Hunger (Seductors #2) by B. L. Wilde Read Free Book Online Page A

me. I can still feel the connection we share.”
    “I intend to break it. Do you think I’ve forgotten what you did last year?”
    “I’m not backing down on that. You overstepped the rules, and I couldn’t let you do it.”
    “You better watch you back, Jade. I’ll bring you down this time. One way or another, I’ll make you pay.”
    “Threats don’t scare me,” I glared. “There is nothing you can use to get to me.” Only Oliver could be used against me, but Alicia didn’t know that.
    “Oh, I’ll find something.”
    “It’s time for you to leave. You’ve overstayed your welcome.” I marched over to my door, holding it open for her.
    “I’ll be watching you, Jade.”
    “And I’ll be doing the same with you. You haven’t won yet, Alicia. Not by a long shot.”
    “We’ll see,” she smirked, strutting off down the hallway.
    My heart was racing so fast. Oliver wouldn’t pick Alicia over me, I was sure of it. So why was there doubt in the back of my mind?
     

Chapter Four
    I didn’t really want to make an effort for my lunch date with Mr. Brentford, but he was the only thing linking me to Oliver at the moment.
    Reluctantly, I opted for a sophisticated, red cocktail dress. It wasn’t very revealing, but it did fit my body like a glove. I didn’t do much with my hair, though. My natural, loose curl was enough to finish off the look. In my mind, there was no reason to put in the extra effort. It wasn’t like I was trying to impress my boss.
    Mr. Brentford was already waiting for me when I arrived at reception. Talk about enthusiastic!  
    “Wow, Jade, you look stunning,” he beamed, kissing my cheek and hugging me. His hands were too low on my back as he escorted me out of the hotel, and I had to take a deep breath to maintain my composure. “How are you feeling today?”
    “Much better, thank you,” I smiled, allowing him to lead me outside.
    “I thought we’d take my limo.” What was it about rich men that made them use their wealth to seduce a woman?
    “You didn’t have to go to so much trouble,” I murmured, watching him as he joined me in the backseat.
    “You seem to be a woman who enjoys the finer things in life.” He pulled out of bottle of wine as he spoke. How cliché could this guy get? “Would you care for a glass of wine?”
    “I better not. My stomach is still a little woozy from yesterday,” I winced, moving further down the seat to get some room. Why did he insist on being so close to me all the time?
    The new Italian restaurant he took me to was very modern. Most of the large space was white except for a deep purple feature wall and tiny twinkle lights that covered the entire ceiling. The kitchen was an open layout, and all the chefs were busy preparing food for the bustling lunch service.
    Mr. Brentford helped me into my chair in the far corner of the restaurant before finally taking a seat with his back to the whole room.
    “This place has had some great reviews already,” he mumbled, picking up the menu to look over. The sommelier took our orders while we were still deciding what to eat.  
    “Are you having an antipasto?”
    “Mm…I was going to just have a main dish.” He smiled and nodded while looking back at his menu. “You didn’t need to go to all this trouble for a business lunch, Mr. Brentford.”
    “Please, call me Brian, Jade.”
    “Sorry, Brian, ” I giggled as someone in the distance walked in and caught my eye. No, it couldn’t be. Why would Oliver be having lunch here?
    As the person drew closer, I gasped. It was Oliver, and he was scanning the crowd. I sank down into my chair, trying to hide myself from his view. What were the odds of him being here?
    “Jade, are you okay?” Brian frowned, looking at me over his menu.
    “I…um…Oliver just walked in,” I muttered, gazing toward him. It was bad timing, because just as I did, Oliver’s eyes locked with mine. Anger seemed to cross his face for a short second when he noticed Brian