'So, chaps and a whip are not my idea of a costume, and I refuse to wear them.'
'I can make you.'
She crossed her arms and regarded him stonily. 'You can try.'
He glanced down to hide his slight smile. So there were limits beyond which even she would not step for her employer, and of that he was fiercely glad. 'Then what will you wear?'
Her relief flitted briefly. 'Has this dance a theme, or is it just a costume party?'
'The theme is fantasies.' And he was certainly having some erotic fantasies right now. With and without the cashmere sweater that hugged the taut peaks of her breasts so tantalizingly.
She regarded him for a second, then shook her head. 'What is the fascination you Sinclairs have with all things sexual? There's more to life than just mating, you know.'
'Is there?' he drawled. 'It's a shame I've never met anyone who's tempted me to discover that.' His implied insult had her cheeks flaming again. 'Is there any particular reason you're being such an arrogant bastard, or does it just come naturally?'
'You know the reputation of the Sinclairs. You judge.' She snorted softly, then looked over her shoulder as lights swept across the darkness and the sound of a car engine drew close. 'That's my parents,' she said, meeting his gaze again. 'Remember your promise.'
'If you remember yours.'
She swallowed, the pulse at her neck running faster than a startled deer. 'Friends,' she warned, stepping forward and twining her fingers through his. 'Not lovers.' Though he nodded, he had no intention of following her rules. By the end of the night, there would be no doubt in her parents' minds as to why he was whisking her away for four days. Nor would they have any doubt of her willingness.
One more crack in her shields. One more push closer to that edge.
On the surface, dinner was a friendly, casual affair. Neva's parents played the charming hosts and
Duncan played the suave, likeable guest. But underneath, tension slithered. In her mother's case, it was simply annoyance that she'd been given no warning, no time to prepare a proper welcome for the man she already considered a prospective son-in-law. Her father was harder to read--like Neva, he had his shields fully up, so no one could see what he was thinking. But his emotions leaked regardless, and it was obvious he was well aware of Duncan's reputation. His distaste and anger were an emotive swirl that singed her senses.
She didn't eat much. Couldn't, given the churning in her stomach. Yet its cause wasn't only nerves, but
Duncan's very closeness. Her mom had insisted they sit together, and every time he moved, his arm brushed hers, sending lances of longing coursing through her. His actions last night and again in the diner had worked her into a feverish state, and her body responded to his every touch with needy, excited anticipation.
And she was positive it was deliberate. She felt like a cat stuck on a hot tin roof--heat burned every pore, but there was nothing she could do to cure or retreat from the situation.
'Why don't you and Duncan head into the living room,' her mother suggested, rising from the table once the meal was finished. 'We'll bring in the coffee after we clean up.' Neva nodded and without looking at
Duncan rose and led the way into the other room. Once out of the immediate earshot of her parents, she swung around and faced him. 'Stop it,' she said fiercely, clenching her fists and glaring up at him.
'Stop what?' He continued to advance on her. She swallowed and backed away from the almost liquid desire so evident in his dark eyes.
'Stop playing this game. We're friends, nothing more, remember?'
A cold smile teased his lips. He kept advancing. She continued to back away.
'We're not friends, but we are definitely lovers. What is so wrong with letting your parents see that?'
Her back hit the wall, and he stopped. She stared up at him, hating him and yet wanting him.
'We're not lovers. I doubt you even know the meaning of the damn word. We danced, that's all.' He slid his hand under her sweater, his fingers so cool compared to her fevered skin. She tried to sidestep, but he pressed his hard body against her s, singeing her senses with his masculine odor, burning her mind with the flames of his hunger. His gaze all but devoured her as he leaned closer still.
'Don't.' Her voice held very little force. 'Don't what?' His warm breath stroked her lips and sent a tingle of anticipation down her spine. 'You want me to kiss you, Neva. Say it.'
'No.'
His cold smile became almost teasing. If it wasn't for the hardness in his eyes, it might have tugged at her heart. But he was still playing games, still playing her, for whatever sick reason.
He leaned closer still, and his lips brushed hers as he spoke. 'One day you will, you know.'
A tremor ran through her. Moon forbid, he was right. She did want his kiss. Want him. Footsteps echoed down the hall. Her mother, coming closer. She thrust a hand between them and tried to push him away.
It was about as effective as a fly pushing a boulder. 'Not until I get my kiss.'
'Damn you to--'
The rest of her words were lost as his mouth took possession of hers. Had it been a harsh, demanding kiss, she might have been able to fight him. But it wasn't. It was a tender and gentle caress that promised things he would never deliver.
The footsteps stopped, then her mother cleared her throat. Heat flamed Neva's cheeks and she thrust both her hands between them. But he would not be moved or hurried.
She could only thank the moon it was her mother. Her father would probably have demanded a wedding right there and then-- and given Duncan's eccentric, unpredictable behavior since they'd met, she wouldn't have put it past him to agree. If he was intent on ruining her life, it would certainly be the ultimate act of bastardy. He dropped a second kiss on her nose then stepped away, his fingers twining through hers. 'Sorry, Mrs. Grant. Didn't mean to get carried away.'
Her mother tittered like a teenager. 'Please, call me Nancy. And it's all right. I'm not so old that I can't remember what young love is like.'
Young love. Neva almost choked on the words. If she and Duncan shared anything it was an undeniably strong sexual attraction. Once the moon had passed its zenith, that would fade, leaving them nothing but dislike. He pulled her down onto the sofa beside him and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. His long, strong fingers brushed the top of her breast and sent slithers of anticipation across her skin.
Don't you dare, she warned heatedly.
Dare what? This? His thumb pushed across one aching nipple, and she jumped as if stung. Or this? He brushed sweet kisses down her neck. Or--
Enough! She pulled away, her cheeks so hot she was sure they were glowing. Thankfully, her mother had been too busy pouring coffee to see what he was doing. You are not a teenager, Neva. Stop worrying about what your parents are thinking and start enjoying yourself a little.
Ari had said the same thing this afternoon--but neither of them had to live with the fallout of such actions. I have to return to this life once the moon phase is over. You could at least be considerate enough to leave me something to return home to. She lifted her gaze to his. Or is my total destruction truly your aim over these next four days? Her words shook him. Though there was no slip in the mask that shuttered his face and eyes, she sensed the quick thrust of surprise. And beneath it, just a slither of loathing.
It was that emotion, more than anything, that alarmed her. What had she ever done to this man that some small part of him loathed her? And how could he still want her so badly if he did loathe her?
'So, what are your plans?' her mom said, handing them both a cup of coffee before sitting down. 'And why haven't we met you before now?'
'I work with the Eagle County search and rescue team. It's hard to get back here with any sort of regularity.' He shrugged.
She wondered if he were telling the truth. She hoped he was, because her dad would undoubtedly check.
But then, this was all going to go to hell eventually anyway, so it didn't really matter.
And she certainly couldn't picture him as the type willing to sacrifice his life rescuing others. 'Doesn't
Mike Maher work search and rescue in that district?' Her dad walked into the room and leaned a shoulder against the wall, regarding Duncan with angry eyes.
'Mike Maher retired eighteen months ago. Dave Richards is in charge now. I'm his second.' It was hard to
