reaches for the glass, his fingers brushing mine as he takes the crystal out of my hand, setting the glass to the side. “There marriage will be a happy one, I’m sure of it.”

“I hope so,” I answer with a sigh. “Charlotte deserves a happy life.”

“She does,” Leo answers quietly in a way that has me wondering about their history. Between the tension with Mason and fact that Leo and Charlotte went out…but I was under the impression it wasn’t serious.

“So, it’s an early night for you with no drinks?” Leo asks, returning the conversation to me.

“That’s right,” I answer, reaching for the rail and gripping it tightly as I try to ignore the thrill of his interest. The New York City Ballet almost never invites dancers like me to audition, but one of my professors danced there and she recommended me.

It’s an incredible honor, I try to focus on that, as I watch the moon slowly rise. But the truth is, if I don’t get accepted, I have no idea what I’m going to do with my life. I need to keep focused tonight and do everything I can to make my audition a success.

His shoulder brushes mine. I hadn’t even realized he was moving closer, but a shiver runs through me at the contact.

I look over at him, my eyes wide. I’m so out of my depth.

“And in terms of your audition tomorrow, do you think an orgasm would help or hurt your chances?”

My mouth goes completely dry. “Orgasm?”

He reaches out, his fingertips brushing down my spine as he leans close to my ear. “You might sleep better, be more relaxed.”

“I…” I might. That’s the truth. “Leo,” I whisper his name. “That’s a terrible idea.” It’s not.

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