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“Did you ever think I want more than any man can handle?” The brave words lost a bit of impact as he tugged on her earlobe and a breathy gasp escaped. “All this time you’ve been wrong, Max. It’s not me who can’t handle them.” She smiled up at him with pure challenge. “They can’t handle me.”
He lifted his head. The air sparked and crackled between them. “Let’s find out, shall we?” His mouth slammed over hers. It was a punishment kiss; a learning lesson; a control of an art form he mastered.
Carina swore to prove him wrong.
His fingers tightened around her wrists as he plunged and conquered, so she begged for release. Carina begged, but it was for more, only more, as her body bucked to get closer and her tongue met and matched every dominant thrust. She surrendered every inch and loved every moment. Her ni**les tightened to hard nubs and poked against her blouse. She grew wet and tried to open her legs farther for him, until he muttered a vile curse, shoved her skirt up, and pushed her wider.
He never released the bruising pressure of his mouth as his other hand slid up her leg and pressed his palm against her damp panties. Carina moaned and nipped his lower lip, urging him on with her body and—
Suddenly there was only empty air.
She fought for breath and sanity as he stood by the bed. His eyes widened with shock and something else, something dangerous and hungry that suddenly flickered to life. She sat up, pushed back her tangled hair, and made no move to neaten her clothes.
“What was that?” he growled in fury. “You were supposed to push me off, not get me off!”
She snarled like a pissed-off pit bull. “Who the hell are you to set up a challenge and not follow it through? I’m not afraid of your little demonstration, Max. I told you, I’m ready for more.”
“Dio, you’re crazy and begging for trouble. I’ve had enough. I’m putting you on the next flight out of here.”
Body still humming with arousal, she narrowed her gaze and spit out the words. “And what would you like me to tell Michael when I arrive back home?”
He pivoted and thrust his fingers in his hair. “I deserve for Michael to know. I’ve betrayed him.”
“Oh, for God’s sake, get over yourself. It’s none of my brother’s business who I sleep with. You’re acting like we’re in medieval days where you’ll duel for the loss of my honor. Poor women probably never experienced an orgasm with all those damn men trying to protect them.”
He groaned as if torn between laughter and horror. Carina enjoyed the sudden loss of his control as he struggled to learn how to deal with her. Finally. Max clung to the little girl he knew in the past, but it was time to see the reality and decide if he wanted it. Wanted her.
“You’re going home. I’ll deal with Michael.”
“No.” She got up from the bed, smoothed down her skirt, and straightened her blouse. “I’m not going home. I came to learn how to close an important business deal and I will. But I want you to think about something, Max. We can have one night together. Just one. Get it out of our system, have great sex, and move back to being friends.”
He shook his head and backed away as if afraid she’d launch herself at him. “You cannot do such a thing. I am not right for you.”
“I know.” She tamped down on the hurt and embraced the gamble of having him for one night. Slake the lust she’d lived with for years and move on. “I don’t have a crush on you anymore, but I have sexual needs I want to satisfy. I’ve been protected and sheltered my whole life, but I’m a grown woman now. It’s time you accept it.”
His obvious erection and conflicted expression gave her the confidence she needed. He wanted her. He was just too afraid to take his shot. Carina reached deep and gave him the truth. “I’m moving on, Max. I’m looking for a mature, sexual relationship that satisfies me. Nothing long term. I’ve just begun to spread my wings, and no male is going to clip them too soon. We’re attracted to each other, respect each other, and have a common bond. Why not have a one-night stand? In Vegas. Where no one will ever have to know.”
His jaw clenched. Heat burned in his eyes. Good. He was tempted—that’s all she needed for now. She closed the distance between them and he sucked in his breath. Full female power shimmered within her. She smiled slowly. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind leaving? I’m going to the pool. Catch you later.”
She didn’t wait for him to respond.
Carina pushed him and the shut the door behind her.
• • •
Max studied the man across the table. Eyes flat as a shark’s. Mouth set in a firm line. Not a quiver of tension in his wrists or fingers as he flipped up the card. He sat back in the cushioned chair, reached for his cigar, and grinned at Max.
“Any time now.”
Max ignored the taunt and concentrated on his hand. He threw the chip in. “Call.” He flipped over his pair of aces and waited. “Any time now.”
Sawyer Wells chuckled and copied the motion. Three deuces stared up at him.
“Fuck.”
“It’s been too long, Max. I’ve missed your humor. And of course, your lousy poker playing.”
Max buckled and lit his own cigar. The elaborate poker table fully stocked with chips was only part of the unique features of his longtime friend’s living quarters. The bar was just as impressive and one shelf alone held as many flavored vodkas, rums, and liquors as a guest could demand. The expensive artwork lining the walls would rival any famous collector’s. Decorated in vivid reds and earthy tones, Sawyer Wells always reminded him of a man who revered the life of luxury and focused on every element of pleasure without apology. “You’re just trying to get me drunk so you tempt me into a lousy deal with your hotel.”
The blond man shook his head and flicked the thick ash off the top of his cigar. His fair skin and golden eyes pegged him as a nonchalant surfer or bored prince. Until he turned sideways and revealed his scar. A wicked slash down his cheek, sometimes hidden by his long hair. Max knew both assumptions were dead wrong. The man made his own fortune, owned a sharp sense of humor, and a brain that challenged the most savvy executives. “Not my hotel. I’m just running the Venetian for a few more months. I’m building a brand-new chain to rival that ass**le Trump.” Max laughed. “And as for your drinking ability, let’s just say it’s better than your poker game.”
