Enemy Lovers Read Free Page B

didn’t know him well, she’d instinctively collected info over the years because he’d caught her interest. She’d become a good judge of people, trusted her intuition.
    Yes .
    Without another conscious thought, she joined him on the couch.
    His dark brows rose. “Are you sure you should be doing this?”
    God, she loved listening to him speak. So masculine. He oozed confidence, and it was a sexy thing. “I’m attracted to you. We have an opportunity, so why not indulge ourselves?”
    â€œWhat about my reputation?”
    â€œI’ve never heard anything bad about you.” But she’d heard envy and pissed from Aaron when Dallas had moved on a woman her brother wanted.
    â€œHow do I know you’re not playing me? That you’re not gonna call rape once the weekend is done.”
    She gaped at him, appalled he’d suspect her capable of such despicable behavior. “If you’re not interested, tell me. I’m not in favor of coercion either.”
    â€œAnd she’s back.” Amusement darkened his eyes. “The crisp touch-me-not princess has returned.”
    â€œFuck off,” she snapped.
    â€œ Ooh , gutter mouth. I bet your mother would instruct the housekeeper to soap your mouth for that one.”
    Heat poured into her face, and she turned away to stare at the flames. “Stop baiting me.” The words emerged with a helping of sulky. Damn, she was blowing this opportunity . She’d never have another chance, not like this. Taking a deep breath, she forced her gaze back to him. “I’m offering uncomplicated and enjoyable sex. No strings. Once I leave, we both walk away without looking back. If you don’t want that, I’m adult enough to accept rejection.”
    â€œI have a girlfriend.”
    Silence fell, appalled on her part. “Why didn’t you say so?” She didn’t poach other girls’ men. “I’d never knowingly participate in cheating. That’s not me. Let’s change the subject and forget my proposition. No, wait. First, I want to apologize for putting you in this position, although you could’ve set me straight hours ago. Jeesh .”
    He gave a swift nod, grinned. “My girlfriend and I parted ways last year. There hasn’t been anyone serious since then.”
    â€œBut why—” Talk about a rollercoaster ride. Irritation snapped back her confusion. “What the heck? Why would you do that?”
    His smirk disappeared, replaced by a serious mien. “I wanted to see how far you’d go. I have a strict set of rules when it comes to sex, and I wanted to see if we jibed on our philosophies. The last thing I want is to land in the middle of a trap set by a spoiled little rich girl.”
    â€œIt’s not my fault I was born to a wealthy family,” she retorted, tempted to hurl her drink at his pretty face. Why had she ever wanted to kiss that mouth?
    It lied. It played women. It had played her.
    â€œPut yourself in my position. Ever since Laurence Drummond and Sean O’Grady arrived in New Zealand and filed a joint claim on the Otago goldfields, our families have been at war. I need more than your word if we’re going to play nice together. I don’t want my cock to lead me into trouble and have the consequences nip me on the arse.”
    Laura groped to apply fairness to the situation. She sucked in a harsh breath, gripped her glass so hard the heat of the liquid burned her palms. Despite her anger, she understood his reticence, admitted in his place, she’d hold reservations. She glanced up to find him observing her, a peculiar expression etched into his features.
    â€œWhat do you want?” she asked. “What can I do to prove my sincerity here?”
    â€œWhat do I want?” he mused, throwing her words back at her. He sipped his toddy, still watching her until she felt like a trapped mouse. He, of course, was the sleek black