Page 6 of The Collector's Temptation

Luckily, he only murmured, “Then yes, we should agree to disagree about the quality of our respective museums.”

As our dance continued, I realized that Aston was effortlessly drawing me into his orbit. I felt comfortable in his arms but also acutely aware of him as a man. One who I wanted to get to know better.

Which was why I found myself doing the opposite of what I expected when he murmured, “You must be doing quite well foryourself at The Peachtree if you scored a ticket to the gala so shortly after being hired.”

I hesitated for a fraction of a second, caught off guard by his genuine curiosity. But I ultimately decided to trust the moment.

“I…I wasn’t exactly invited,” I admitted, my cheeks heating even more. “I’m still trying to prove myself here, and my friend thought this would be a good opportunity to network.”

His hold on my waist tightened. “Your friend?”

“I tend to be a stickler for the rules.” I shook my head with a soft laugh. “I never would’ve thought to sneak into the gala without a nudge.”

3

ASTON

To my shock, the mention of her friend caused a ball of rage to explode in my chest. I’d never felt jealousy over a woman. But then, I’d never had such an intense obsession with one. Everything about Kerrigan was unique, including my reaction to her.

She was gorgeous but also intelligent and so passionate about art. Andmerde, she felt amazing in my arms.

But I needed to address this issue of her friend because I was determined to have Kerrigan, and no one would stand in my way. I’d simply have a quicktête-à-têtewith theconnard. Nothing brutal, just…persuasive. I’d make sure theexplicationwas one he wouldn’t forget.

I pulled Kerrigan just a little closer, my hand firm on the smooth, warm skin at the small of her back as my eyes locked on hers. “I’m astonished that any man would letune créature aussi exquisecome to an event like this alone.”

Her emerald-green orbs turned a little glassy, and she shivered. I bit back a smile when she blushed, making her adorable and sexy freckles stand out, and asked breathlessly, “What doesune créature aussi exquisemean?”

The music wrapped around us, low and sultry, just like my voice when I leaned in so my lips were near her ear. “It means you’re quite the exquisite creature. The kind that makes men forget their place.” My gaze sharpened, the smile still there but with an edge now. “And I’m wondering what kind of fool let you walk in here alone.”

The pink stain on her cheeks deepened, and she sucked in a tiny breath when my fingers dipped a little lower so they were resting right above the curve of her plump, round ass.

“Um…” She shook her head as if trying to clear away the sensuous fog. “My friend is…um, isn’t. It’s a she. She works for the catering staff.” Then her brow furrowed as she realized what she’d admitted. “Please don’t get her in trouble. She was just doing me a huge favor because I begged.”

“Your secret is safe with me,” I assured her with a wink that brought more pink to her cheeks. “But tell me what was so important that you needed to crash this particular party?”

Kerrigan glanced away, her expression uncertain, and it remained so when she met my eyes again. I didn’t like that she was hesitant with me. I wanted her to feel comfortable, to trust me and tell me all her secrets.

Yes, I was a fucking hypocrite since there was a ton of shit I would never share with her. But that didn’t stop me from wanting her to surrender to me. To give me everything.

Kerrigan was a bright light in a very dark world. Especially mine, where corruption and deviousness were the reality. She was sweet and innocent. She didn’t belong in this life. Or with me.

But beneath my suave, carefree exterior was a ruthless, selfish man who would do whatever it took to get what I wanted. And I wanted her.

Perhaps I should have felt some guilt over my actions and intentions, but it wasn’t an emotion that I wasted my time with.

“You can trust me,petite miette,” I told her in a compelling, sensual voice.

Kerrigan sounded breathless again when she asked, “What did you call me?”

I smiled lazily, not quite letting her see the wicked intensity I was feeling.

“Petite miette. The closest translation is ‘little crumb.’”

I chuckled when she scrunched her nose, and my thumb brushed her wrist as we moved.

“Don’t be offended. It’s along the lines of ‘little thing.’ But it felt appropriate since you’re so small and sweet.” I brought her closer so she could feel her effect on my body. Heat blazed in my eyes when I continued, “And I’m confident that you’ll be impossible to stop tasting once I start.”

Kerrigan’s mouth formed a cute little O, and her face flushed, but not from embarrassment. An echoing warmth in her green pools gave away the fact that she was just as affected by me as I was by her. The spark in them also told me that seducing my littlemiettewas going to be hot as hell and a fuck of a lot of fun.

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