Price of Surrender by Unknown Read Free Book Online Page B

a bribe!“ she reminded him haughtily.
    „That was different“
    „How?“ she taunted.
    „Because I intended to buy you, not your information. I was looking for the fastest and simplest way of securing
    you; and since I assumed you’d come to sell me the information in the first place, it seemed reasonable also to assume
    you were approachable from that angle. I never intended to buy genuine secrets about Carrigan Labs from you.“
    „You expect me to believe that?“
    „The fact that I’m still trying to buy you even though you’ve quit your job should tell you something. Besides,“
    .Hoh said with a teasing smile, „if I were really intent on obtaining solid industrial secrets from Carrigan Labs, I would
    have approached someone a little higher up than yourself. Okay, that’s one illusion which can be maintained intact I’m
    honest in my business dealings. What’s next on your list?“
    „I’m not going down a shopping list and checking off my requirements,“ Adena announced aloofly. „Something
    tells me you’d have an answer for anything!“
    „Probably.“
    „You’re so damned cynical!“ she exclaimed, at the end of her patience.
    There was a pause before he suggested very quietly, „So change me.“
    Adena caught her breath at the outrageous remark. „Are you out of your mind?“
    „No, but I do try to keep it open. I think my approach to life is entirely pragmatic, but I’m willing to let you try to
    change my mind.“
    „You’re trying to manipulate me!“ she gritted, beating down the sense of intrigue he’d aroused with his dare.
    „Now you’re the one who’s being cynical,“ he smiled lazily.
    „There’s a difference between cynicism and caution.“
    He leaned forward intently, one elbow braced on his knee, his chin resting on the heel of his palm. His gray eyes
    swept her with a silent, urgent message that was difficult to ignore. „Have dinner with me tomorrow evening, Adena. I
    promise not to assault you in the restaurant or afterward. I may be cynical but I can behave like a gentleman on the few
    occasions in life when it’s necessary.“
    „And you’ve decided tomorrow night it might be necessary?“ she asked whimsically, thinking that she shouldn’t
    even be considering the suggestion and knowing it was already starting to tantalize her.
    „I’m willing to cater to your taste for romantic illusions to the extent of making a few of them real.“
    „You think that’s my price?“
    „I think you won’t be able to resist the idea of trying to make a dent in my cynicism,“ he retorted. „I’m offering you
    an evening with no strings attached. Just a pleasant evening for two. How about it?“
    Adena bit her lip, astounded at herself for even contemplating accepting the invitation. Before she could make up
    her mind to refuse outright, Holt stretched out a hand and captured her wrist „Please, Adena?“ he begged in that deep
    voice that threatened to drag her under. „I give you my word: no strings. Just let me take you out on a proper date.“
    „And afterward?“ she got out throatily as he stood, up and pulled her to her feet beside him.
    „And afterward I’ll bring you home and leave you on your doorstep if that’s what you want.“
    Adena felt the warmth of him through the weave of his sweater. He continued to hold her wrist in a gentle grip, but
    he didn’t really force the kiss on her lips. She simply found herself standing acquiescently when he bent his head and
    lightly touched her mouth with his own.
    When he withdrew a few inches, Adena lowered her lashes, deeply aware of the knowledge that she wanted more.
    One date. What harm could there be in one date if he gave her his word he would take her home afterward without any
    argument?
    „Don’t be afraid of me, Adena. I admit I want you, but I’m willing to play the game your way. I’m not a
    twenty-year-old boy who’s out for only one thing.“
    „Aren’t you?“ she insisted a little