Page 9 of Legacy's Destiny

Her words hit him like a jolt, his heart skipping a beat. He covered his reaction by taking another sip of his beer, his grin deepening. “That idea has crossed my mind several times.” Her tongue flicked over her bottom lip, and his eyes followed the motion, mesmerized. She smiled knowingly, leaning forward just enough to close some of the space between them. “You’re a tease,” he accused, his voice tinged with amusement.

She popped a dumpling into her mouth, chewed, and swallowed before wagging her chopsticks at him. “Wrong. Teases tempt but never deliver. Tonight, I will deliver.”

His smile turned predatory, his gaze dropping briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes. “And you plan on delivering on that specific promise?”

She leaned back, her expression calm, though her eyes sparkled with mischief. “That one and many, many more. If you’re willing.”

Deacon exhaled a soft laugh and shook his head. “I don’t know,” he teased. “You might bring me upstairs and take advantage of me.”

Echo threw her head back, laughing, and the sound was like a spark, igniting something deep in his chest. She drained the last of her drink, setting the empty glass down with a soft clink. “I prefer willing partners. I’m not into tying men to bed frames—or being tied myself, for that matter.”

“I think we’re on the same page,” he said, his tone more serious now. There was a spark of honesty in his gaze as he added, “For me, it’s all about the connection. I’m not the kind of guy who can …” He trailed off, shaking his head. “Let’s just say I don’t usually do one-night stands for the sake of it.”

Her expression softened, and she reached across the table, brushing her fingers over his briefly. “Good. Because I’m not looking for that either—not without a spark. And you,” she said, her voice dropping lower, “are all spark.”

He chuckled, the tension between them sizzling like electricity in the air.

“You haven’t said you’re willing,” she added, leaning back and watching him closely. “And I won’t take advantage of a stranger—even a sexy-as-sin stranger. Consent is mandatory.”

“Consent is given,” he replied. “Freely and happily.”

Her smile was brilliant, and she raised her glass in a mock toast before setting it down. “Good. Then I’m going to finish this fabulous food, have one more of these purple monsters, and then take you up to my room for some mind-blowing sex.”

Well, damn. Heat flared in his chest, settling low in his belly. He raised a hand to the waitress and ordered another round of drinks, his movements calm despite the riot of anticipation coursing through him. “You won’t get an argument from me.”

Echo chuckled, her gaze lingering on him as she twirled the stem of her empty glass between her fingers. “Good. Convincing someone to have sex is such a mood killer.”

“Right?” He laughed, leaning forward again. “Can you imagine? ‘Excuse me, ma’am, you should have sex with me because I’m damn good in bed.’”

She snorted, nearly choking on a laugh as she grabbed a napkin. The sight warmed his chest, her unrestrained laughter more intoxicating than any drink. She coughed, then cleared her throat and reached for his beer before taking a casual sip and sliding it back to him. It was a simple gesture, intimate in its ease.

Finally, she leaned back, her smile wicked. “No presentations required, then? No detailed reports on your favorite positions?”

The waitress brought the drinks, and he paid for them and the meal. He tilted his head, pretending to consider her last comment. “No, no presentations, at least not to date, but maybe you could draft one for me.”

She stood, her new drink in hand, and threw him a look over her shoulder, her eyes gleaming with challenge. “There’s no time like the present. Unless you’re not ready?”

“Oh, I’m ready.” Deacon rose, his body moving in sync with hers. Her eyes flicked down, taking in the clear evidence of his readiness, and she smirked.

Her laughter was soft and teasing as she turned toward the elevator, her hips swaying with every step. Deacon followed, his eyes locked on her, a sense of wonder mingling with anticipation.How the hell did I get so damn lucky?

CHAPTER 3

Echo slipped the keycard from her jeans and sipped her drink as they waited for the elevator. He wasn’t handsy, and for that, she was appreciative. Public displays of affection were not her groove. She wanted sex with the big man in the worst way, but if he’d been an ogre about it, she would’ve gone to her room by herself. She hadn’t had sex in ages—and good sex? Well, hell, she wasn’t sure if her memory went back that far. That was back when she was in the military. In other words, ancient history. The man following her to her hotel room could break that pattern, or at least she hoped he would.

She turned to him as the elevator door opened. “Just so you know, this is the first time I’ve ever invited a guy to my room.”

“Could be a dangerous proposition,” Deacon said from beside her. She glanced up at him, and he winked. “Although not with me.”

“Of course not. I’m sure you’re an angel. Don’t worry, if the devil comes out, I can take care of myself.” She’d risen to a Mongkol Seven in Muay Thai and was considered an Assistant Senior Grand Master. She hadn’t met anyone, man or woman, she couldn’t best, and that wasn’t bragging. That waspure, unadulterated confidence born from over twenty years of practicing the art.

“Is that so?” He held out his hand, asking for the key, when she stopped at her room door.

She turned to him and crossed her arms, smiling. “It is so.” He stared at her, raising a single eyebrow. He accepted the card but leaned against the doorjamb. A smile spread. “You know, I have an innate ability to read people. You aren’t bluffing. What discipline?”

She liked the man. He had a wicked sense of humor, and damn, if he wasn’t sex on a stick. Why couldn’t she meet someone like him in the States? Why in the hell did she have to travel halfway around the world to find him for a one-night stand? Her luck sucked sometimes.

“Muay Thai. That was one reason I was excited to come on this trip. Until I was told as soon as I landed that from here, I’d be leaving immediately after my meeting tomorrow morning. So, no visits to the origins of the discipline for me. At least this time.” She walked into the room and put her drink down, and as soon as he shut the door, she walked up to him. “Promise number one.”

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