Page 36 of Seducer

“Can’t or won’t?” He pulled out his wallet and I attempted to snatch it from his hand.

“Maybe a little of both. I told you this was my treat.”

“And perhaps one day you’ll learn people follow my rules, not the other way around. That includes you.”

The thought of him knowing where I lived terrified me almost as much as getting into the car with a complete stranger had. This time from the thought of being physically close without having an escape route. At least inside the diner, there were two ways of leaving the building, perhaps three. “Well, then I’ll walk.”

“You’re very stubborn.”

“I’m practical. Plus, I’d prefer to finish out the evening very much alive.”

“Which means you think I’m a killer.”

“Are you? You already said there are some creepers out there.”

The spark in his eye was instantaneous. “To some, yes.”

At least I could continue laughing around him. “Great. I have terrible luck.”

“Now, I am taking you home. Period,” he added as he tossed down three twenties onto the table. “Just being nice. Okay?”

“Do you always get what you want?”

This time when he leaned forward, our lips were almost touching. I was instantly absorbed in his intoxicating scent. “Always.” He got up from the table and expected me to follow.

At this point, there was no other choice. That didn’t mean I wasn’t apprehensive. Too many horror stories had started this way.

By the point we’d reached the parking lot, I’d already rolled my eyes twice. He was my boss, a man with a stellar reputation. His picture had been plastered all over the internet time and time again. He could have any woman he wanted. All the bitches inthe world had already lined up to consume one of the Midwest’s most eligible bachelors.

They were socialites and had parents who’d both been born with silver spoons in their mouths. I was a girl with a shady past and an unstable bank account. I also didn’t own fancy clothes or Hermes purses either. Even if I could afford one, I wouldn’t waste my money.

What my reflection told me was that I wasn’t worth killing. Another great thought.

He opened the car door for me, waiting as I climbed inside. I could tell he had something else on his mind, the smirk from before returning. He was humming by the time he walked around to the driver’s side, even tossing his key fob back and forth from one hand to another.

As soon as he thumped down on the seat, the car yielding for his hefty size, I rested my head against the soft leather. “You’re not anything like I thought you’d be.”

“And what did you think I’d be like?” He started the engine and there was nothing like the feel of the powerful Hemi engine between my legs.

“An arrogant ass only caring about himself.”

“Oh, I do care about myself and my needs, just not in the ways you might be thinking.” As he pulled away from the curb, I noticed his eyes were shimmering. I could swear his irises were rimmed in pure gold.

As he rolled out of the parking lot, I took a deep breath. The man would know where I lived. I wasn’t thrilled about the prospect, even though there were way too many employees in theBlackwell Group for him to care about or learn their addresses. I just didn’t want tonight to screw up my chances at winning the contest.

The perks of doing so were rumored to be amazing.

There was silence between us, another awkward moment crowding into my system. But I could tell he was in total control. I finally realized he hadn’t asked me where I lived. In fact… He was going the wrong way. I moved to the edge of my seat, digging my fingernails into his fine Corinthian leather dash.

“Do you feel like doing something else?” he asked.

“That depends on what it is.”

He grinned. “I am a trustworthy guy. Just ask my brothers.”

“Give me their numbers.” I reached out as if asking for his phone. The move caught him off guard and he laughed.

“I will if that will make you feel more comfortable.”

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