Page 74 of Seducing Hope (The Hope Legacy)

Natia

Don’t let the calm Taurus fool you into thinking they are harmless. When provoked, they are like an atomic bomb.

The definition of procrastination is the action of delaying or postponing something, and given that the outfits in my wardrobe have been mocking me for over twenty minutes, it appears it’s a new personality trait of mine.

On the subject of Archan Reinheart, my heart, head, and body are in conflict. Self-preservation screams I should stay far, far away, my heart scrambles to keep its walls firm, while my body has simply gone rogue, constantly demanding attention. I grab a mid-length, pale gray skirt, a soft, pink cashmere sweater, and gray, knee-high, swede boots, leaving my hair down.

“You don’t have to do this,” Duncan shouts from outside my closet door as I dress.

I sigh. “We’ve been through this. I don’t go, and he not only stops working with us—he works against us.” Pulling open my door, I’m met with a wall of folded arms and pissed faces. Even Aaden is demonstrating he’s no wallflower.

Zee drops his arms then runs a hand over the back of his neck. “I don’t like it.”

I scoff. “Nobody likes it. But mind games are Archan’s MO.”

“I don’t think he’s playing mind games, Natia. I think he wants you, plain and simple.”

Sighing, I grab my bag and check my phone is fully charged. Aaden plucks it from my fingers and begins tapping on it. “It will be okay, guys. It’s one date.”

“Until he tricks you into another,” Zee mutters.

“Not happening.”

Aaden hands me my phone back. “I’ve activated a tracking app on your phone. We’ll be able to find you anywhere.”

Duncan wraps me in a big hug. “You call us if you’re in trouble or want to come home early.” Then they launch into a set of rules and a pep talk that causes my eyes to roll several times. I almost expect them to give me the birds and the bees conversation—Zee’s version would be interesting. At ten past seven, we squeeze into the elevator. It seems they’ve decided to come intimidate my date.

Zee studies me. “Did you wear that entire outfit?”

Groaning, I smack him over the head. “Stop thinking about my underwear.”

He huffs. “It’s not me I’m worried about…” He slips his hand through the crook of my arm, pulling me close as we step into the lobby. “When a woman wears matching underwear to a date, it’s because they’ve already decided to show it.”

I swat him over the head again. “It can’t be because it makes me feel sexy? Nowshhh, I need to get my head around the next few hours, and you talking about my underwear isn’t helping.”

I let go of Zee and take several slow breaths. Remember, he blackmailed you, and you’re pissed at him. Also, he’s an arrogant asshole who looks down on you. Pep talk given, I feel better until I look at him. Wearing dark blue jeans and a gray cashmere sweater, he looks like he stepped out ofGQ Magazine. His blond hair hangs in loose waves around his relaxed shoulders. His eyes trace every curve of my body, and despite my lack of exposed skin, I feel stripped naked by his gaze.

I give a slow twirl. “Do I meet with your satisfaction, Mr. Reinheart?” I aim for contrite, but it comes off a bit flirty. I’m going to have a sore hand from many mental slaps tonight.

He grins. “You are perfect, Miss Waterford.”

I forget I have three surly men at my back until Duncan’s arm brushes mine. He crosses his arms in a cliché big brother warning. “Hurt her, and I will hunt you down and kill you.” Okay, then—no room for misunderstandings.

Archan tips his head in acknowledgement. “I have no intention of hurting her.”

Zee jumps in with his big brother boots, aiming for maximum embarrassment. “You will not lay one hand on her, sexual or otherwise.” I clench my fists and pivot on my heel to face Zee.

“Did you make sure to put condoms in my purse, just in case?” I snap. He huffs and puffs out his chest.

I wave my hand and mutter, “Good night, guys.”

Aaden shouts one last instruction, “Have her home by midnight, Reinheart!”

He chuckles. “I wasn’t aware you are Cinderella.”

I grin. “Does that make you Prince Charming?”

Eyes hooded, he gives me a sinful look. “No, Natia, I am anything but a fairy tale. I do seduction, sin, and sex well… but I am not a nice man.”

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