Page 31 of Sensual Games

“No, really. Is there something wrong with your mom? You can tell me. I would like to know more about her,” he added with a soft, inviting smile. “I mean, you already know my dad personally. It only seems fair.”

What was this all about? Suddenly, he was thoughtful, almost caring. Not that I didn’t think he had it in him somewhere, but for someone who tended to bulldoze his way through uncomfortable situations, this came as a surprise. “She’s as good as she can be. It’s more like… I feel sort of lost here in this huge apartment. It’s stupid.”

“It isn’t stupid. But you’re here because I want you to be, and you want to be. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?”

“No, of course not. I just feel a little… uncomfortable, I guess. What could you possibly want with me when you have all of this?”

“Back up.” He set his glass down on the coffee table, turning his full attention toward me. “Is it a bad thing that I live in a penthouse?”

“You know it isn’t. But I live in a freaking shoebox compared to this. You probably have a hundred women you could be with right this minute who are more used to all of this. I’m afraid to get comfortable, like I’ll ruin something.”

“What are you talking about? Where is this coming from?” He laughed, but it was a disbelieving sound. “Since when areyouso unsure of yourself?”

Since I walked in here, and the blatant difference between us smacked me in the face hard enough to sting. I couldn’t bring myself to explain that. Neither of us had the time to delve through my insecurities. “There’s more to me than meets the eye, I guess.” It was lame and awkward, but it was the safest response.

“I doubt you could ruin anything, and if you did—” His mouth snapped shut, but it was too late. I knew exactly what he was going to say.

“If I did, you could just replace whatever it is,” I finished for him.

“Jesus, Poison, relax. Enjoy your drink, listen to some music, unwind with me.” There was hunger in his gaze when he looked me up and down. “You look beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you.” Now my new top felt cheap. I was too deep in my own head. I was ruining everything, all because I couldn’t get over his obvious wealth compared to my complete poverty.

“You smell nice too, but then, you always do.” He reached out and ran the backs of his fingers down my arm, leaving a trail of goose bumps in his wake. “Come closer, I won’t bite. I’ve been looking forward to this all day.”

“Me too,” I admitted. If only we hadn’t met here. We could’ve gotten a hotel room and would have been tangled up in each other this very minute. It was different when we met in neutral territory. All I could think about now was how much leverage he had over me and how miserable life would be if anybody found out about us.

“I’m sorry.” I bolted back the rest of my drink and scrambled to my feet. “I shouldn’t have come here. You didn’t do anything wrong,” I assured him as I grabbed my purse.

He stood, moving toward me. “Wait. You’re not going anywhere.”

“I am. I have to.” I hurried across the room and headed for the front door that marked my salvation. He was so wealthy he could have or do anything he wanted. It didn’t matter to him whether I kept my job or not, just like he didn’t have to work a day in his life. We were not the same.

“Why? Just tell me why, dammit,” he demanded, his deep voice firmer than usual.

“Because I have much more at stake than you do, that’s why. Don’t pretend otherwise. Thank you for the drink, and I’ll see you in the office.”

“Stay.” Just as I reached for the door, he took my shoulders in his big hands, pressing his fingers into my muscles. I closed my eyes, fighting the desire to melt against him and forget everything.

“I really can’t, and I shouldn’t.” When I opened the door, his hands fell away. He didn’t try to stop me this time as I left with tears in my eyes and a burning ache in my chest.

It was the right thing to do.

It was the only choice I could make.

What a shame it hurt so much.

13

LUCIAN

“Your dad tells me things are going really well at work.” Mom was almost beaming across the table as she reached out to grab hold of her wine glass. “I’m so glad. I knew with a little guidance, you would kick ass at this job.”

“Thanks.” There was a reason I always got along better with her than with Dad. We had the same communication style.

“The analytics are impressive.” Dad lifted his glass to me at the round corner table where we sat enjoying our pre-dinner drinks on Friday night. I was thinking about meeting Noah and Marcus for a drink later, but there was plenty of time to catch up with my parents. For some reason, they seemed to think it was important.

“I didn’t do it all by myself,” I reminded them. “I have learned a lot over the past several weeks.”

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