Heartless Rebel Read Free Page B

           “But
I like talking to you, Cara.”
                 “Only
because you think you can score,” she said, trying to infuse her tone with
acid. It didn’t quite work because his smile didn’t waver.
                 “Ah,
so now we come to the truth.” He set his drink aside, shaking his head at the
waiter who hovered. The waiter disappeared. “Call me Jack.”
                 “I’d
rather not.” Oh, but she would. Repeatedly. She imagined saying his name while
they were entwined. The room would be dark, the atmosphere sizzling. She closed
her eyes as a bead of sweat dripped between her breasts. Why was she thinking
these things? She never did this, never wanted a man she’d only just met. Never
wanted to sink into a hot, dark bed with him.
                 “I
think you would,” he said, his voice a deep, sensual purr. “You feel this thing
between us, too. You want to know more.”
                 Cara
swallowed. “You’re mistaken, Jack . I
want to finish this game, and I want to go home and get out of this outfit …”
Her words trailed off as the look on his face grew more intense.
                 “And
I want to get you out of that delightful outfit.”
                 Her
heart was pounding, thrumming, making her dizzy. “At least you’re honest.”
                 “But
you aren’t.” His smile mocked her.
                 “I
admit I find you attractive,” she defended, heat enveloping her. Whether it was
the heat of embarrassment or the sexual heat of being near this man, she wasn’t
quite sure. “But I don’t know you, and I’m not in the habit of going home with
men I don’t know.”
                 That
was the honest truth, though she was beginning to wonder if she didn’t need to
let her hair down a little bit. She’d been so uptight since coming to Nice. And
now, with the task she faced before this night was through, tension roiled
inside her. Maybe a night with Jack Wolfe could relieve the tightness beneath
her skin.
                 So
long as he didn’t figure out that she was the one responsible for him losing.
                 “Then
perhaps we should get to know each other,” he said.
                 “Perhaps,”
she replied, surprising herself in the process. Was she really considering
this? Or was she letting the flattery of a man like him flirting with her go to
her head? Or maybe she didn’t know what to say, so she said the first thing
that popped into her mind.
                 No
matter what, however, she wasn’t leaving with Jack Wolfe. Because as soon as
this game was over, she was taking her money and going home to New Orleans. Her
conscience pricked her, but what choice did she have?
                 For Mama, Evie and Remy , she told
herself. I’m doing it for them .
                 He
took a step toward her, his big body radiating heat and sexuality. She wanted
to melt against him, wanted to let the big strong man rescue her. Except that’s
not what Cara Taylor did. She took care of herself, and she didn’t need
rescuing. Not ever.
                 “I
look forward to it,” he replied smoothly, his silver eyes darkening as his gaze
slipped down her body. It was a blatantly sexual look—and she loved it.
                 What
she didn’t know was why. “It’s time to return to the table,” she said quickly,
sidestepping him before he could touch her. Because if he touched her, she was
afraid she wouldn’t have the strength to do what she needed.
                 She
caught Bobby’s gaze as she made her way back to the table. His brows were drawn
down, his face twisted into a cruel sneer. Her heart thumped for a different
reason now. If she didn’t do Bobby Gold’s bidding, there was no telling what
he’d do to her. Money would be the least of her