Free Pages of Passion by Dara Girard Page B

Noreen said, annoyed.
    “I’m here to make sure of that. Keep yourself and your property safe. Thieves like ships.”
    “I don’t know who you are, but I know what I’m doing. Trust me.” Noreen didn’t like the man’s tone and was confused that the client had sent someone along on the cruise to keep an eye on her.
    “Just remember that some people might want more from you than your pretty face.”
    Noreen wordlessly stared at him, no longer feeling angry, but a little frightened.
    “Like I said. Watch yourself,” he repeated then abruptly released her and disappeared into the crowd.
    Noreen watched him go, confused. Why would there be such a fuss over an antique ring? The confrontation reminded her of some of the men she’d met years ago when she’d worked for her uncle. No, she didn’t want to even consider the possibility that her sister was involved in something illegal. This probably had to do with the eccentric client, who was waiting for the ring to be delivered. She didn’t have much time to reflect on itwhen she found out the reason for the stranger’s quick departure.
    “Who was that?” Michael demanded, staring past her.
    It was a simple question, but his harsh tone and the cold look in his eyes revealed a ruthlessness that made her inwardly shiver. “Oh,” Noreen said in a bright voice. “He was just a little drunk and wanted someone to dance with.”
    Michael’s eyes fell to her face, dark and probing. “He didn’t look drunk to me.”
    “Tipsy then.”
    Michael frowned. “He acted like he knew you.”
    “Maybe I reminded him of someone,” she said lightly. “Are you jealous?”
    “Very,” he said, with a silken thread of warning.
    Noreen touched his arm, surprised by the tension in him. “Forget about it. Let’s go sit down.”
    Without warning Michael drew her into a dancer’s embrace. She didn’t expect the jolt of awareness when their bodies met. She’d been close to him before and had felt his body against hers, but not like this. Before, their connection had been accidental or necessary, but this was deliberate.
    “I thought you didn’t want to dance.”
    “I changed my mind,” he said, daring her to challenge him.
    She declined and let herself be seduced by the pulsating music and the hard form pressed against her. Their bodies moved to the slow, steady rhythm, his arm around her waist, and she felt a deep, throbbing hunger.She wanted him. He was the perfect antidote to her malaise. She felt as if she could dance all night. He made her feel feminine and free and strong and beautiful. She rested her head against his chest, wanting the moment to last forever.
    “You don’t love him,” Michael said, with a flat note of conviction.
    Noreen lifted her head, startled, and looked up at him. “What?”
    “You wouldn’t respond to me like this if you did.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “My competition.”
    Noreen sighed with annoyance. “Why are we back to that?”
    “Does he have something over you? If he does, I might be able to help.”
    “I don’t need your help. It’s none of your business.”
    “You don’t love him.”
    Noreen met Michael’s gaze, remembering Arlene. “I do in my own way and I don’t have to explain it to you.”
    “I’m not even sure you like him.”
    “You’re wrong.”
    He slid his hand up her back to her exposed flesh, his palm hot against her skin. “You’re responding to me as if a man hasn’t touched you in months.”
    Noreen’s body tingled at his touch, but she kept her voice steady. “That’s your imagination.”
    His eyes clung to hers. “I imagine a lot of things, but I’m not imagining this.”

Chapter Eight
    S he tried to pull away. “I’m leaving.”
    He held her still. “Because I’m right?”
    “No, because I don’t need another possessive man in my life. I don’t need another man to tell me what I should or shouldn’t feel,” Noreen said, thinking of her ex who told her she was cold. “I