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Confirmation of the fact that she wasn’t spoilt. Another blow to Ben’s misconceptions.
‘Don’t worry about it,’ he said gruffly.
Lia slid into the passenger seat, her dress gaping slightly as she did so, affording him a glimpse of the curve of one perfectly rounded breast encased in delicate lace.
Gritting his jaw, Ben closed the door and strode around the other side of the car, praying for the strength to restrain himself. He’d never needed it more than right now.
* * *
Ben’s friends were an exuberant couple who swept Lia into their embraces and their stunning baroque mansion, high on a hill overlooking the entire city, within seconds. Much to her amusement, Ben had predicted their reaction accurately: he was all but ignored as they grilled her.
‘But where have you been all our lives?’
‘This is a scandal! You can’t live in cold, grey England—move here! We need more beautiful women!’
In truth, they were a little overwhelming, both at once, and soon Ben took advantage of more guests arriving, skilfully manoeuvring them to where long tables covered in pristine white linen groaned under the weight of more food than Lia had ever seen in her life.
Every delicacy was available. and she found herself gravitating towards the local fare, much to the chef’s obvious pleasure, as he explained exactly what everything was.
Ben took their plates and Lia picked up their drinks. He guided her over to one of the many small round tables laid out for guests to eat at with ease. It was idyllic, with hundreds of candles flickering and the sparkling lights of the city below them. A jazz band played on a dais in the corner.
After they’d eaten a little, Ben sat back. ‘You can admit it—you won’t self-combust, I promise.’
She looked at him and knew instantly what he meant. A small, slightly smug smile was playing around that far too gorgeous mouth and something inside her just...melted. Also, far more disturbingly, that giddy reckless feeling was back. In the white shirt, open at the neck, he was astonishingly handsome. And the fact that he hadn’t pushed her was working in his favour. Damn him.
She picked up a small morsel of cheese from her plate and threw it at him, saying grudgingly, ‘Fine. Yes, I’ll admit it. I’m glad I came to the party and I’m enjoying myself.’
He flicked the cheese off his shoulder and leaned towards her. ‘It’s polite to say thank you, you know.’
She could read very well in his expression how he might suggest being thanked, and for a second Lia desperately wished she had the confidence to pull him closer, so she could explore that mouth... She snapped her gaze back up to his, feeling hot. The thought made a spike of pleasure arrow between her legs, and she said, far too breathily, ‘Don’t push it, Ben.’
He just looked at her for a long moment. ‘I won’t...for now.’
And right then Lia’s belly swooped, because in all honesty she wasn’t sure if she could hold him back for much longer. Or if she wanted to.
* * *
‘He’s quite a specimen, isn’t he?’
Lia jumped, and blushed when she realised that she’d been spotted ogling Ben—who was standing head and shoulders above everyone else in the crowd—by one of their hosts, Ricardo. The impressive sight of Ben had stalled her momentarily.
The handsome grey-haired Italian who she’d discovered owned several of Brazil’s most luxurious hotels was looking at her now, assessingly.
‘I...yes, I guess he’s handsome,’ Lia said weakly.
The other man snorted inelegantly. ‘Cara, he’s certifiably one of the sexiest men on the planet, and right now I am jealous of you.’
Lia hid her discomfiture and smiled. ‘Better not let Luis hear you say that.’
Ricardo waved a dismissive hand. ‘Lusting after someone isn’t a crime.’
Lia was curious now. ‘How do you two know Ben?’
‘Oh, we’ve known Ben since he started out, more or less. When he first set up his company we were among his first clients. We’ve always been interested in fresh new talent, and we’d seen some of his work in Manhattan. It’s really amazing what he’s achieved, considering the fact that he was once heir to one of America’s biggest fortunes.’
Lia frowned. ‘What do you mean?’
He looked at her, incredulous. ‘You don’t know?’
