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Damn, she threatened the control I’d spent a lifetime building.
Hell, maybe I hadn’t thought this game through.
22
LONDON
Seeing the flare of heat in Kavner’s eyes excited me.
For once, I wasn’t thinking of consequences and rules. I was just enjoying myself.
He cleared his throat. “The small, carved flower on the top left rotates clockwise.”
I ran my fingers over the flower, then rotated the piece. I heard a click, and then depressed it. The top of the box unfurled into a beautiful, carved flower.
My lips parted. “It’s beautiful.”
“It is.”
He was looking at me. My heart swelled. Had any man looked at me like this before?
“It’s a lily.” I stroked the wood. “My favorite flower.”
His lips quirked. “What a coincidence.”
No, it wasn’t. This man knew everything.
“I have another puzzle box for you.”
I set the flower on the table and eyed his hands. “Where?”
Leaning back, he sprawled on the couch like a king on the throne. That big, muscular body was a sight to behold. The wind tugged at his thick, brown hair.
He reached for his jacket, then pulled out a small, beautifully decorated puzzle box and I gasped.
It was exquisite. “A himitsu-bako. I’ve always wanted one.” But I knew how expensive they were.
He nodded. “A Japanese puzzle box from the Hakone region.”
It had stunning geometric marquetry designs inlaid on the top and sides.
He moved his hands, and the box was gone in a flash. Tucked away somewhere.
“Come and find it.” There was a hint of challenge in his voice.
I felt a curl of temptation. Desire was a hot flame licking at my belly. I heard Lexxie’s voice in my head, telling me to loosen up and enjoy myself.
I slid across the couch, shifting closer. “It’s in your jacket pocket.”
He gave me that taunting, maddening smile. “Perhaps.”
I reached over and patted his jacket where it lay over the back of the couch. I frowned. The pockets were empty.
He was staring at me, daring me. I slowly reached over and patted the front of his shirt. Nothing. Well, nothing but firm, warm muscles under that shirt. I slid my hand lower, quickly passing over his rock-hard stomach. Then I patted down to the front pockets of his suit pants. I studiously avoided getting too close to…other things.
No puzzle box.
“Where is it?”
