Read Flirting with Sin for Free Online

would she capture the interest of someone as fascinating and exotic as Ari Sincero?
    The cold reminder accomplished what her ragged resolve couldn’t. The need simmering in her chest and between her legs cooled until not even embers remained. Troy had demolished her pride and self-esteem. She refused to offer both up to Ari along with a battering ram.
    Minutes later, she removed his scraped clean plate and scooted hers over to him. He wolfed down the remaining pieces of bacon and eggs.
    “I take it you aren’t feeling any after-effects from getting drunk off your ass?” She crossed the kitchen to the refrigerator and removed the orange juice.
    “If you mean am I hung over, no.” He popped the last of the food into his mouth. “I didn’t drink yesterday, though. Just crashed.” A frown creased his brow for a second, and Neveah held her breath. Was he thinking about Monday night? Did he remember?
    His forehead cleared, and she silently expelled the air trapped in her lungs. “It’s been,” his full mouth firmed into a grim line, “hectic. I guess I was more exhausted than I thought. Everything caught up with me, and I slept all day.”
    “Well that’s good.” She poured the juice into a tall glass and placed it in front of him.
    He studied the drink for several quiet seconds, his elegant, musician fingers wrapped around the glass. When he raised his eyes to meet hers, they were inscrutable. But his penetrating examination left her unnerved. Bothered.
    “What?” she demanded, unable to stand his scrutiny and silence any longer.
    “I’m trying to remember the last time I drank orange juice without gin or Vodka in it. Or the last time someone fixed breakfast for me. It’s been years…for both.” He paused. “Thank you.”
    Warmth having nothing to do with the beauty of his face or body suffused her. Troy had often accused her of hovering, of being too obsequious. So, she’d stifled the part of her that enjoyed taking care of others, of comforting and serving so her ex wouldn’t feel smothered. Now here, a man who people probably catered to and tripped over themselves to pamper and dote on, had thanked her for a simple breakfast and glass of juice.
    Unbidden tears stung her eyes, and she squeezed them close. Ashamed and horrified at her reaction to his kindness, she whipped around. Christ, really? They were words. Just words. She mentally shook her head, replacing the carton in the refrigerator. Yet…yet her heart—her bruised and battered heart—pounded at the simple “thank you.” Because it had been so fucking long since she’d heard those two words. From family, from Troy…
    “Hey.” Big, strong hands closed over her shoulders and, for the second time that morning she jumped, startled. Except, this time, a tall, hard body pressed against her back and ass. Goddamn, was that his… Oh, hell yes, it was. Surely the long, thick length nudging her bottom was a biological, morning-wood-man thing, and not due to his standing so close to her. She froze, snared like a fish on a hook between shrinking away from him and crowding closer.
    “Look at me.” The command was soft, but his firm grip brooked no argument. He didn’t wait for her to obey, but turned her around to face him. His musician’s fingers pinched her chin and tilted her head back. She didn’t have a choice but to do as he directed. Those too-knowing eyes studied her until she fought not to squirm like the aforementioned fish. “What’s wrong? And don’t tell me nothing when I can see the tears in your eyes.” She parted her lips to object, but he placed a finger against her mouth. “What did I say?”
    Maybe she should confess. Maybe she should admit that, with a simple phrase—thank you—he’d reminded her how she’d allowed herself to be taken advantage of for so long. Admit she’d willingly subjugated a part of herself to conform to her ex’s endless and impossible expectations.
    Sure. She could come clean right now…and