Dare to Desire (Dare to Love 2)

It had always been this way between us. Any time I ran into him at the club, the attraction had been electric and when we found ourselves alone, the flirting outrageous.

One night Gabe caught me exiting the Ladies’ Room. Lance came upon us then and once home, he’d accused me of desiring Gabe. I’d denied it, of course.

I’d lied.

Lance knew it and after catching us talking privately at more than one event, he’d kept a firm lock on my arm. And because I desperately wanted the life I’d chosen to make sense, I’d allowed the possession.

Besides, Gabe always had an elegant woman on his arm, a different one each time. He could have any beautiful female he desired. Why would he choose me? Even Lance, who I’d been with for what felt like a lifetime, liked ownership, not me. And let’s face it, my parents hadn’t wanted me either. So believing in myself wasn’t my strong suit.

“So. What are you in for?” Gabe settled in his brother’s chair, propping an elbow on the cluttered desk so he could lean closer. “Prostitution?”

“Excuse me?” I choked out. “You know I’m not a hooker!” I said offended, the whispers I’d heard when Lance and I first got together, rushing back.

Gold digger and mistress were among the chosen words, never mind that Lance’s single-minded pursuit had broken down every one of my defenses.

Gabe chuckled, assuring me he’d been joking. “Seriously, you dress down as well as you dress up.” His gaze raked over me, hot approval in the inky depths, appreciating me in a way Lance never had.

My insides trembled at the overwhelming effect this man had over me. “Where’s the cop with my money?” I asked, glancing around.

“Worried about your stash?” Gabe drummed his fingers on the desk. “Are you sure you’re not a hooker?” he mused.

I didn’t want to grin but I did. “Why are you so desperate to think I am? Are you a pimp or something?”

He burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the walls of the quiet station. “Not quite,” he said, obviously amused.

The tread of his brother’s heavy footsteps announced his return.

Gabe looked at the other man with a disappointed expression. “Bro, didn’t anyone tell you you’re supposed to handcuff a lady to the headboard, not a desk?” He folded his arms across his broad chest. “It’s no wonder you can’t get any action.”

I ducked my head, trying not to laugh …