Page 4 of Seductive Desires

“Are you familiar with the artist?” A quiet voice spoke behind me.

I spun, almost dropping my drink in the process. The voice belonged to an awkward looking older man, his suit and hair disheveled. His eyes kept dropping to my cleavage when he spoke to me. He seemed to be trying to fish for a conversation, asking inane questions that most people wouldn’t care about to try and draw out our time together. I was being polite, since he could be a potential customer for Carlos but my eyes darted around the room more than once, looking for an out. He was making me incredibly uncomfortable. Every few minutes, he’d shuffle just a little bit closer to me. I kept taking a step back under the pretense of looking around, but he wouldn’t catch the hint.

Suddenly, a warm hand slid along my lower back, making me jump. Whoever it was leaned in close, their face close to my ear.

“You look really uncomfortable. If you need an out, nod once.” I almost shivered. The voice was husky, giving me goosebumps as he whispered into my ear. I dipped my chin once. Whoever he was, I appreciated the rescue. “Apologize and say you have to deal with this. Then follow me.”

I gave the older man a polite smile. “I’m sorry, there’s something I need to handle. Please, enjoy your evening.”

The man looked put out, scowling at my knight in shining armor, but I didn’t wait around to hear his response. Instead, I spun on my heel, following the stranger to a little alcove off the side of the stage. Once we were out of sight of the man, I let out a heavy sigh.

“Thank yo–” I froze, finally taking him in. The man who rescued me was the perfect combination of tall, dark and handsome. His coal colored hair was glossy, long on top, and tossed to one side, tousled in a way that looked like it was styled to look that way. He wore a tuxedo that showed off his broad shoulders and trim waist. A chiseled jaw, his bronze skin clear and smooth like he had never had a blemish in his life. I hated him instantly for looking so flawless. Even his eyes, chocolate brown and mischievous, seemed to crinkle at the sides like he smiled every day. Since when did Adonis get invited to the Spring Gala?

I was staring. I jumped, remembering myself when he grinned at me. Ugh, stop looking so perfect already. I took a gulp of my champagne, nearly choking on it in my rush. I tried to hold in my cough, my eyes watering. He chuckled.

“Do you need a minute?”

I almost rolled my eyes, freezing as I looked up. Carlos’s voice popped into my head.“Don’t be rude to the rich people. They pay our rent.” I took a deep breath instead, shaking my head.

“Sorry. Caught me by surprise. I was trying to say thank you, for before. No matter what I said to him, he wouldn’t take the hint.”

The stranger grinned at me. “Yes, he’s known for that. Most women who come to these events know to avoid him. First time?”

I nodded, bouncing on my toes. “Is it that obvious?” Still sticking out. Good job, Mariana.

“Could’ve fooled me. You handled it pretty well. I only offered to step in when he started chasing you. The man has several harassment cases against him in his own office. He can’t keep his hands to himself. I didn’t want him to ruin your evening.”

Yikes. That was closer than I thought. “Well, thanks again. I’m sure you’ve got other people to see so…” I glanced out to the ballroom again, trying to see if anyone was looking for their lost model.

“Sending me away already?”

I jerked my face back, frowning. “No! I just—” His smile caught me off guard. He was teasing me. “Oh shut up!” I tried hard not to smile, I didn’t want to encourage him but my lips quirked up anyway.

He barked out a laugh. “I’m kidding, sirenita.”

“Sirenita? Más como pez fuera del agua.”

HIs eyebrows went up. “You speak spanish?”

“That’s surprising?”

He nodded. “Honestly, yes. Most American women I’ve met don’t, even ones who look like us. I was beginning to miss it.”

I giggled. Like a freaking teenager. Ugh. “Chicago probably isn’t the best place to start looking for Spanish speakers. Try California.”

He gave me a tragic look. “Unfortunately, business called me here. I’d much prefer California. It’s freezing!”

My shoulders shook as I laughed. “It’s not that bad! It was nice out today.”

He grinned at me while shaking his head. “En absoluto! Es frio!”

“Where are you from that you think it’s so cold?”

He opened his mouth like he was about to reply when a severe looking woman appeared at his side. She gripped his arm tightly, jerking her chin. He frowned.

“One second, hermosa.”

I felt my face flush as he stepped away, the severe woman whispering in his ear. His eyes snapped to her face when she finished and she nodded. I felt awkward just standing there so I turned back to the ballroom just in time to see the event coordinator waving me down. I waved back, acknowledging her. Time to go make a fool of myself.

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