Seduction's Dance (McKingley Series) by Aliyah Burke, McKenna Jeffries Read Free Book Online

dark, masculine colors, both for furniture as well as bedding. The major thing she noticed was it wasn’t clean. She wouldn’t put it as a pigsty, but it was far from orderly. Luckily, her clothes rested on a chair near the bed and she grabbed them then dashed into the bathroom.
    After a quick shower, she dressed and left his room. She made her way to the living room where more lights were on. Still, no Dimitri.
    “Are you hungry?”
    His voice poured like dark velvet from the shadows and wrapped around her. She glanced over her shoulder to find him leaning against a wall. Hell, she’d not even seen him when she walked in.
    “I could eat.”
    He flashed a grin, which turned her knees to mush. “So could I.” Smoothly, he pushed from the wall and approached.
    Good heavens, he moved like a man with a purpose. Powerful. Magnetic. She couldn’t tear her eyes away. Her body thundered out its desire, as if he’d not sated her a short bit ago.
    “So, are you telling me I have to cook something for you?”
    Another heart-stopping smile. “Not at all. It’s all ready, just waiting for you. Steaks and beer on the back deck.”
    Her stomach growled at the thought. “Sounds like my kind of meal.”
    He snagged her around the waist and drew her close. Nose to nose, he winked. “Personally, I’m anxious for some dessert.”
    She kissed him until he rumbled low in his chest and lifted her clear off the ground. Hooking her legs around his waist, she ended the kiss.
    “Food first.”
    “Fine.” He placed her back on her feet and popped her on the ass. She jumped then allowed him to take her hand as they went out the back door to the well-lit porch. The rich smells of cooking steak made her mouth water.
    “Oh, that smells so good.”
    He went to get them a beer and handed it to her. “Thanks. Our dad made sure all of us could grill.” A brief shrug. “The others try, but I’m just better at it.”
    She rolled her eyes and took a swig of her drink. “Modest, I see.”
    “Just calling the facts as we know them.”
    “I bet any of them would say they’re better than the others.”
    A boyish smile. “Probably. But they’d be lying. Let’s face it, I’ve had more practice. I’m the eldest.”
    “Wow. You think because you’re the oldest you can grill better than the others.” It wasn’t a question.
    “Not think. I know. Sure, they’re good, but I’m a master. I’ll have you know I’m known as the ‘king of the grill’ and that’s by my family.”
    “Is that something you told them when they were babies they had to call you?” She rolled the bottle in her fingers.
    “No. I earned this title and no one will take it from me.”
    “Is that a fact?”
    He gave a perfunctory nod. “You can bank on it, baby.”
    She dragged her tongue over her lips. “Well, I hate to be the one who tells you this then.” She shook her head. “Nope, not really. It actually gives me great pleasure. Your steaks are burning, oh wise n’ all knowing ‘king of the grill’.”
    * * * *
    Dimitri watched Shannon as she worked on her kickboxing on a thick mat with her cousin James. They were outside, enjoying the cool day.
    Shannon had dressed in some heather-gray boy shorts and a teal sports bra. Her feet were wrapped with white tape. It had been two days since they’d first slept together. And if he were honest with himself, he’d rather be home in bed—his or hers he wasn’t picky—instead of out here with her cousin. But she’d told him she had plans with James and was coming here.
    He knew it wasn’t an ultimatum, from her, it was what it was. A statement. She wouldn’t whine and make him try to feel bad if he didn’t show up. She would be here and if he wanted to see her, he had to be as well.
    Which explains why my ass is here watching her.
    He settled back in the chair and waited for them to finish. He was impressed with her ability, yes. Still, he wanted her to himself. Right now, he was feeling a bit greedy.