Inevitable Read Free Page B

to be one hell of an uphill battle.

2
    A N HOUR LATER , Emma sat on the stiff, black leather couch in the library where she’d been told to wait for Xavier and tried not to think about what happened with Ryan.
    She tried. She wasn’t all that successful.
    One brief conversation and he was suddenly all she could think about. Maybe she should seek him out again and get more answers from him. Or maybe she should keep trying to forget she ever saw him in the first place.
    Finally, Xavier entered the room. “There you are, my dear.”
    She stood up. Her purse and tote bag full of books leaned against the leg of the couch to her left. “Here I am. Do you have it?”
    â€œI certainly do.”
    He held a small green glass bottle. It was about the size of an antique perfume bottle with a glass stopper.
    â€œIt’s beautiful,” she said.
    â€œI acquired it in London a few months ago.” He looked at it sourly. “I’m disappointed in it.”
    It was half filled with liquid. “What sort of potion is it supposed to be?”
    â€œIt is called Desidero .” He peered at it through the opening in his mask. “It’s supposed to be a mood enhancer, but it doesn’t seem to work at all. I’ve tested it several times to no avail, which leads me to believe I was either duped when I bought it or its properties are no longer viable. I spent a great deal of money on this and if PARA determines that it is not what it is meant to be, then those who sold it to me will be held accountable. At the very least, I’ll expect my money back.”
    â€œIs it dangerous?”
    â€œNot at all. Like I said, it doesn’t work. It’s no more dangerous than water.”
    Emma took the bottle from him and inspected it, turning it around in her hand. The stopper didn’t look particularly snug. She’d brought a sealed case to keep it in for the trip back so no contents would spill. “We’re happy to assess it for you and let you know what we find. It’ll probably take about a week before someone gives you the report. Anyway, it was very nice to meet you, Xavier.”
    She was about to move past him to grab her bags when he blocked her path. “Leaving so soon?” he asked.
    â€œI appreciate you letting me attend the party, but I think it’s time I headed home. My bus leaves at eleven and it’s already ten o’clock.”
    â€œI understand,” he said, nodding. “But if you’re tired, I have plenty of room here at my mansion. I could have a bed made up for you.”
    â€œThat’s really not necessary.”
    He drew closer to her. “I’d love the chance to get to know you better.”
    Emma stiffened as she felt his bony hand press againsther. “Are you aware that you’re now cupping my right breast?”
    He smiled. “Such a lovely right breast it is. The left one is equally alluring.”
    Oh, boy. “I need to go now.”
    â€œI’m a very rich man, Emma. And I enjoy collecting beautiful things. I have three mistresses set up in Manhattan, two in Toronto, and one in London. Have you ever given any thought to letting someone take care of you so you can live a life of leisure rather than having to pursue a full-time career to support yourself?”
    She eyed him. “Are you asking me to be one of your mistresses?”
    He swept his gaze over her, stopping at her cleavage. “I don’t have a redhead in my collection yet.”
    She couldn’t say she was overly surprised by this turn of events. Xavier Franklin’s reputation for chasing much younger women by the baker’s dozen did precede him, after all. She was surprised he only had six mistresses.
    â€œLook, Xavier, I’m flattered, of course, but I wouldn’t say I’m in the market for—”
    He aimed a kiss toward her mouth, but she dodged out of the way just in time. He grinned wickedly at her.