The Billionaires: The Stepbrothers (Lover's Triangle 3)

Scarlet really did work too much.

But her seemingly never-ending dry spell needed to take a backseat to her investigation. Easily would, if Michael Vandenberg didn’t spark all kinds of riotous emotions within her. So effortlessly. So quickly. And she had a feeling he sensed her ardent response to him, hence the reason he’d gone straight for the jugular, knowing exactly why she was interested in speaking with him and countering it by taking advantage of the instant and obvious sexual chemistry between them.

With a mischievous expression crossing his devilish visage, he said, “You finally have me where you want me.”

Hardly. But the two of them naked and tangled in rumpled sheets was not a notion she could afford to entertain at the moment.

Regardless, a shiver cascaded down her spine and she squirmed uncomfortably on the leather cushion.

His voice was still low and sexy as he added, “For a few minutes, anyway.”

Scarlet’s body betrayed her further. Her stomach fluttered and the throbbing between her legs radiated deep in her core.

This mysterious man possessed a magnetic, potent presence that kept her charged and breathless. She’d seen enough photos of him during her initial research phase to know he was gorgeous, broad shouldered, powerful. A force to be reckoned with in business … and, without doubt, pleasure.

She should have been well prepared for the full impact of him. But clearly was not.

Yes, Scarlet was a thrill seeker. One of the reasons she was so good at her job. But the sort of buzz that hummed through her because of Vandenberg’s penetrating gaze was the most enticing thrill of all. Causing her usual tunnel-vision concentration to wane.

Eye on the ball, Scarlet.

Eye. On. The. Ball.

“So you’ll answer my questions?” she asked, a bit too breathy for her own good.

“Singular—just one. After you answer mine.”

A no-brainer.

“You want to know why I’m investigating a cold case,” she mused.

“No.” His smoky eyes held her captive. “I want to know if you always wear short, tight dresses when you confront potential criminals.”

Not missing a beat, she told him, “Well, potential is the operative word here, correct? And besides, the venue warrants the attire.”

“Hmm. Does it?” He boldly rested his free hand on her bare thigh, while his arm remained draped along the back of the booth, keeping them in cozy proximity to each other. “This particular dress does everything to evoke a man’s desire. Are you sure your plan isn’t to seduce a confession out of me for a crime I didn’t commit?”

“An arrogant assumption. And that’s two questions,” she said, her chest rising and falling faster than normal as her heart rate accelerated with the tantalizing sensation of his thumb absently sweeping over her skin.

“I figure I’m entitled,” he told her. “You’ve placed dozens of calls to my office, trying to track me down. Why are you so fixated on an art collection that disappeared over five years ago? The statute of limitations for prosecution has run out.”

“There’s still time to file a civil suit.”

“Only if you can prove the collection wasn’t stolen and that my family fraudulently reported the theft to the insurance company.”

The adrenaline pumped as they got down to business.

Well, almost down to business.

There was the matter of his palm on her thigh. This time, she was convinced it was on purpose, to sidetrack her.

It was too damn bad his gaze was so sizzling and his touch was so electrifying.

But she had something much more important to focus on. And she needed him to back off so she could do her job.

She waited for the server to deliver their cocktails. Then Scarlet told the erotically stirring man sitting so close to her that she inhaled his expensive, intoxicating scent, “I carry a gun, Mr. Vandenberg. I’m also a certified Krav Maga instructor. I can break your hand without even breaking a sweat. And what I can do to your balls will put you in traction for a week. You’re playing a very risky game with me right now.”

His wicked grin returned. “Feisty and fiery. You live up to the traits associated with your hair color and your name.” He reached for his drink. Took a sip.