Chapter 9

Arianna moved away from him as gracefully as her shaky legs would allow then went to look out the window. Some force out there didn’t want them to get too close. She heard him come up behind her.

His hand lightly ran down her hair to her back. When he spoke, his mouth was close to her ear. “Stay. I’ll behave.”

She grinned at the window. “I’m not sure I want you to.” She heard him chuckle softly into her hair.

“Come finish your wine while you decide.”

His voice resonated through her. She inhaled slowly and nodded, still not turning. “I’ll stay for a short while more.” His hand rested on her hip and she could feel the heat from his body close to her back. He brushed her hair to one side and placed a hot kiss against the back of her neck. “That isn’t going to help me think.”

“Maybe that’s the idea.” He sighed into her hair and stepped back from her.

She turned slowly and looked at him through lowered lashes. “Give me a moment to clear my head.”

He grinned at her. “I don’t think that will help me in anyway.”

Arianna laughed and walked slowly to the small sofa. She turned and sat down, taking her time looking at him as he moved. The way he moved with his eyes traveling over her slowly, he looked every inch the predator his costume was meant to imply. Her nerves were jumping, and her hormone levels elevating further with each step he took. “I feel stalked.”

He grinned beneath the golden mask. “I can’t help it.”

His tone was soft, but the underlying ravenous note in his simple admission sent chills of excitement through her. “I didn’t say it was a bad thing.” She picked up a glass with hope that a few sips would give her something to do while she tried to settle down.

He sat beside her, and on the small sofa, it brought him close to her. She took a few sips and then turned to see he was watching her. “I’m afraid I’m not very good at this.”

His lashes lowered and he grinned. “You’re quite good at looking so tempting.”

Arianna laughed quietly. “That’s not what I meant, really.”

His hand lightly traveled down her arm, which sent little jolts of excitement through her. “Would you rather I behave?”

Oh, that was a question. She quickly sifted through the possible answers. “I’m not sure.”

He leaned close enough to her that she could feel his breath on her cheek. “Let me know when you are.”

How was she supposed to think with him this close? Did she really want to think her way through this? She took another sip and then realized as she lowered the glass that drinking wine to give herself time to think was probably not going to help the situation. She crossed her legs and forced herself to settle into the soft cushions.

She needed a minute to clear her head. Setting the glass down, she smiled. “Could you point me in the direction of a bathroom?” She knew exactly where it was, but he couldn’t know that.

He kissed just beneath her jaw. “Through the other door.”

She took a slow breath and nodded. “I’ll be right back.” She got up and quickly went across the room.

Opening the door, she walked into her old bedroom. She glanced around at the very nicely decorated bedroom as she headed to the open bathroom door. Noting the navy satins hanging from the canopy bedposts and the large billowing navy curtains at the window, she wondered if this was Evan’s room. It definitely had a male aura to it.

Closing herself in the bathroom, she leaned against the door. Evan. Pains of guilt flashed through her. She had come here to see him, and instead, she was playing a heated game with a lion. Not that she ever had a chance with Evan, but she liked to think that under different circumstances, they might have gotten closer.

She turned to look in the mirror. Her black-masked face stared back at her. Even though she could see herself clearly, she didn’t look the same. She somehow looked more alluring, her cheeks were flushed slightly, and her eyes heavy and darker. Blowing out a slow breath, she turned away from her own image. Obviously hormones running amok created a good look for her. She hadn’t looked that alive and healthy in years.

Hugging her arms around her waist, she looked at the door. On the other side of that door was a man who clearly wanted to spend some time with her, in a very physical way. Biting her lip, she muddled through any reasons why she shouldn’t spend time with him. She was definitely attracted to him, and he to her. She had only come tonight so she wouldn’t disappoint Evan. A quick appearance, just long enough for Evan to know she had come and then home again, alone. She didn’t know him, but then again, he didn’t know her. He wouldn’t even remember her beyond midnight.

Midnight! She wasn’t even sure what time it was. When had she gotten here? After chickening out several times and turning around to head home, she wasn’t sure what time she’d actually found the nerve to open the door and come in, as the sign on the door had said to do. She fanned her face to try to make her brain work. She definitely had to be out of here before midnight. She was not putting herself through getting close to a man to not be remembered ever again.

“Okay,” she whispered. “Find out the time; see about finding Evan, and what happens after that is up to fate.” She nodded her head quickly. Taking a deep breath, she stepped away from the counter and opened the door.

~

Evan continued to sit there, trying to appear patient. Hopefully his outward appearance was pulling it off, because inside, he was climbing the walls waiting for her to come back. She stepped through the door and his mind almost snapped. The way she moved was hypnotising, the flash of that stocking covered leg every other step may have had something to do with it too. Not wanting to speak and break the way he felt watching her brought him, he smiled at her.

“Leo, would it be asking too much if you could see if Evan is free yet?” she asked hesitantly.

Those were not the words he wanted to hear. Yes, she wanted him, but not the him who was before her right this moment. He stood up slowly. “Of course.” He saw her glance at the clock. “Can I bring you back anything?” She shook her head. Nodding, he walked to the door and then hesitated with his hand on the handle. Might be the last chance, went through his mind. He turned and went over to her. “Are you certain you wouldn’t like anything?” He ran the back of his hand lightly down her throat, watching the indecision go through her eyes.

She shook her head again. “I’m fine, really.”

He moved a little closer and leaned down to brush his lips lightly over hers. “I’ll be right back.” Straightening, he briskly walked over to the door again.