For two hours I attempted to ignore her disquieting presence, to concentrate on laying the groundwork for what needed to be done. But with every appreciative bite of the meal I’d had my chef prepare for her, with every stretch of her voluptuous body as she shifted on the sofa and every flick of her hair over her shoulder, my body reacted with visceral hunger.
A hunger I cursed with every breath for messing with my concentration and control. For being neither circumspect nor discerning about the kind of woman it wanted.
First Anneka, with her wide-eyed innocence that had hidden a grotesquely flawed character. Now this green-eyed siren, who should be the last woman to pique my interest and yet fired me up with one simple defiant look.
‘You’re glaring at me,’ she stated, while glaring right back.
I ended a call that was going nowhere fast, rose and approached her. With each step I knew the path I was taking was the right one. Swift. Precise.
Permanent?
She would resist my plans, of course. I chose to ignore the kick in my gut signalling that I’d relish tussling with her. This was more than base pleasure. This was laying the foundations to secure my heir’s future.
Her stunning green eyes widened a touch, and I was gratified to see her gaze rush over me before she attempted to look away.
‘Did you enjoy your lunch?’
She shrugged. ‘It was fine, thanks.’
Her gaze grew more wary the closer I got. Did she know how enthralling she looked, with her face tilted up to me like that, the satin-smooth perfection of her neck just begging to be stroked?
For several heartbeats after I stopped, she stared at me. Then she visibly roused herself, picked up her purse and rose.
‘I should be going. If I’m lucky, I might catch an earlier flight.’
‘You’re aware we have a lot more to discuss?’
She paused. ‘Like what?’
‘Like your employment status, for starters. Have you secured another job since the incident at the clinic?’
Her gaze swept away. ‘Not a permanent one. I’m currently temping.’
I forced my jaw not to grit. ‘Are you going to tell me what you meant about your mother?’
Her chin lifted at that. ‘No. It’s still none of your business.’
‘The welfare of this child is paramount. Nothing is going to stop me ensuring it doesn’t come to harm. I wish you to be absolutely clear about that.’
‘And you intend to dig your way through my life to do that?’ she challenged.
‘I intend to take away whatever worries you so that you can concentrate on remaining healthy.’
The answer disarmed her. As it had been intended to. Her lips parted, triggering a shot of heat to my groin.
‘You...can’t do that.’
‘Can’t I? How exactly do you propose to stop me?’
Her eyes sparkled with that telling green that spelled the start of her temper. ‘A restraining order, for starters?’
I curbed the curious smile that threatened. ‘What’s to stop me from returning the favour? Or have you forgotten the small matter of your crime?’
Vexation receded, to be replaced by apprehension. ‘I’m getting tired of your veiled threats, Mr Xenakis.’
‘I said you may call me Neo.’
One elegant eyebrow quirked. ‘Oh, I can use your first name now, can I?’