Page 32 of Carnal Risk

“Are you kidding me?” Selby exclaimed.

“Look, he’s one of my best friends but he’s not like you. You’re innocent. You don’t have this addiction we’ve got.”

“Lars, I appreciate your advice but I’m not that girl you dated in college. I can handle myself.” Or so she hoped. Despite her confusion over Lars’ concerns, she wasn’t leaving.

“Just be careful, okay? I know you, Selby. I’ve seen you during an attack.”

Selby’s stomach lurched as he mentioned her weakness. Garrett, no matter how smitten, hadn’t seen her at her worst.

“The things we do aren’t for you,” Lars insisted, his voice firm.

“I surfed today,” she said defiantly. So what if she’d only stayed up for all of five seconds? It still counted.

“Yeah, Seth told me. I knew they’d push for you to do something to get to know the customer a little better. But surfing? Come on. You know that kids do it, right?” He shook his head and laughed. “It’s just a small sliver, baby. Unless you’re planning on goin’ with us on our next base jump, this place isn’t for you.”

“She’s my guest.” Selby heard Garrett’s commanding voice behind her, and excitement flushed through her veins.

His hand glided over her shoulder, and tingles ran down her arm. She caught a glimpse of anger in Lars’ eyes, but her focus was drawn to the debonair billionaire who’d invited her to the party. Her breath caught as her eyes devoured him. Dressed in black slacks and a white shirt, his strong muscular forearms pressed through his rolled up sleeves. A lock of his dark brown hair brushed over his forehead. He emanated sex without trying, his cool casual style apparent in his every movement and word.

“Garrett, Lars was just telling me about your, um, your club.” Her arm broke out in gooseflesh as he trailed his finger down it. Although covered by fabric, she swore she could feel the burn of his touch straight through her dress.

“Was he now?” Garrett’s eyes darted to Lars and back to Selby.

“Yes, he was telling me about your investors. Lars…” she went to address him but he’d walked away toward the bar. She shook her head, upset that he’d left angry. They never fought and it broke her heart to think he’d be irate about her seeing Garrett.

“Don’t worry about him. Everyone’s a little tense after last night. He’s going to be fine.” Garrett brought the back of her hand to his lips and kissed it.

“I…Garrett,” she stammered.

Selby glanced around the room and caught sight of both Seth and Nate staring at her. As much as she yearned to throw herself into Garrett’s arms, she hadn’t expected public displays of affection at a company event.

“Selby?” He gave a small chuckle, tugging her toward the door.

“Where are we going?” she asked as he led her out onto a large balcony. It overlooked a magnificent waterfall that spilled into a swimming pool. Large glowing orbs the size of beach balls floated along its surface.

“It’s too noisy inside.”

“What is this place?” she asked in wonderment.

“This is Altura.”

“Altura? And that means?” She gave a confused smile.

“Altura. As in, height, altitude. We fly where others don’t.”

“You live here?”

“No, this is for Altura activities. The investors…”

“Venture capitalists.”

“At one time, but we’re a family of sorts now. If they aren’t connected to Emerson Industries directly, they help with beta testing, quality assurance, things of that nature.”

“So everyone here knew Evan?” She reached for her mask but he stopped her, placing his hands over hers.

“Leave it on.” He took her hands in his. “We’ve mourned. Tonight we celebrate.”

“And the masks?”