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magnet high school. That’s how I got interested in computer science.”
    “Two of my parents had the knowledge to make the company, to create the product, and my mother, my biological mother, who is civilly married to my father for legal reasons, made sure their dream could become a reality.”
    “What does she do?”
    “She’s a lobbyist.”
    “So when they say the Trinity Masters create relationships that build the future…they’re not kidding.”
    “Exactly.”
    “Still,” Carly picked up one o f his nano-breadsticks and toyed with it, “that’s an awful lot riding on a very tricky relationship. The three of us didn’t even get through the ceremony without trouble.”
    “We’ll work it out, but that brings up something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. Since you had some time with Lance, I think it’s only fair that I get the same time with you.”
    *****
    “What do you mean?” Carly asked, suddenly on alert.
    “I mean that we should even the playing field.”
    “This isn’t a race to the finish .”
    “You’re right, it’s not, and life isn’ t fair, but I’d like to start out on some semblance of equal footing.”
    “W hat happened between Lance and me doesn’t affect the two of us. If anything , we’ re on better terms because we’ve talked. I don’t even know what Lance does for a living or where he lives.”
    “And that’s somethin g we need to rectify. I’ d like to have a conversation with him, but you’re underestimating the power of physical attraction and connection. You and I are starting to form a relationship, a bond, but what we’re doing right now is no different than getting to know a new friend. What you did with Lance formalized in your mind the idea that he and you are now connected on an intimate level.”
    Carly pushed a piece of fish around her plate, no longer hungry. “I understand, bu t I won’t be a pawn in some competition between you and Lance , both of you trying to see whose dick is bigger. That’s a precedent I’m not willing to set.”
    “Fair enough.” Preston took a sip of wine and she watched his throat as he swallowed. He looked trim an d dapper in his navy suit, blue-and- white striped shirt and narrow pale blue tie. His hair, parted at the si de, was just long enough so one lock fell out of place, lying on his forehead. Without that , he would have been too polished, too put together.
    “But—” He set his glass down. “Will you accept that I want to touch you, want to know, and want you to know, that we’re not new friends, not business acquaintances?”
    He picked up her hand, and there was nothing she could do to stop her fingers from trembling. “We’re lovers, husband and wife, bound by a law and a tradition stronger than any other in this country.” He raised her fingers to his lips, kissing the back of her hand, then turning her wrist to tease her palm with the light brush of his tongue.
    Carly took a deep breath, then let it out. The desire and arousal Lance had ignited was still there, waiting, hoping for a way to find satisfaction.
    This wasn’t the flash-fire and heat of Lance ’s touch, but a slow, cool burn like ice melting against skin. I n a way , it was more intense as Preston was forcing her to acknowledge what they were to each other. With Lance , she’d been lost to everything , but his touch. She knew, th ough she couldn’t say why, Preston wouldn’t let her do that.
    “Preston, this is just…it’s a little too much. Too sudden. We just met a few hours ago. ”
    He nodded and set her hand down. “Then let’s not take it so seriously.” He smiled and there was hint of devilry in his dark gaze. “Let’s play a game.”
    “A game?”
    “Ye s. I love games. You must too. After all, y ou created the game of the future.”
    “I’m assuming you mean a sex game, not dominoes or RPG.”
    “A sex game, yes.”
    There was something about the way he was looking at her that had Carly pausing, trying to