Page 19 of The Merciless King

“Braxton?” She exclaims and jumps up, opening her arms to greet him. “Mia Barrett now.”

“Of course. Silly me. My congratulations on your nuptials.” Braxton replies—and, oh my god, even his name is hot.

Then stares down at me and as I wait eagerly for the introduction, his blazing eyes roam down the front of my dress hovering over my decolletage.

I squeeze my legs together and say a prayer, hoping he’s single.

“Brax, this is my friend Gianna. Gianna—”

“Nice to meet you.” I hold out my hand.

No one needs to be throwing around my surname. Especially if he knew Mia when she was a Mancini. He’d recognize my father if he swings in those circles.

Braxton wraps his large hand around mine and heat sears into my skin. I bite my lip to control my moan as those silver-blue eyes of his lock with mine.

Fucking hell, I swear he could make me orgasm just by staring at me. Am I that sex deprived?

Or does he simply ooze sex?

“A pleasure to meet you,” Braxton purrs roughly.

My ovaries do a little dance as he releases my hand and his lips quirk ever so slightly. He knows I’m impacted by him.

My heated cheeks may be a giveaway. Or my dilated eyes. It’s a miracle I can see!

“Are you in town for long?” Mia asks.

“Yes. A month or two,” Braxton replies. “On and off.”

“What do you do, Braxton?” I ask, feeling like I should maybe stand or ask him to sit.

Mia glances around, obviously thinking the same thing. “Are you alone? Would you like to join us? Is that okay?”

I nod in answer, because yes, that’s okay.

Very okay.

“I don’t want to interrupt.” His eyes slide to mine. “I saw two stunningly beautiful women enjoying a drink, then was sure it was you, Mia, and had to say hello.”

Mia waves out her hand. “Please. Sit. Even if it’s for five minutes. I know you are a busy man in demand.”

I’d like to demand a few things of him.

Braxton accepts graciously and pulls out a chair to sit, then lowers his large, well-built frame into it.

I sweep my dark locks onto one shoulder and enjoy the close-up view.

I was right.

He’s wearing very expensive designer clothing and, as he rests confidently in his seat and people around us take notice of him, I know without a shadow of a doubt this man can have any woman he wants.

Dare I say it, including me.

“So, what are we celebrating tonight?” Braxton sips the golden liquid and tilts his head.

He’s a little cheeky and a lot charming.

“Just two friends catching up,” Mia replies as I quietly watch.

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