Read Hard As Ice (Fortis Series 1) for Free Online Page B

he had predicted. He licked his lips deliberately, suggestively, reminding her of how hot they had both been only moments earlier.
    “Ms. James, do I have to explain the birds and the bees to you? This can’t be the first time you’ve been asked out on a date?”
    She looked away, exasperated with his teasing.
    “This isn’t a game, Mr. DaCosta. I’m not interested in being played with, nor am I for sale.”
    Evan nodded. He stepped to her, close enough to enjoy her scent without touching.
    “Like I said, I’m attracted to you and I would like to get to know you better. If you’re not interested, just say no. But either way, you will still have my business.”
    Nia looked away briefly to a spot over his shoulder.
    “It’s late, I have to go,” was all she said in response.
    He nodded again, feeling awkward.
    “All right, I’ll walk you out.”
    As they walked across the terrace, Evan’s mind was racing. He’d screwed up. Nothing had gone according to his plan. Instead of wooing her with the promise of a quick liaison, he had let his physical reaction to her mess with his control. Now, their best opportunity to solve the job fast was about to walk out the door.
    In the hotel suite, she picked up her purse off the sofa and continued to the front door.
    “Nia.” She paused with her hand on the door handle, her back to him. “Send me the auction papers in the morning.”
    She turned to face him then, her shoulders stiff and back straight. Her eyes met his unflinchingly. They were sharp and clear, letting him know that anything further that happened was her decision, including accepting his business. Evan had to admire her balls.
    “Good night, Mr. DaCosta.”

Chapter 4
    Nia was barely aware of the cab ride home from the hotel. Her mind was running in a hundred directions, trying to make sense of the evening. And the kiss.
    That kiss was . . . spectacular, on every level. She had felt it from her lips down to her toes, and in every erogenous zone in between. Even now, she clearly remembered the impact, and recrossed her legs to smother the tingle between her thighs. How was it possible for a virtual stranger to light her up like that, with just a kiss?
    The situation itself was not all that unique. Men often asked her out, from clients to business associates. Some even propositioned an “arrangement,” like she had assumed Evan was doing. They might be married or engaged, but wanted something on the side, from one night to full-on mistress status. It was not uncommon in the world that Nia worked in.
    She had learned years ago that the wealthy elite lived by a different set of rules than regular people, and very often had a different moral compass. It usually didn’t bother her, and she had developed a knack for effectively turning down the offers. In fact, many of those men had become regular buyers or repeat customers over the years. Of course, some still continued to try getting into her bed. After all, men in general, rich or poor, wanted what they couldn’t have.
    It was true that Nia did get more than her fair share of offers. Her best friend, Lianne, insisted it wasn’t just because she was an attractive woman. Lianne claimed that Nia, with her power suits and killer stilettos, had a high-end dominatrix vibe going on that drove men nuts. They had some sort of primitive urge to break her control or have her control them. The instinct was likely even stronger for powerful and influential men. Nia assumed Lianne, a psychologist, knew what she was talking about. As fascinating as that might be, it didn’t matter. Her weakness for expensive clothes had more to do with once being the poor girl in a wealthy school than attracting men. And she wasn’t looking for a sugar daddy or husband right now, anyway. She only wanted clients with big wallets or valuable collectibles to sell.
    At least, it usually was. Evan DaCosta had caught her eye from the moment he had stepped out of his car in front of