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was paramount and would be dangerous for me to know. The car wreck was ruled an accident, but I’m going to finish what he started, so his death wasn’t in vain.
    “Uh, we should probably get back to the auction,” Adrian says with a smile, obviously trying to lighten the depressing mood I’ve brought to our meal.
    “Sure, and thank you for dinner.”
    He signals for the waitress to bring us our bill. We’re soon strolling to the amazing vehicle he drives.
    It took great strength not to show my enthusiasm over it when I first saw it. Maybe I should have. He’d probably like that, too.
    “I love your car,” I say once I’m buckled. He glances over and smiles.
    “Thank you. I do, too.”
    His fingers reach for the stereo knob, and I spot another small scar. This one is on his hand. I imagine him touching me again.
    Anywhere.
    This is bad.
    My gaze darts from his hand to his handsome, rugged face. “Is that Paul Cardall playing?”
    “Yes, you listen to him?”
    “I love his music. It’s relaxing and well, meaningful.”
    The corner of his eye wrinkles as if I’ve struck a nerve. He doesn’t say a word the rest of the way.
    I want to pick his brain, but if I ask too many questions, he might become suspicious. I must have patience, which isn’t one of my strengths.
    We arrive at the Tropicana and enter the lobby. Adrian still hasn’t spoken, but he grabs my hand again.
    Crossing the entrance to the auction, he leads me the opposite way of my seating, so I come to a halt, giving him no choice but to stop or let go. “What are you doing?”
    He turns and sighs as if he’s disappointed I’m not playing along. “I’m walking us to my table.”
    “First, enough with the handholding, and I have a perfectly good spot over there.” I point the direction of my previous seat. His brow furrows, and I can tell he isn’t pleased.
    The next thing I know, I’m being pulled back out of the auction hall, away from the crowd, and over to the side near a wall.
    Hands hug my waist as he pushes me against the hard surface. I scoff and move my purse strap snugly over my shoulder.
    Slipping a hand behind my neck, he pulls my head forward until our mouths are a mere inch apart. His gaze is lethal, serious as fuck, and I’m being dragged into a plight I never asked for.
    “Victoria, I want to be a gentleman, but your lack of cooperation is making that difficult.”
    “Please, you haven’t asked me to do one thing,” I snap. “You’ve taken what you’ve wanted.”
    His thumb grazes downward along my waist, and I tighten my abs, my body sensitive to his touch.
    “I’m far from having taken what I wanted. If that was the case, you’d be underneath me in my bed instead of here. I–I’m not accustomed to having to ask.”
    Holy fuck that was hot, and the look on his face tells me he means what he’s saying. Women must truly fall at his feet.
    “Sorry to disappoint, but you can’t seduce me that easily.”
    “I’m not trying …” Looking away, he lets out an exasperated breath. “It’s been a long time since I’ve met a woman who I had anything in common with or who didn’t come across as only being after my money.”
    His eyes are softer once they meet mine again, and I fight the urge to close them as I relish in the feel of his fingers faintly circling my waist and the space behind my ear.
    “Your company this evening is what I want, Victoria. It’s obviously your choice, but would you please give me that?”
    Dammit , I have a soft spot for him.
    “Fine, I’ll sit with you.”
    Leaning over, his temple brushes mine before his steamy breath does more than fill my ear. “Thank you.”
    Unable to control it any longer, my body shudders, and the hair rises on my arms. I swear I think I feel him smile against my cheek before he kisses it.
    Arrogant.
    He lets me go, but it’s short lived since he’s taking my hand again. He’s more leisurely with his stride this time, comforted by his win.
    It’s the