Secrets and Seduction Las Vegas (Sexy Italian Imports Book 1) by Laura Breck Read Free Book Online Page B

This situation called for tact not anger. She looked up into his eyes. “Mr. Daniato, if you’re here to do what you threatened, I would ask that you first give me a chance to explain.”
    Antonio’s eyes narrowed and bore into hers. “Now you feel like talking? At your office last week, you chose to ignore me.” His smile taunted her. “Until your inspirational parting words.”
    A stab of panic seized her chest, and she scanned the room for exits, just in case. “I apologize. It was inappropriate of me to act so immaturely.”
    He smiled and slid his hand from her hip up her back then played with a tiny curl at the nape of her neck. “You must be afraid, princess. That was a brilliant apology.”
    A chill skittered down her spine as his fingers touched her and slowly caressed the nape of her neck. She was losing it. She needed to focus. “About the reason I was at the dog park. I—”
    “Betina?”
    Her jaw dropped. How in heaven did he know about her cousin?
    His hands on her hips pulled her closer. “The latest note. It mentioned her. The blackmailer saw me take a picture of you. Thought it was her.”
    She shook her head to clear it. “And you believe me now? That I’m not in league with the blackmailers?”
    “I figured it out last night when I got the note. You were her stand in, right?”
    She nodded. “She’s my cousin. We look similar.”
    “Beautiful.” His eyes scanned her face. “ Bellisima .”
    His eyes were unguarded and she drifted deep into his gaze.
    He lowered his head, as if he were planning to kiss her. “Why didn’t you tell me? At your office.”
    The thought of that kiss made her woozy and warm. “I…ah…needed to talk to Betina first.” She could barely focus with him so close.
    “If she didn’t agree, you would have let me expose you?”
    She looked at his tie. “I’d hoped you wouldn’t do anything rash.”
    “You give me too much credit, princess. I’m not ethical like you.”
    Looking into his eyes, disappointment knotted her stomach. “You would have caused a scene here tonight?”
    “If not here, then somewhere. Yes, I would have.”
    She blinked, fighting back tears. How could someone be so cruel? He would ruin her reputation on nothing more than circumstantial evidence. She didn’t misjudge him. He was a bastard.
    His eyes narrowed. “Don’t look at me that way.”
    “What way?” Her throat closed. Tears were imminent. Panic swirled up, threatening to overtake her.
    His voice dropped low, sensual. “As though your sexy blue eyes can see right into my soul.”
    Uncertainty gripped her as the room closed in. “Imagine how surprised I am to find you have no soul.”
    “Ouch.” He flinched. “You’ve got claws, princess.” His smile flashed evil.
    She wanted to wipe it off his face—with her lips. She choked on the desire, zinged with energy, amazingly alive. Like she hadn’t felt in days, like she never felt with Troy. Guilt, fear, passion, anger. The conflicting emotions warred with her sanity, and panic swamped her.
    “I can’t do this, Antonio…” Her voice cracked, and she gasped for breath. Breaking away from him, she ran. The opposite direction from where Troy’s big, safe arms would protect her. In the empty lobby, she veered toward an exit then changed direction and darted around a corner where a couch sat hidden in a dark alcove between two potted palms.
    She sat and began the steady breathing technique and pressed the reflexology spot on her wrist, which used together should hold off anxiety. Then she gave up, dropped her head into her hands, and broke down crying.
    “ Cara mia , no.” He sat next to her, his warm arm wrapped around her shoulders, comforting. He stuffed his handkerchief in her fingers. “You know I’m not worth crying about.”
    She sat bolt upright and glared at him, allowing her anger to emerge, effectively preventing the panic attack from overtaking her.
    “You arrogant bastard.”
    “That’s one of my best