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I can’t help but feel like he already knows what I’m going to say before I even say it. Maybe that’s why I try to throw him off with something unexpected.
“To get the scoop on you and sell it to the gossip mag with the highest bid.”
I deliver the line with as much confidence as I can muster in my suit jacket ensemble. He immediately laughs right in my face.
“No,you’re not.”
I bristle. “It wouldn’t be that hard if I was. Everyone here is whispering about you.”
He leans in close. I catch a hint of sandalwood.Rich people soap,I think. My mom kept sandalwood hand soap in her and my stepfather’s master bathroom. Weirdly, the smell doesn’t bring back bad memories now. I just want to lean in closer.
“Everyone isalwayswhispering about me,” he says softly. “It comes with the territory.”
“The territory of being as rich as God?”
“That,” he agrees. “And also the territory of looking like one.”
“Oh, gross. Were you this cocky a minute ago? I don’t remember feeling this constant urge to roll my eyes.”
He smiles, not bothered in the least. “You came here with your friend.”
“Is that a question?”
“No. I’m just trying to understand if this is a dual investigative operation you’re performing.” He flicks a finger in my direction. “And if your dress mishap was some kind of distraction. If so, it was…thorough. I was quite distracted.”
My body flushes. I’d give anything to be in sweatpants on my couch right now. Far from this world and this man and his intoxicating attention.
“Did you check with the security at the gate to see who I came with? Or were you watching me on camera?” I look around the hallway ceiling. “How many cameras are in this house?”
His face remains perfectly neutral. “I like to learn more about who I’ve invited into my house. I’m sure you can understand.”
I’m sure I absolutely cannot. If someone is in my house, I already know who they are. Mostly because my apartment is only five hundred square feet, not five hundred rooms.
I could tell him I’m not Francia Delacour and I only used her name to get inside, but then he’d ask my real name, and that would open up a can of worms I’d really prefer to stay closed.
I’m still fumbling for what to do and say when he suddenly places a hand on my hip and pulls me into him.
“You seem on the fence about whether you’re interested in me,” he muses.
“Then let me clarify for you: I’m not.”
He presses a palm to his chest. “A weaker man would be hurt by that.”
“It’s a good thing you’re not weak, then.”
“A very good thing.” He looks at me. “You’re not weak, either. When Stefanos grabbed you, you didn’t hesitate to put him in his place.”
“He put his hands on me, so I put my hands on him.”
Ivan’s dark brow arches. “Is that all it takes?”
I gulp. There’s no missing the dark flirtation. “You’re the star of the show here. I’m sure you have ways of getting what you want out of people.”
“I’m not sure a woman like you will fall for my usual tricks.”
Oh, how wrong he is.I think I’m falling for them right now.
I bite the corner of my lip to hide a smile. “It really bothers you that I’m not interested, doesn’t it? I’m sure you aren’t denied things you want very often. This must be a new experience for you.”
