The Bad Guy

“Research?” Sebastian leaned closer.

“A science teacher who actually does research?” Mr. Lindstrom smiled. “Now that’s something to be proud of.” He waved at a small group of older men standing in the open foyer. “Looks like business never ends around here. I have elbow rubbing to do. Nice to meet you, young lady. And good job, Link.” He gave a conciliatory wink before striding toward the power circle.

“What sort of research?” Sebastian pressed.

He’d asked the one question Link couldn’t answer for me. “I’d like to visit the Amazon. One of my former professors is there right now conducting a study on a certain type of deciduous fern that he thinks may have a role in explaining why a particular species of frog is able to switch sexes and impregnate itself.” My passion spilled into my voice as I talked faster than usual. “He doesn’t have any spots available for me, but there are a few other expeditions going on that I could possibly join. One investigating a rogue species of belladonna and another focusing on the upper canopy, harvesting the various plants that grow there to determine any pharmacological uses.”

Link laughed. “She’s my little explorer.”

Sebastian cut his gaze to Link, his frown deepening before his expression returned to neutral. “What was your professor’s name?”

“Stephen Weisman. Do you know him?”

“No. I’m afraid I studied business. It’s more of an art than a science.” He smiled, though his eyes never warmed. “We should go in.” The dismissal in his tone was unmistakable.

He showed interest one moment, and became taciturn the next—I couldn’t figure him out. Link had told me Sebastian could be “off-putting,” and he wasn’t kidding.

“Right. I suppose we’ll see you inside.” Link led me away from the alcove and toward the ballroom. Music swirled through the air as a live band played, drawing the partygoers forward.

A chill raced down my spine, and I looked over my shoulder. Sebastian hadn’t moved, his arms still crossed, his stern expression focused on me. I shivered, though the ballroom was even warmer than the lobby.

Link pressed his palm to my back and led me forward, sweeping me onto the dance floor.

“What a fucking weirdo.” He pulled me close and swayed me to the beat.

“He seemed nice.” The word stuck on my tongue, as if unwilling to describe Sebastian Lindstrom. My gaze strayed toward the alcove, though I couldn’t see beyond the other couples dancing to the slow song.

“He’s an asshole.” He gripped me tighter. “And I didn’t like the way he was looking at you.”

“I think he’s just sort of, I don’t know, maybe awkward? I’m sure he means well.”

He leaned back and caught my gaze. “Why do you always think the best of people?”

“Why not?”

His stare dropped to my mouth, then lower to the neckline of my dress. He wetted his lips. “Because I’m having some particularly bad thoughts right now.”

“At a company function?” I opened my eyes wide with mock surprise. “How very impertinent of you.”

“I can’t help it. I’m hot for teacher.”

I rolled my eyes as he spun me, then pulled me close again. “Never heard that one.”

“Do you have any idea how hard all those teenage boys wank to you every night?”

I slapped his arm. “Eww!”

“It’s true. You are a wet dream for them.” He leaned in closer and nipped at my ear. “For me, too.”

“Would you mind if I cut in for a moment?” The cool voice sliced through our flirting and stopped us mid-sway.

3

Sebastian

Link wanted to protest, his body tensing as I moved closer to Camille. But there were quite a few perks to being Lindstrom Corp.’s CEO. I stared him down, waiting for his inevitable acquiescence.

“Be my guest.” His tone wasn’t as inviting as his words, but I didn’t care. He could sulk in the corner for the rest of the night, and it would suit me just fine. I had to get closer to Camille, and I wasn’t above using my position as Link’s boss to get my way.

“Thank you.” I dismissed him and focused on his date. “If it’s all right with you, of course.”

She looked at me over her shoulder, her eyes fringed with dark lashes. “Um, sure.”

She’d drawn me in the moment I saw her standing next to him. Her demure attempts to pull her dress down, the heavenly curve of her neck, the raw intelligence that sparkled in her eyes. I had to know who she was, even if it meant breaking out of my cold shell to approach her. It was impulsive, but necessary.

“Shall we?” I held out my hands, well aware of the slight shake in them.

So close to something I wanted, I couldn’t help the surge of adrenaline that pooled in my brain. Take her. The sensation was as strange as it was forceful. What was happening to me? The need to take her, steal her, almost overwhelmed me, but I kept it at bay.