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EIGHT
OWEN
Owen was shocked when Reika threw herself into his arms. Her body pressing against his thrilled him, sending chills running across his arms and all the way down his spine.This is the thrill I’ve been seeking. There isn’t a bridge in the world that can make me feel this good.
His hands came up of their own accord, and he had to stop himself from wrapping his arms around Reika’s waist and squeezing her against him. He knew if he did that, he might never let her go.
Up this close, her scent was intoxicating. It rose from the cleft between her breasts, the delicate, floral perfume she wore, a hint of vanilla soap, and under all that, her luscious, womanly scent that was all lusty heat and raw desire.
Is she turned on?
Owen shoved the thought out of his mind. He wanted her so badly that he knew he would see what he wanted to see. It was such a struggle to stop himself from taking her that he didn’t dare entertain even the slightest notion that she wanted him. If he did, he’d just tear her clothes off.
Reika stepped back and demanded answers but didn’t let go. When he looked down at her hands still clenched on his shoulders and raised an eyebrow suggestively, shedidlet go and took another step back.
He could tell by the red spots on her cheeks that she was embarrassed. Owen thought that was a very good sign.
“Don’t just stand there,” she snapped, putting her hands on her hips. “Tell me how you survived that jump.”
Her beautiful green eyes were full of anger but also fear. Owen realized she had been genuinely afraid for him. It made his heart throb just a little faster.
“It’s about physical training,” he lied. “I’m really strong and fit, and I know how to dive from high places without getting hurt. I also know the best places based on the movement of the water.”
He could tell by Reika’s expression that she wasn’t sure about any of this, but she didn’t know enough about the subject to argue. She frowned at him, her deep pink lips turning down in a little pout.
Fuck, she’s cute.
“Okay,” Reika muttered, fixing her pale green eyes on his. “I’m still not convinced.”
“Oh, I do all sorts of adventurous stuff,” Owen said, warming up. He guided her around the pool to the loungers he had set up. “I do a lot of rock climbing and extreme motorcycle racing. I’ve ziplined down buildings, jumped out of planes … I’ve even run from massive explosions and almost gotten blown to hell.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
“Oh, it’s all very well planned,” he assured her. “There’s really no danger. Well, not much, I should say.”
He felt the irksome grin coming to his face once more, but he couldn’t help himself from being cheeky. Even though Reika tried to frown, he could see the sparkle in her eyes that let him know she enjoyed that smirk on some level.
“I do fight scenes too,” he added casually. “I’m not a vigilante or anything like that, but if I see anyone in trouble, I don’t hesitate to step in.”
He saw a soft look flash across her face. He hadn’t intended to impress her, he only wanted to tell mostly the truth, but he could tell that his words had struck a chord with her.
“Look,” she said, squaring up and putting her hands on her hips. “That’s all very well and good, but I need to get home, and I spent the last of my money getting here so I could find out if your stupid ass was alive or dead. Give me some cab fare, and I’ll forgive you for almost scaring me to death.”
“You were scared for me?” he said softly. Owen caught her eye, gently drawing her in. There was definitely a strong magnetism between them, and he knew she felt it. The power of the link was echoed in her sparkling green eyes. All he had to do was look deep into them, and he could see she wanted him as much as he wanted her.
She just can’t admit it. Yet.
“I’ll happily take you home or give you cab fare if that’s what you prefer,” he said. “But only if you agree to have some more wine with me.”
Reika raised an eyebrow. “How much wine?” she asked suspiciously.
Owen laughed. “A glass or two. I have a beautifullyagedred, as well as a light dry white. I’d love to share one of them … or both … with you.”
Reika’s eyes flickered to the ground and then back up to his face. He could see she wanted to stay. Her hands dropped from her hips.
“Okay,” she said. “But it’s getting late, and I can’t be here all night.”
“Of course,” Owen said, smiling. “Thank you for staying. I’d really like to get to know you better.”
