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“Youare too interesting for a single-pour drink.”
“Whatwould you suggest?”
“Somesort of cocktail.Sexon theBeachduring the day or aDirtyMartiniat night.”Helicked his bottom lips, and my pupils followed the movement. “HowaboutIget you one of those?”
Theway he spoke, with double entendre, bordered on improper.Ilooked around, searching for someone to rescue me.Icouldn’t be trusted when left alone with this man.
Threewomen near us kept glancing at him while acting inconspicuously about spying.Yet, no one dared to approach him without permission.Themost blatant of the three peeked from under her lashes, scanning his body leisurely from head to toe.Shewanted him.Allthree wanted him, and they weren’t the only ones.Alleyes were on him as if he had lit the same fire under their skins.
Myinsides quivered when he stepped closer.Theintimate space between us was beyond inappropriate, but worse was his intoxicating aroma.Feelinglightheaded,Ilost my sense of right and wrong and unintentionally leaned into it.Thescent was driving me crazy.Whatwas it?
Hungerflamed behind his unfazed eyes, recognizing the same thrill coursing through my blood.Ifmy husband saw us in this capacity…Ineeded to make a run for it.
“No, thank you.Iprefer the simplicity of champagne.”Iregained my senses and hurried away as ifIhad been burnt.Anyassociation with this man was dangerous.
Therewas an intense urgency in the voice booming behind me, something to the extent of a demand thatIstopped.Evenwithout turning,Iknew he was at my heels and following me through the hordes.
Myheart raced asIexited the cramped courtyard, only to end in the swarming ballroom.Theprogression of the night packed the room tighter than earlier.Ididn’t dare breathe until reaching one of the indoor bars.Myshort frame disappeared behind the taller ones surrounding me.Thebar was the most jam-packed area, and losing him in this crowd was easier.
Abartender placed a gold and white cocktail napkin in front of me. “WhatcanIget for you,Mademoiselle?”
Iwas at a loss for words.Thebartender’s expectant face put a ticking clock on me, andIblurted without thinking, “ADirtyMartini, please.”
“Comingright up.”Heturned to grab a shaker beforeIcould change my mind.
Whathad come over me?WhyhadIlet that man get under my skin and order his suggested drink?
Geta hold of yourself,Piya.Ichastised myself, closing my eyes.
Mylids flew open when an abrupt grip landed on my elbow.Heatburst inside me, dizzying my senses.Thehair on my arm rose on cue, andIknew who it was without turning.
Avoice thick with desire spoke against my ear. “Don’trun.”
Theorder was short, concise, and commanding.Partof me knew nothing good would come from associating with this man.Nonetheless, the draw was so intense thatIcould do no more than stand in place and obey.
Thebartender chose the precise moment to set my drink in front of me and announce, “DirtyMartinifor theMademoiselle.”
Mortificationflooded me whenIfelt his arrogant smirk warming the side of my face. “DirtyMartini,” he noted, refusing to let it slide.
Therewas an immense desire to arch into the body heat enveloping mine from the back and confessIhad ordered the drink because of him.Icaught myself, realizing my involuntary reactions.Whatwas it about him?
“Youcan try to run, but it’s of no use.I’llalways find you.”
“Ididn’ttry;Iran.”Hitby the same recklessness as the first timeIlaid eyes on him,Ifound myself engaging to differentiate success versus mere attempt.
“Why?”
Itried to step away, hardly recognizing my voice asIstammered, “I—I….”Butwhat reason couldIgive him?
Hisgrip on my elbow tightened, refusing to let me run again.Hisother hand was on the bar counter, trapping me in place.Unlikethe courtyard, there were more people indoors, so a presence like his had somehow gone unnoticed.Theguests weren’t paying close attention, and it was difficult to single out a familiar face in this crowd.Itmeant no one would think of rescuing me, andIwas at his mercy.
“Piya.Wehave been looking for you.”Jordan’sjarring voice broke whatever spell he had cast on me.Ijumped, snatching my arm back and finally glancing at the man to my right.Hishungry eyes didn’t bother hiding their fury from my sudden jolt.Unwaveringand unblinking, he grew more intense by the second, nearly buckling my knees.
Jordan’ssteps faltered upon noticing my current company. “Mr.Trimalchio,” she said excitably, a broad smile spreading over her mouth.
Hisexpression closed. “Jordan,” he greeted politely, thoughIcaught the whiff of irritation in his voice. “Isee you brought a friend.”
“Uh, y-yes.Thisis my friend,PiyaAmbani,”Jordangestured at me.
