about me,” Thorsten’s rich, deep voice cut in. “I don’t think Raya is really tired of getting attention from me. She’s just playing hard to get. As soon as she admits that she wants me, things will get a lot better between us. I know what I’m doing. I don’t need either one of you giving me any of your opinions about winning her over.”
Sighing, Raya refocused her attention back to the thorn in her side. Thorsten stood there watching her like he had every right in the world. She didn’t like the ownership in his eyes. She wasn’t sure what his problem was concerning her, but he better get over it quick. They would have to be around each other because Sahara was a part of his family. She could either deal with him or pretend he wasn’t even in the room.
The choice was his.
“I’m glad you can hear us talking about you. Maybe you will finally understand I want you to leave me alone. Why don’t you go and find some girl who will think you’re so gorgeous that you can’t do anything wrong? I’m not her and I’ll never be. We aren’t compatible.”
An easy smile played at the corners of his sensual mouth. “Raya, you’re just upset because of my deal with Cedric. I never wanted you to get angry with me. What I had going on with your brother was just business and nothing else.
“However, what I want with you is much more. I can back off when it comes to the hedge fund, but I can’t let you get away from me. What can I do to make you forgive me, sweetheart? I can’t have you upset with me. How is that any way to start off our relationship? We are going to be so good together.”
“We don’t and won’t ever have any kind of relationship,” she informed Thorsten, stepping back away from him. “I would never date someone like you. We have already been over this numerous times.” Raya continued moving back until she was closer to Jax and Zander than she was Thorsten.
“Just give me a chance to change your mind. I’m not as—”
“Listen, Thorsten. All I want is for you to stop bothering me. Any deals you made with my brother are worthless. I’m in charge now, not him, and I have the final word.”
“I—”
“Raya, I believe my cousin is going to take your warning seriously,” Jax said, cutting Thorsten off before he could finish his sentence. “How about you let me walk you back to the elevator?”
“I would like that,” she said, cutting her eyes over to Jax.
“Alright, let’s go.” Jax walked around her and went back in the direction of the elevators.
Turning on her heel, Raya started following behind Jax but halted when a strong hand wrapped around her arm and yanked her back into a rock hard chest. She gasped from the warmth of his fingers on her bare skin as her eyes darted over her shoulder and locked with a furious Thorsten.
“What are you doing?” she demanded. “Let go of me.” She tried shaking off his touch, but Thorsten wouldn’t loosen his grip.
“I want you to know this isn’t over. My cousins aren’t always going to be around to jump in between us. Raya August, you’re a beautiful woman and I want you. Once I make up my mind to get something or someone I don’t stop until I have it.”
Thorsten brushed his thumb over her wrist before removing his hand and taking a step back. Raya touched her arm was surprised to feel the warmth of his touch still there. She took one final glance at Thorsten before hurrying down the hallway after Jax.
The awareness racing through her after the way Thorsten’s caress on her body wouldn’t go away. She thought about going back and telling him off again, but her anger only fueled Thorsten’s interest in her. He liked their verbal battles. She wasn’t doing anything he might take as encouragement
****
“Do you ever think before shoving your foot in your mouth?” Zander snapped, standing beside him. “You’re trying to win Raya’s heart, not send her running away in the opposite direction, hating every