Free Taught by the Tycoon by Shelli Stevens Page B

seatbelt. “I’ll pose as your girlfriend this week, Damiano, but there can be no repeat performances of what happened on Saturday night.”
    He arched a brow. “Do you mean our kiss?”
    “That’s exactly what I mean.” She smoothed her hands over her skirt and cast him a quick look. “We can’t become physically involved. No matter what kind of pretense we’re making this week you’re still my boss in the end, and I’d like to keep my job.”
    “Your job never was, and never will be, at risk, Rachel. I hope you’ll always be secure in that realization.” He gave a faint smile as the car pulled away from the curb. “That includes whether we sleep together or not.”
    Her eyes widened slightly, before narrowing just as quickly. “Not. The answer is not in your bed. I thought I’d just made that clear.”
    “I was speaking hypothetically. We don’t have to sleep together, but do you not think my family will find it strange, Dolcezza , if we are not displaying affection publicly? Even if just holding hands, or a few stolen kisses?”
    A flicker of unease crossed her face. “No, I suppose you’re right. And I can,” she swallowed visibly, “manage a bit of affection then, I suppose. But when we’re alone, the charade is over.”
    “If that’s what you wish.”
    Did she truly think she could turn the passion on and off that easily? He knew without a doubt that there would be no acting this week when it came to the chemistry between them.
    The moment he’d touched her, with his hands or with his mouth, he’d felt her shiver. Saw the flash of awareness in her eyes, and just how hard she fought.
    “You sound as if you’re mocking me.” Her gaze shot accusations now. “Of course it’s my wish.”
    “Is it really?” He couldn’t help but push her further. “We’re grown adults, no? So why do we act like inexperienced children flirting. I enjoyed that kiss last night, and unless I’m wrong—which I highly doubt—you did too. If there is a passion knocking at our door, why do we not answer?”
    There’d been surprise in her eyes when he’d said he enjoyed their kiss, but now her chin lifted defiantly.
    “I’ll tell you why. Because, in case you’ve forgotten, we’re not really a couple and as I said before, I don’t sleep around.” She slid her gaze away. “And you’re right, there’s no denying we both felt something with that kiss. It’s unfortunate we opened that door, as you put it. But I’m going to insist it must remain firmly closed.”
    His lips quirked. At least she wasn’t denying the attraction between them, but he still couldn’t help but feel irked that his sensible P.A. was again acting entirely...too sensible.
    “As you wish.”
    She clenched her hands on her lap. “And maybe you’re using me this week, but remember I’m using you too.”
    The reminder of how this whole situation had come about made something dark take root inside him.
    “Lionelli.” The name was bitter on his tongue. “Of course.”
    “And you were right.” She crossed one leg over another, and turned her gaze out the window. “He’s already been in contact.”
    “Has he now.” He kept his words even and casual, even if darkness swelled in his gut at her statement. Lionelli had already approached her, even after Damiano had warned him away? “And what did he say?”
    “That he was sad to realize I was already involved with someone,” she paused. “And that I should be careful because it was you.”
    “How perfectly cliché. Throwing stones in a glass house and all. Was that everything?”
    “No.” She met his gaze again and her chin lifted. “He also said should things not work out between you and I, I’m to give him a call.”
    Like a dog trying to steal a bone. Damiano gave a semblance of a smile and arched a brow at her.
    “Well, it appears you have exactly what you wanted. After this week is over, and you’ve spent each moment pretending to be the lover of a tycoon,