Free Breathless Series - by Katelyn Skye Page A

warmly, his eyes sweeping in admiration over her. “How nice to see you again.”
    “Yes,” Alyssa heard herself say foolishly. She couldn’t think of anything else to add. He was so fine. As hot as she remembered. Dark hair perfectly groomed, his clothes fitting impeccably to his lithe frame. His face, smoothly shaved and as handsome as sin. She looked into his eyes and felt like she was reeling. Nothing had changed, she realized. Just being this close to him was all it took and she was pierced by a laser-like shaft of need.
    “You look…ravishing,” he said deeply, his eyes pinned to her face. Blushing furiously, she looked away and caught the curious looks from many of the other guests. Schooling her expression, she faced Lucas again.
    “Thank you. And you look well. I…I’m happy to see you,” she added, trying to keep the accusation from her tone and failing.
    He seemed to read her like a book, and his lips slanted in a small, slightly ironic smile. But he chose to keep up the air of cordiality. “A friend of mine owns this gallery and suggested I checked out a few pieces for my personal collection. I can see one or two that would sit well in my mansion in the country.”
    “Well then, I’d better not keep you,” she said, about to back away when he slipped a firm hand around her wrist, making her pause.
    “No, it’s great that you’re here. You could give me your opinion. I’d really appreciate it,” he said, his long fingers warm and sensual where they pressed into her flesh, his thumb lightly caressing her jumping pulse.
    “That’s nice of you to say but I don’t think that would be wise, do you? I mean, being seen with some other lady on your arm. I doubt your girlfriend would approve.”
    “My girlfriend?” Lucas cocked a brow at her, and then his eyes narrowed moments later in realization. “You mean Erin.”
    Alyssa wanted to tear her wrist out of his grip as jealous anger she’d never known she was capable of feeling surged through her. “Yes, the beautiful stage actress. You both have seemed inseparable in the past weeks. And I thought you said you didn’t date,” she told him through a tight smile. “Or maybe you’ve found someone to play the willing sub you so desired?”
    Lucas’s eyes flashed with the first spark of annoyance. She could feel his fingers tighten fractionally around her wrist. “Erin and I don’t have that kind of relationship. I told you, you are the first woman I’ve felt like sharing that with in a long time and that hasn’t changed.”
    Unwisely, Alyssa’s heart lifted at those words, though his dark, angry eyes made it seem less than a romantic declaration. “But you don’t deny you’re with her,” she said coldly.
    Lucas released her hand, looking away from a moment as he expelled an impatient breath. “Alyssa, I made you and offer and you refused. Being the man I am I had to respect your wishes. In the past few weeks I’ve tried to lick my wounds and put it behind me. I never had to force a woman to be my submissive and I didn’t intend to start with you despite the fact…. that I’ve wanted it to be you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone or anything, ever.”
    Now he looked definitely pissed off that he’d been forced to make that confession. Alyssa chewed on her bottom lip, watching his every expression and wishing they were somewhere more private and not in the middle of such an exposed environment where their conversation could easily be overheard. She was aware of the cameras and the paparazzi dotting the corners, waiting for a scoop. ‘Top romance writer embroiled in steamy liaison with billionaire mogul. Is love in the air? ’ Alyssa could just see the seedy headlines and she grimaced inwardly.
    But before she could speak, Lucas was adding coolly, “I didn’t mean to cut off from you so entirely but it was the only way, Alyssa. I couldn’t chance getting to see you again or being around you – and risk acting the fool because