Page 48 of Dex

DEX

I sit back in my chair, taking a sip of champagne as Daniela tells me about her college life here and then about her life in Brazil.

My gaze drops to her dress.It’s a slinky dark green wrap over number that shows off her curvy hips and small waist, and with a neckline that reveals nothing, but hints at plenty.She’s luscious, no way about it.

This evening could have gone worse.And it’s not too bad.It’s not like pulling out my toenails with a pair of pliers, which is what I feared.

When I told her I’d have picked the other women at the soiree over her, the way she threw her head back and roared with laughter, it hit me then.She’s beautiful.I found myself staring at her, mesmerized by the soft, bare expanse of her neck, and by her sense of humor.This woman has the confidence to laugh at herself.

She’s like no other woman I’ve met.

When the drinks arrived and we made a toast, I had to knock back my scotch to steady my nerves and quench my suddenly dry throat because Daniela is so utterly captivating when her defenses are down.

Then she had to go and tell me that she’s a black belt in jiu-jitsu and my opinion of her went up a notch.And then she had to throw in that she’s run marathons around the world.

Of course she has.

She just caught my eye in a way I didn’t expect.And not only that—she’s funny.She’s sarcastic and sharp, and I like that.

Ireallylike that.

But there’s still something off.A woman like her has everything.She is everything.So why is she still single?

Then again, I already know the answer.She told me herself.

It’s an alliance.

This isn’t about love.This is business.

And I can’t let myself forget that.

I do not fall.

I refuse to fall.

I glance past her, toward the bar, wanting to see what Rio is up to.The dude is propped against a stool at the bar at the far end, watching me.Every now and then, he turns slightly and winks.He’s perfectly positioned.Daniela’s back is to him, so she has no idea my wingman is here.I told him to join us, but he refused.Said it would seem like we were ganging up on her.

“Dude,” he said, “this is supposed to be an intimate date.You don’t want me in the way.”

I told him never to use the word intimate when talking about me and the heiress.But now… I’m starting to wonder.

I shake the thought out of my head, as quickly as it landed.

No.We’re not going there.

She’s agreed to an arranged marriage.I don’t care that her family is wealthy.I don’t care that she has a charming smile or that she laughs at my sarcasm.

I don’t care.And yet, this isn’t as bad as I expected.She’s saying something.I blink, realizing I haven’t been paying attention.

“You’re not listening to me,” she says, giving me an accusatory state.

“I’m sorry.”

“Are you waiting for someone else?”

“What?No.”

“Then why do you keep looking around?”

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