Page 5 of The Debt

Chapter 3

Mira had no idea what Vasco did, but true to his word, the handsome man whose dark suit fitted like he was born in it, was coming over. Never in her twenty four years had she ever felt weak in the knees, or her pussy walls ever clenched for a man. By the time he reached where she was standing her heart was beating out of control and her center throbbing with heat. The most beautiful sea foam eyes twinkled at her and that smile stole her breath.

“Hi,” he greeted his deep smooth tone sending shivers down her spine.

“Hi.”

He reached out a hand to her and waited for her to take it. She liked that he wasn’t presumptuous to touch her without her permission. As soon as her hand touched his, a bolt of electricity skittered up her arm and spread across her chest. She could feel her nipples pebble against the fabric of her dress. No, she was not wearing a bra and she was conscious that her attraction to the man was plain for all to see.

He stepped closer. “Please to meet you, Mira.”

“How’d you know my name?”

“Someone mentioned it. You’re Vasco’s date - right?”

At this point she was uncertain whether to play Vasco’s game, but she didn’t want to take the chance of disappointing him. Therefore she replied honestly. “Yes.”

“Are you two exclusive?” he asked, but quickly rushed to explain himself. “I’m sorry, don’t mean to pry, I just couldn’t resist coming over to let you know just how absolutely stunning you are.”

Mira beamed and blushed, her cheeks burning at the compliment and the way he was looking at her. Then Vasco’s voice echoed in her head and she realized that this man was perhaps expecting an answer to his question. You’re a smart girl, you’ll think of something, Vasco had said.

“No we’re not exclusive. He’s just helping me with a situation.”

Mira hoped she didn’t go overboard. The man was making her feel all sorts of sexy. Just his presence alone was making her want to jump into a pool of ice water. Even her breath felt hot as she blew a relieved sigh. Absently she fanned her neck, feeling a bead of sweat trickle down her spine. The way he was looking at her with the heat in his eyes, she knew he was feeling the same way. She might have been naïve enough to allow Vasco to trap her, but she was smart enough to know when a man liked her. The thought of Vasco was like cold water dousing her and it must have showed on her face.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“No, I’m sorry, I just remembered something.”

“Are you thirsty? How about a drink?” He beckoned to a waiter who immediately came over. “Champagne?” she nodded and he took a glass from the tray and handed to her, then he asked to waiter to bring him a mineral water.

Mira took a sip of her champagne as the waiter returned with his water. Their eyes connected and Mira was drawn into his magnetic gaze. Even with a scar over his right eye and another just below his scrumptious lower lip, Mira thought the man was perfect. What she wouldn’t give to be able to peel away the layers of his perfectly custom made suit and see what was underneath. The way his thighs bunched in his slacks, she was certain that he had a ripped body beneath.

She gripped the flute tightly between her fingers as they itched to reach out and touch him. Never had she felt this drawn to a man before. Mira was concerned that she wouldn’t be able to concentrate on the task that Vasco handed her. What if this man actually invited her back to his hotel? What then?

“Forgive my manners,” he was saying, drawing her attention to his lips. “I’m Archer … Archer Dunbar.”

“Amira Barclay.” She reached out her hand again, only because she yearned for just another touch from him.

He enveloped her hand into his large warm one, opening up a force field around them. As though on cue, the music changed to a waltz and she found herself being gently pulled forward. When their eyes connected, she could tell he was seeking her permission. She smiled and beamed her approval. He took the flute form her other hand and placed it on the tray of a passing waiter.

Slipping his hand around her waist, he pulled her close. Amira closed her eyes at the sheer pleasure that wrapped around her. The heat from his body made her feel secure. If she wasn’t in such a public space, she would have rested her head on his shoulder in complete bliss. Instead, she settled for him guiding her, his hand on the small of her back.

“So Amira, tell me about yourself,” he said. “Other than being Vasco’s date, what do you do for fun?”

She wanted to tell him that being Vasco’s date was no fun. She also wanted to tell him to run as far away as he could because Vasco was not a man to be messed with. It’s been only a few minutes since they met, but Mira didn’t want to seduce this man for Vasco. She wanted to keep him for herself. A shudder ran through her when he pulled her closer. She liked the strength of his arms around her while the faint scent of his aftershave tickled her nose.

In order to distract her thoughts she tried to concentrate on what he was saying. “There’s nothing much to tell. I’m just a simple girl who likes simple things.”

“Be honest, are you Vasco’s girl?”

His gaze held her captive. “Yes, but it’s not what you think.”

“How do you know what I’m thinking?” he murmured.

“Well … our relationship is complicated.”

“If I asked you out, would that complicate things further?” he asked, his voice so sultry she wanted to swoon.

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