Page 61 of Ruthless Beast

The two of us spend the next hour meandering through the exhibitions—Emily, spellbound by the art, and I, by the stunning woman beside me.

“I could do with a drink,” I comment after having had my fill of art.

“Yeah. Art appreciation is thirsty work,” Emily smiles.

“Shall we go to one of the restaurants in the garden?”

“That would be nice.”

She and I walk for a while when she stops and turns to me.

“Thank you for today, Lucas.”

“Does that mean that I’m a little less monstrous in your eyes?”

“Perhaps a little, yes. But don’t get carried away. I’m still mad at you.”

“Oh, how could I forget?” I smirk.

“How, indeed.”

Emily’s smile is the kind that can make a man forget anything, including common sense. I know that getting too close to her is potentially a terrible idea for both of us. But how can I stay away? She’s like a magnet, pulling me in. I’m helpless when it comes to her charm, even when she isn’t even trying to seduce me.

“Are you hungry?” I ask, hoping to distract myself from obsessing about her beautiful body.

“Starving.”

“Good. They serve fantastic poached salmon on beet tapenade with crème fraîche and dill.”

“Yum. I’m in.”

“I thought you might like that.”

“How is it that you know so much about what’s on the menu?”

“Okay, you got me. I googled it while you were gushing over the art back there.”

Emily’s laughter fills the garden.

“Clever boy.”

“I do have a few redeeming qualities.”

“Apparently so. Do you travel to Europe often?” Emily asks once we’re seated.

“Yes, quite a bit. We have business interests here, and I’ve always been the one to meet with our associates.”

“You make it all sound so normal.”

“Business is business.”

“Sure, but not alltradesare created equal.”

“Touché.”

“Is it safe? This time around, I mean.”

“We have no mortal enemies here, if that’s what you’re asking.”

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