Page 26

I grind my teeth. "She's not what you think she is, Victor. You're not here. You haven't met her."
"I trust your judgment," he concedes. "Plus, the company isn't mine anymore. These are your decisions to make. But I can also hear something in your voice I've never heard before."
"That's because it's never been there before," I tell him. "But I won't let it blind me. If I thought she was playing me, I'd take the necessary steps. But she isn't."
"And you know that because..."
I just know. When I look into her eyes, I feel a connection I've never experienced before. I feel a closeness I never would've dreamed existed before I laid eyes on her. When we touch, it's like my body is receiving sustenance I've gone too long without. We're bonded on a deep level. We're fused. We belong. I don't care how insane that sounds...
Or, perhaps, I do, because I don't say any of this to Victor. Somehow, I don't think he'd understand.
"Is there anything else?" I say.
He's quiet for a moment before he responds. "Fair enough, Luke. You know I only want the best for you and the company."
"I get that, but you're wrong about this."
After ending the call, I text Sera.
Luke: What are you doing for lunch?
Sera: I don't have any plans... why?
Luke: I've got a surprise for you.
I haven't arranged anything, yet. But I will. To see the smile on her gorgeous face, I'd do anything.
Luke: Meet me on the roof of your hotel at midday.
Sera: Okay, Mr. Mysterious.
Chapter Nine
Sera
When I walk onto the roof, a laugh of delight and surprise escapes me. Luke is leaning against a helicopter, looking dashing in his dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up. The sunlight glistening through his salt and pepper hair.
"What's this for?" I say.
"For you," he replies, pulling me into his arms and spinning me around into a steamy kiss. I throw my arms around him, holding tightly as we sink deeper into the embrace.
"Where are we going?" I ask, a little breathless after the kiss.
"Do you have a few hours?"
"Yes, but doyou?"
He smirks. "For you, I'll make them. I want to get away, forget, for a short time. I worked all morning, and I'll work all night. Plus, my team is handling things. Being with you is an opportunity I won't pass up."
I kiss him again, his words touching me, his passion blazing through him as we cling desperately to each other as thoughwe never want to let go. Maybe there's some truth there, but eventually wewillhave to part.
He helps me into the helicopter, strapping me in. The pilots are already seated in the front section. As the blades move, a fresh sense of adventure washes over me. I catch his attention, then pull down my shirt slightly to reveal the pale green strap of my lingerie.
He stares at me with a heated expression, pure hunger that makes me feel utterly desired.
"I've got a surprise for you too," he says, his voice coming through the headset so I can hear him over the engine and blades.
I turn from the shrinking Las Vegas skyline to look at him. "Hmm?"