A Deal with Benefits by Susanna Carr Read Free Book Online Page B

never seen a place like this before. It was fantastical. Otherworldly and a little frightening.
    And this was just part of Sebastian’s kingdom. The moment they entered, she had felt the ripple of interest and awe. At first she had been uncomfortable being in the spotlight, but as Sebastian spoke to members of the Miami elite, she realized she was invisible to the guests. They lobbied for Sebastian’s attention and saw no need to speak to her. She was arm candy. An expensive accessory.
    She should feel grateful that no one noticed or cared about her. She recognized a few of her parents’ friends, but they didn’t seem to remember her. She felt small and powerless in the cavernous club. More than once, Ashley wondered how much of the club reflected Sebastian’s personality. It was darkly sensual and seductive. The music pulsated from the floor and she tried to ignore the carnal rhythm, but her heartbeat matched the tempo.
    The wild laughter punctuating the air made her flinch. She didn’t want to be here, around these people who had enjoyed her parents’ downfall. Ashley wished she was back on Inez Key. It was quiet and relaxing. Calm and predictable. That was where she belonged. It had been her kingdom.
    But there had been a time when she’d needed to get away from her island. Sebastian must have known that. She remembered the unexpected fun she’d had with Sebastian on that weekend when he let her take his boat out for a spin.
    The offer had been too tantalizing to resist. She loved being out on the water and had wanted to try his speedboat. At the time, she had thought her acceptance had nothing to do with the promise of having Sebastian’s undivided attention.
    Ashley had known the boat would slice through the choppy waves and reach incredible speed. She had wanted to go on a fast-and-hard ride, determined to forget Inez Key and her financial problems for a few hours.
    She remembered Sebastian’s warm smile as he had teased her, suggesting she was trying to tip him out of the boat. Perhaps she had been trying to test his courage. She had to find out if his restraint had just been a guise. Ashley had wanted to know how long it would take before he grabbed the wheel.
    He never did. Sebastian had been lazily sprawled on the chair next to her, arms outstretched, his dark glasses perched on his bold nose. Sexual heat had bubbled underneath their banter, but she had enjoyed his companionship.
    Sebastian had been relaxed and unconcerned while she made hairpin turns and the boat flew over the waves, but he had been alert. He had noticed every move she made, offering the occasional direction only when she hesitated.
    Ashley had to wonder if any of that rapport had been real or part of the seduction. Had he done that to lower her guard or had he enjoyed those moments, too? Looking around this nightclub, she sensed the simple joy of a sunny afternoon would have been lost on him.
    She glanced up, her heart lurching to a stop as she watched gorgeous couples dance with unbridled enthusiasm on the mezzanine. Their movements were bold and suggestive. Her skin flushed and she shifted uncomfortably. She was already painfully aware of Sebastian and primed for his touch. She didn’t need anything else to encourage her imagination.
    Her grip tightened on her small clutch purse and she fought the urge to retreat. The club was mysterious and spellbinding. Dangerous. Much like it’s owner. If she lowered her guard, the music would pull her in. The atmosphere would seduce her into releasing her inhibitions. That could ruin her. Take her to a point of no return.
    Ashley studied the DJ booth and the small VIP areas that circled the dance floor. She recognized a few movie stars and professional athletes lounging on the big white couches with other celebrities and models. All of the party girls were glamorous creatures with wild hair and generous curves.
    “And how is your mother doing?”
    Ashley turned sharply as she caught the