Page 30 of The Strength Of A Woman

His eyelashes look darker, and the dip between his eyebrows only enhances his charm, in my view.

No ferocious warning or stern look on this man’s face can make me retract what I have said to myself so many times.

I’m not scared of him.

I’m even more attracted to him.

“We talked last night,” he says, his eyes moving back and forth. “I thought I made things clear. You can’t just show up and look for me. It’s not wise. It’s stupid, if you ask me. Plus, there’s nothing to talk about.”

“Yes, there is.”

He searches my eyes, willing to consider, perhaps, talking to me for a change.

His eyes soften as if an entirely different thought takes over his mind.

“There isn’t, Leilani. Don’t make this more difficult than it already is.”

And for the first time ever, his eyes slide like a melting cube of ice from my cheeks to my lips, the column of my neck, the soft dip between my clavicles, the valley separating my breasts.

He pushes his stare all the way down, taking in my dress, my bare shoulders, the swell of my chest, and the highlighted waist.

Looking at me like a man checking his lover. His wife. His girlfriend. Staring at me like a man.

A real man with needs and wants.

And then, just like that, his eyes move up and meet my gaze.

“Please,” I say softly.

“Does anyone other than Nona know that you’re here?”

“Yes. My best friend.”

“And your best friend is…?” I think he rolls his eyes.“Who is your best friend, Leilani?”

“You’ve probably seen her. Aurora Kensington.”

He frees me from his grip and folds his arms over his chest.

“Does she know who I am?”

“She has no idea we’re criminals,” I say softly, and a small smile seems to be blooming at the corner of his lips.

His eyes move swiftly to the table where I sat a few moments ago. He signals to the waiter to wait for us, and grabs my arm.

“Let’s sit for a moment,” he says.

We walk back in silence, and both claim seats at the small table.

This is more than I’ve ever imagined happening between us.

“Would you like something to drink?” he asks.

“You can get me whatever you’re having.”

“I’m not drinking.”

Without waiting for me to make up my mind, he orders coffee and mineral water for both.