Free Pretty Hot (The Pretty Trilogy Book 1) by Donna Alam Page B

face as surely as embarrassment shades mine. ‘Shall we . . . have that drink?’ He laughs quietly, indicating an oriental looking chest set against the wall, cluttered with bottles.
    ‘Yeah, sure,’ I say with a casual shrug, though I’m kidding no one. Skin burning, I push my hair behind my ears and follow behind, glad that the soft lighting will hide the depth of my blush.
    ‘You’re sure you wouldn’t prefer coffee? You know, you’re no good to me absolutely drunk.’
    I stop in my tracks, hand suspended mid-air.
    ‘I’m joking,’ he says with a soft chuckle, his hands now warm on my shoulders. He stares down at me, eyes twinkling with mirth, even as his mouth maintains a serious line. ‘Wine, definitely. Drink certainly makes you more . . . cooperative.’
    ‘Is that your seduction plan?’ My voice sounds quite strangled as his hands burn my shoulders. Maybe he’s going to kiss me . Instead, his hands slide away as he turns to the chest holding the drinks.
    ‘Do you think I need one?’ His tone is even as he lifts a wine bottle in question.
    I nod my head to the drink. The first question goes unanswered, but I think we both know. Any more questions like these and I’ll snap the bottle from his hand and chug it from the neck.
    ‘Well?’
    ‘Sorry?’ I counter, playing dumb.
    ‘Do you need seducing?’
    ‘Are you always this direct?’ I use my serious teacher’s voice, not that it seems to have any effect as he addresses the bottles.
    ‘Usually. And in the quest for full disclosure, I have a confession to make.’ He pours the blood red liquid into the bowl of a glass. ‘I am a lawyer, but it’s not quite that simple.’ His face is unreadable as he places the glass in my hand.
    ‘Oh,’ I reply, disconcerted for the second time in as many minutes. I’m an assuming ass. Awesome. Of course, I have an idea where this is leading and my stomach tightens unpleasantly.
    ‘The school, Al Mishael, belongs to my family, more specifically my mother. It’s named for her. I was on my way to a meeting with the principal on her behalf when I saw you in your classroom. Quite an event in an otherwise dull day.’ The corner of his mouth quirks, rendering him further all kinds of sexy.
    But, crap. I amin my boss’s hotel suite. Casting couch, anyone? We each raise a glass to our lips, Kai pausing. Naturally, I take a large gulp.
    ‘Strictly speaking, you shouldn’t be here on so many levels. But I’m glad that you are. You and that ladder . . . ’ With a small shake of his head, he fixes his gaze on the glass as he turns the stem. ‘Drink. Please,’ he says, eyes returning to mine. ‘Then maybe say something.’
    I take another sip, then raise the glass again for a larger swallow, trying to arrange my thoughts and features behind the bowl.
    ‘My being here could get you into trouble?’ It wasn’t something that had occurred to me, more the other way around.
    ‘It could be complicated for me, certainly. I’m on the board and you are an employee, a new employee.’ Placing his barely touched drink back on the cabinet, he steps toward me, taking the glass from my passive hand. ‘There are other things to consider, but as for trouble, it’s a little too late now.’
    Heat fills his gaze as he brushes a wayward lock of hair from my face. My breath hitches and for a moment I forget to exhale. When my breath finally hits the air, I know I won’t weigh up the consequences of what’s to follow. I’ll allow myself this moment. For once in my life, I’m going to do what I want, do who I desperately want. I’ll leave sensible Kate in the distance and regrets for tomorrow morning. When I roll out of his bed.
    ‘Thank fuck for wobbling ladders.’ Kai’s voice is low and throaty as he slides one hand into my hair, eyes briefly resting on my mouth. My lips are parched and tingling and my tongue darts out to wet the bottom one, wordlessly willing him to close the space. As his thumb barely