Page 8 of Scandalous Contract

I couldn’t back down now. “Really!” I lifted my chin, holding his gaze, refusing to look away.

He nodded before licking his lips and saying, “That’s a damn shame.”

Yay! Win for me.“Sorry. You should find another ride.”

“Hmmm. I guess I can’t ride your ride, huh?”

“Rules are rules.” I shrugged, feeling like I’d finally beat him at his game.

I could part ways the victor. He nodded again as he stepped forward again, closing the gap between us. Okay, he was getting too close. This guy didn’t understand the concept of personal space.

Everything in me screamedretreat. But I didn’t. Later, I’d mull over why I didn’t move. Was it his cologne holding me captive? Or, maybe it was the look in his eyes that, for a second, made me want to play with fire?

That couldn’t be it. I’d been burned before. I’d learned to avoid flames. I was a pro at that. I don’t know what held me in place as he invaded my personal space. All I know is that I didn’t move once he was standing toe to toe with me, smelling and looking good enough to lick.

Neither did I move when he leaned closer, eyes glued to mine, daring me to say something or at least push him away. I did neither of those things. I remained frozen in place, wondering,needingto know what he was about to do next. However, nothing could’ve prepared me for the words he whispered in my ear.

“I may not be able to rideyourride, but you can still ridemine,” he whispered, voice low, sensual, probably illegal. “It may get a little bumpy at times,” he continued. “But if you hold on tight, I promise you won’t fall off.”

Well, damn.I had no response for that. None. Nothing. Nada. There were no words in any language that could get me out of this current predicament. My heart was racing, cheeks flushed, nipples hard, mouth silent, pussy begging for a chance to get on his ride.

Thankfully, Julian, the seducer of older women, stepped back. I exhaled the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding and tried to clear my head of the force of nature that was Julian Cataneo. My gaze lingered on the buttons on his shirt. I couldn’t stare into his eyes right now. I wasn’t ready.

“It seems you’re not ready for that conversation yet,” he told me.

I didn’t reply. Hell no, I wasn’t ready. Would never be ready.

“Look at me, Stefanie,” he ordered, the command clear in his tone.

Why did my silly behind do as he ordered? I swallowed, meeting his gaze, seeing a hunger there that scared me more than it excited me. He didn’t even know me. There was no reason for him to be looking at me that way. Yet, he was.

Who was this Julian Cattaneo? And why did one look from him have me wanting to do something I knew was wrong on so many levels? That intense look slowly faded and was replaced with a smile as he gestured toward our destination.

“Let’s keep moving. Your daughter and my sister are waiting for us.”

He turned and walked away, leaving me standing there staring after him. Was he really able to switch that look off and on so easily? He was walking forward while I was standing there, wondering if my legs were strong enough to carry me forward.

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. My mind was both blank and full at the same time. How was that even possible?Just walk, Stefanie,I told myself.Just walk. Don’t think. Just walk.

I took a step forward, thankful that my legs didn’t shake. I took another step. Finally, I was walking, moving toward Benson Hall. The large brick dormitory loomed before me, my safe haven.

I just had to make it there and get India. Then we could leave, and I could be free of Julian and his rogue charms. When we reached the building, Julian grabbed the door handle and pulled it open.

“After you, Ms. Adams,” he murmured.

I entered the building, walking stiffly, wondering if he was staring at my ass right now. Cool air immediately wrapped around me, a welcomed reprieve from the blazing heat outside.Ahhh, it felt good in here.

I sighed in relief, but my moment of peace was cut short the second Julian strolled in behind me, letting the door shut at his back. I could feel his presence, and it had me getting hot all over again.

“You good?” he asked, moving to the side to let a couple of students by so they could exit the building.

I nodded. “Perfect. Thanks for showing me how to get here.”You’re dismissed.

I pulled my phone out to call India. From the corner of my eye, I saw Julian head over to the vending machine by the wall, hands sliding into his pockets. Why was I watching him? He was no longer my concern.

“You should drink some water,” he said.

I frowned. “Excuse me?”