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strangest feeling to have my hand held by a man I barely know, especially by Adrian Cassano.
     

Chapter Seven
    Adrian
     
    We take a seat at the round table, and a female server approaches us. Victoria orders a beer, and I get a scotch.
    Sitting on floor level, the cars roll out literally right in front of us. The look on her face from viewing the classic cars this close radiates pure excitement.
    She stares in wonderment, and I watch as she observes everything happening. It’s noisy, so I don’t try to speak with her. Instead, I allow her to enjoy the auction.
    I find simply knowing that she’s interested in it has me enjoying my time more. Her body responded to me when I had her pinned against the wall, so this all can’t be an act.
    When I saw her here today, I speculated whether or not she was in the same place as me on purpose. Did she even like old cars or only said so once she saw the photos on my office wall?
    Then I watched as she gazed at that Belair for ten fucking minutes. I knew she wasn’t here for me.
    A 1969 Chevrolet Camaro drives into the circle, and Victoria sits straight up. She’s listening to the auctioneer and admiring the red muscle car.
    Cheeks shade to pink and then even darker as her lips twitch from a smile trying to break free. Damn, she’s sexy, and what the hell is making her blush like that?
    I lean over, and she struggles to pull her eyes away to look at me. “Do you like the Camaro?” I ask.
    “Yes, I love it. I’d buy it today if I could afford it.”
    “What is it about this one?”
    Her smile broadens, and a touch of mischief shadows her green eyes as she leans in closer.
    “You don’t have to go looking for trouble with that car, Adrian. It can happen inside it.”
    Fuck. Not only is there a badass detective hiding behind the timid server, Vicky Stuart, but one who wishes to behave badly.
    I’m compelled to know the real Victoria Hart. I’ll buy that damn car, so she can show me precisely how she wishes to misbehave.

Victoria
     
    After the event, Adrian asks me to wait for him while he converses with a few gentleman, so I stay seated.
    I can’t lie; the VIP section at an auto auction is incredible. You’re right in the middle of the action. It’s exciting to watch the bidding war, waiting to see what price a vehicle will sell for.
    When I could feel Adrian’s eyes on me, it was difficult to pay attention. Otherwise, I was lost in the moment, imagining how excited my dad would’ve been to sit this close.
    He would’ve loved it, and I could picture him smiling the entire time. I realize I’m staring at Adrian while he speaks to the three men.
    He’s swiping his phone as if he’s looking for something, his forehead creased as he concentrates.
    Pulling out a business card from his wallet, he gives it to one of them before they’re shaking hands and parting ways.
    He strides toward me, his gaze intense, and I’m panicked over how I’m going to get away from him tonight.
    He holds his hand out to me.
    “Ready?”
    Smiling, I take it but only until I rise.
    “Thank you for today. I’ve enjoyed it.”
    “I’ll escort you to your car.”
    “I don’t have a vehicle here. I rode the bus.”
    “Then I’m taking you home.”
    “I’m capable of getting there safely on my own,” I say with clear frustration.
    “Will you humor me please?”
    The same irritated, confused look he was exhibiting when he had me pinned to the wall is on his face.
    “OK, fine.”
    Within minutes, we’re in his Aston Martin, pulling onto the Strip. Soothing music comes on, and we’re both quiet. I loved the noisy chaos of the auction, but this is nice, too.
    It’s odd how Adrian will seem overbearing, as if he’s known me forever, and then withdraw in an instant.
    His hand tightens its grip on the steering wheel, and he drags his bottom lip through his teeth. I tell him when and where to turn, and he stays silent.
    We pull in front of my apartment building. It’s an address