Free Louisa Neil by Bete Noire

She nodded to him and continued to the basement. By Wednesday, when they sent the Sunday supplements to the printers, the tension was worse. She had never been so thankful to see Friday arrive. On Saturday she was out doing her errands and felt, more than saw, Dane behind her. It had been a long time since she’d had these feelings. Diana considered her ability to read people a sixth sense, one that could help her, and other times annoy her, when she had to hide it from people who lied to her. Most often, she tuned it out, choosing to get to know people on a personal level. Other times, she couldn’t shut down the inner intuition that exposed other peoples thoughts or motives to her. Lately, since meeting Dane and the turmoil of the newspaper changing hands, she found it harder to tune out. What would Dane think if he knew she understood him before he was ready to reveal himself and his motives? Yes, after last week with him, he’d almost become transparent to her. He needed her for something other than sex. What exactly that was she still needed to determine. Somehow, she knew Sloan was the missing piece and wondered when she’d meet him.
    Turning around, she saw how Dane tried to hide the smile on his lips. While it annoyed her, it also made her body melt at the idea of getting laid again. Since his visit last week, it seemed to her he’d reopened a doorway to her sexual needs she’d shut long ago. Letting him have sex with her was her curse. Her body craved more, and she wondered how he’d satisfy her and for how long.
    “This is a coincidence,” Dane told her, holding his hands up in a defensive move.
    Now she was the one to hold back a smile. Did he really think she’d haul off and slug him in the middle of a crowded street? While it was a passing thought, she knew she wouldn’t follow through with it. Instead, she pushed forward her indignant side.
    “I don’t believe in coincidences.” She let out a huffing breath, scanning the street to see if there was anyplace private she could take him for a quick fuck. There wasn’t, of course, but the idea ran through her. As her pussy ached for his cock, she knew today she wouldn’t feel him inside her.
    “Let me help you with those bags,” he said, reaching forward to take the groceries she had collected. He slid his hands under the canvas straps of her reusable bags, his fingers rubbing along her skin.
    “Only because they’re really heavy,” she said, still carrying an attitude.
    “If you’re done, I can drive you home. I managed to get a parking spot just a few blocks away.” He hesitated. “Unless you’d rather have lunch first.”
    “No, thanks, I’d rather not, but I’ll accept the ride home. It seems I overpurchased what I could carry.”
    “Great. If you’re done, the car is this way.”
    “Fine,” she said with a huff. She walked beside him to his luxury car, a new model Jaguar in black. It had a saddle-color interior. It was a car she could picture herself driving on the open road, feeling the power of the engine and being in absolute control. He put her packages in the trunk, and with the turn of the key, the engine roared to life. “Nice car,” she mumbled.
    “Want to go for a drive?”
    “A short one,” she told him, directing him out of the city and just a short distance away to an area where levies were still being rebuilt. It was empty of workmen on a Saturday and somewhat secluded. When he pulled in to park and turned off the vehicle, Diana knew what she wanted to happen, knew she’d directed him here on purpose.
    “Were you here when the storm hit?” Dane asked, seeming somewhat nervous.
    “No, I only moved here two years ago.” She drew a breath and let it out slowly. “Dane…” She didn’t say any more. Instead, she unclasped her seat belt and climbed between the two bucket seats, settling in the backseat. “Join me,” she said and watched several thoughts go through his mind along with accompanying