I blink. “Is that a request or a command?”
“A suggestion,” he says. “One you’ll enjoy.”
His confidence should turn me off, but it doesn’t. I should hesitate to accept his invitation, but I know I won’t.
“Fine,” I say. “But if I step on your foot, that’s on you.”
“I’ll take the risk.” There’s that smile again. He grabs my hand and leads me onto the dance floor.
My heart beats loudly in my ears as I step closer to him.
His hand settles at my waist, warm and sure, like it belongs there. My hand rests on his shoulder, and we move together easily, like we’ve danced together before. Julian moves me around the dance floor and murmurs people’s names as we pass by them.
“This feels very strategic,” I murmur.
“Everything is,” he replies. “Doesn’t mean it can’t be pleasurable.”
I look up at him. “You’re trouble.”
His smile is slow, knowing. “You have no idea.”
And just like that, I know.
This man is going to ruin me in the best possible way.
And I’m going to let him.
Chapter 2
JULIAN
Itell myself I asked her to dance because she’s useful to my cover.
That’s the first lie.
The crowded dance floor adjusts around us without me having to pick a path as I lead my partner. That’s how well we’re already synched together.
That partisuseful. A man dancing with a woman at an embassy gala blends in effortlessly. People automatically assume you’re a couple, or you want to fuck her. Either way, you’re caught up in your partner and can’t be bothered paying attention to anyone else.
Diplomat on a date, or on the pull. Either way, he’s harmless.
Iris moves with me easily, like she belongs in my arms.
Like she belongswith me.
The second lie is that I tell myself it doesn’t rattle me. That I can still carry out my mission.
She’s the perfect decoy.
That should be the only thing I’m thinking about.
It isn’t. Her lush body pressed against mine has taken over all my senses.
My hand settles more firmly at her waist as the music slows, and I pull her closer. Her breath catches.
The awareness between us sharpens into something electrifying, and my cock is instantly so hard I have to shift our positions or I’d ram my erection into her.
And still I can’t help myself.
