The Tantric Principle Read Free Page B

and some females made accusations that weren’t true.” Their food came. Silence settled over the table while he forked up his pasta. Then he continued. “She ended up getting the school. My reputation was ruined as a teacher. I walked away with nothing and had to start over. So, I moved to New York and made a fresh start.”

    “I’m sorry.”

    She offered no more, but he spotted an understanding in her gaze that soothed him. Grant realized he had never told the story to anyone other than his close friends back in Florida. No one in New York had ever scaled the wall to learn his past. Somehow, Arianna had gotten past. On some strange level, he trusted her. So, he told her everything.

    “She lied to me.”

    Arianna blinked, seeming to realize the worst had not been told. “How did she lie, Grant?”

    “She was having an affair with one of the students the whole time. While she accused me and took my school, she was screwing around with one of my senior aides.” Her hands reached across the table and interlinked his fingers as he’d done back in the studio. The warmth and softness of her flesh closed around him and chased away the cold. “It doesn’t matter,” she said softly. “One of the principles you teach is correct. It’s your own karma that you need to account for. You didn’t cheat. You didn’t do anything wrong. And another principle I’ve learned in this life.”

    “What?”

    She smiled then, dazzling, sexy. “Life sometimes sucks.” He smiled back. “Sad story over. Now you know.”

    “But I don’t.”

    “Don’t what?”

    “I don’t know why you won’t take me to bed.”

    Her words shot like cannon fire in the candlelit room. The waiter took their plates, brought two fresh drinks and moved on.

    “I promised I would never have an affair with a student. Too messy. Too many lies to cover up.”

    “I’m a grown woman with a mind and career of my own. I’m not promising love everlasting and white picket fences. You’re not married. I’m single. And we’re both dedicated to our careers. I just want you. For as long as it lasts.” His body shuddered in response. Grant fought the knowledge things too good to be true usually weren't. “Arianna,” he said softly, his hand tightening over hers. “I don’t want you to get hurt. I don’t want to make a mess of things again. I worked too hard to get back where I am.”

    “I understand.”

    Slowly, her fingers unraveled and she picked up her martini. He felt the distance close around her and knew it was his doing. Her body would be as open as her mind. He just needed to say yes. “Arianna—“

    “No.” She shook her head. “I do understand, Grant. Life’s messy. I’m not going to chase you like some love-struck teenager. I work long hours and weekends. My smart phone is another appendage I can’t live without. I don’t want to change your life, I just want you in my bed. I’m even willing to let you set the rules.”

    She waved a hand in the air. “But we probably wouldn’t fit. I’m direct and sometimes rude. I love sex and alcohol and red meat. I swear like a cop in Detroit and would probably side with a condo developer over saving some extinct bird species no one gives a crap about. I’ll still come to class, and I’ll finish up the weekend, but don’t play games with me.” He almost gasped. “Play games with you?”

    “Don’t put your hands on me unless you’re ready for me. Got it?

    Then he knew.

    Grant grabbed the bill, threw down some cash and stood up. Arianna sat, almost sullenly sipping her drink, expecting a male temper tantrum. “Get up,” he said.

    “Why?”

    He leaned over and spoke against her ear. “Because I’m going to strip off your dress and make you come so many times you’ll beg for mercy. Don’t make me say it again.” He paused.
    “Get up. Now.”

    Arianna got up on legs that trembled and followed him out of the dining room.

    * * * *

    The door closed.

    Arianna