Page 1 of Duped

Chapter One

PortlandWales.Tarekhadbeen watching him for a while. The guy threw money around like it meant nothing, especially on substantially younger men, supposedly…or one in particular, anyhow. Rumor had it that much younger man had recently married. Tarek figured that left an open position in Portland’s life. Tarek wanted the job. That was why he had purposely left his bag at his dealer’s station when shifts changed, and he saw Portland headed his way. Tarek bade his time and grabbed a couple of drinks before heading toward an accidental meeting. He squeezed into the space next to Portland at the table, doing his best to get in close while not appearing to do so on purpose.

“Sorry. I left my bag.”

The new dealer glanced below the table and found Tarek’s small, clear plastic tote bag. He passed it Tarek’s way. Tarek turned his head, bracing himself for anything.

Light blue eyes were locked on him in a dark and hungry way that immediately had goosebumps skirting his skin. Tarek worked up his sweetest smile. “Excuse me. I didn’t mean to invade your space.” Without waiting for a response, Tarek walked away. He knew it was a risk, but the first encounter was in the books. Next time they saw each other, this gave Tarek an excuse to strike up a conversation. Seduction was a slow and perfectly timed game.

“Excuse me. I think you dropped this.”

Tarek glanced behind him. Portland was hot on his heels. Shock had Tarek freezing in his tracks. This wasn’t how he pictured things. “I’m sorry. Are you talking to me?”

A congenial smile, completely at odds with his earlier dark expression, met Tarek’s question. “Yes. You dropped this.”

Tarek’s gaze reluctantly moved from Portland’s gorgeous eyes to the item he held. It was a stack of bills. Tarek blinked. It was likely a few thousand dollars.

A nervous laugh escaped Tarek. It was completely genuine. He felt like he was the one who had stepped into a trap. “No. Sorry. I definitely didn’t drop that.”

Portland stepped closer. Something flashed in his eyes that had Tarek’s mouth going dry. “I promise you did.”

A thought hit Tarek. He cocked his head to one side and eyed Portland. “Sir, are you trying to buy me?”

Portland’s stare briefly moved to Tarek’s mouth before returning to hold his gaze. “What if I am?”

A smile exploded across Tarek’s lips. This definitely wasn’t going the way he planned, but he could adapt. Tarek was good at thinking on his feet. “You know, if you had simply asked me to dinner, I would’ve said yes.” He turned away. Tarek bit back a smirk. He would definitely have a way to strike up the next conversation. Tarek made it three steps before he found his path blocked.

“Would you have dinner with me?”

Well, goddamn. He looked sincere. Tarek wanted to say no and leave Portland twice as intrigued. He didn’t have the strength. Still, he didn’t answer right away. He simply eyed Portland as if his earlier attempt to buy him had made Tarek second guess himself.

“I don’t know. What’s your name?”

A smile touched Portland’s lips. He bit his bottom lip as if trying to stop the gesture. Tarek’s heart beat a little faster.Fuck. He was in trouble.

“It’s Portland. What’s yours?”

Tarek held out his hand for Portland to shake. “I’m Tarek. It’s very nice to meet you.”

Portland shifted a leather bag he carried from one hand to the other and shook his hand. “You, as well.”

Tarek blew out a sigh. “Well, you have a sincere handshake, so yes. I’d love to have dinner with you.”

The sweetness in his expression slipped. Tarek glimpsed the hunger underneath. His skin tingled. He wouldn’t have decided on Portland if he wasn’t truly interested. Tarek didn’t have what it took to find a ninety-year-old man with one foot in the grave and rock his world. There had to be some attraction.

Portland turned slightly and held his elbow out for Tarek like a gentleman. “I know just the place.”

Tarek accepted his arm and hoped he hadn’t made a fatal misstep. “You’ve got my curiosity up.”

Portland headed toward the valet station. “My guess is, since you work here, you’re likely sick of every onsite restaurant.”

God, he wasn’t lying. “So tired.”

Portland laughed. It was sexy enough to make Tarek’s breath catch. Portland handed off his ticket before sweeping Tarek outside.

A thought hit Tarek as they waited for Portland’s car. “Speaking of work, I’m still wearing my dealer’s uniform. Should I run home and change?”

“I can take you home first if you’d like.” His gaze swept down Tarek’s body. “But I like you just fine how you are.”

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