Free Luca's Bad Girl by Amy Andrews Page B

faux corset top.
    She glanced at him and their gazes locked, the message in her eyes heating his loins. He took another pull from his beer, keeping up the eye contact, matching her frank, unwavering stare. If she wanted to play chicken, he was up for it. He smiled to himself as Lily said something to her and Mia was forced to break contact first.
    Why had she come when she’d been so adamant she wouldn’t?
    Just for the sex she was patently up for? Or was there something more to it? Had Stan rattled her again? Or maybe that moment they’d shared had? Had she come to prove it hadn’t? Or to explore if it had?
    The thought alarmed him and Luca served himself up a mental slap. What the hell business was it of his? Her motivations? He knew what he wanted and it didn’t involve second-guessing a gorgeous woman who had come here to have sex with him. Whatever she was offering, he was going to take it.
    And have a damn fine time doing so.
    *
    Mia wandered around the different groups of people, stopping to chat, talk shop, laugh with her friends and colleagues. And all the time she was conscious of Luca tracking her around the room. He hadn’t even said hello to her but she could sense his intense interest, feel the weight of his gaze, the heat of his laser-like focus trained squarely on her back.
    Sure, he was playing the perfect host—attentive and charming as he moved around the apartment—but underneath that bronzed Latin skin she could sense the leashed desire he was just barely keeping a lid on. His glances may be smouldering with lust but she could also feel his impatience as they slowly circled each other.
    She walked past a large bay window and stopped to admire the view. She knew he’d have one. A man with heated bathroom tiles would certainly have a view!
    The iron arch of the illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge and the floodlit white sails of the Opera House glowed like beacons in the night. Of course, these could also be seen from the upper floors of SHH but it was still a pretty amazing sight, no matter how many times she’d been privy to it.
    The hairs on the back of her neck prickled and she was instantly aware he was zeroing in.
    Luca sauntered up to her. ‘I didn’t think you were coming,’ he murmured.
    Mia didn’t turn to look at him. She could see his reflection. Tall, broad shouldered, looking very fine in snug blue jeans and a close-fitting black T-shirt.
    All he needed was Security emblazoned across the front. Or maybe Italian Stallion.
    ‘Nice view.’
    Luca, who hadn’t taken his eyes of her said, ‘Indeed.’He took a sip of his beer. ‘The view from my bedroom is even better.’
    Mia smiled. ‘Don’t you have guests to entertain?’
    Luca chuckled, turning so his back was to the window. Their arms brushed and he felt a kick in his groin. ‘They seem to be amusing themselves just fine.’
    Mia turned too just in time to see Finn entering with a stunning-looking redhead she’d not seen before.
    ‘I didn’t think Finn would come,’ she mused. Evie had been sure of it but she herself hadn’t been convinced.
    ‘Why not?’ Luca frowned.
    ‘He’s not really the social type.’
    He shrugged. ‘He is tonight.’
    Apparently. Very social, if the redhead’s relaxed intimacy was anything to go by. Mia flicked a glance towards Evie and watched her friend’s face fall a little. She gave an inward sigh, wishing she understood Evie’s attraction to the maverick surgeon.
    Sure, his legendary status was alluring and he was sexy in a rumpled kind of way. And single. But that just-rolled-out-of-bed look didn’t do it for her.
    She preferred clean-shaven men.
    Like the one standing beside her.
    ‘So …’ Luca dropped his head so his mouth was near her ear. ‘About that view?’
    Mia felt goose-bumps break out on her arms as her belly constricted. But Evie was looking around with an overly bright smile on her face and Mia knew that her friend needed her.
    ‘Patience is a virtue,’ she