Page 2 of The Billionaire's Secret

"I didn’t mean for this to come as such a surprise." I force myself to focus on Summer, " I wish there had been a way I could have warned you of our coming…but..."

Summer nods, "You don’t need to apologize." Her eyes narrow, "I understand how it could have been."

I glance from Summer to her new husband, Sinclair Sterling who hovers protectively over her.

He and his six friends—often referred to as the Seven by the media—co-own 7A Investments. They are among the richest, most powerful men in the country... Saint is one of them. Why the hell can't I stop thinking of him?

I clear my throat, "Perhaps, we can catch up once you are recovered from your wedding and the honeymoon—"

"There is no honeymoon," Sinclair interjects.

Summer’s body tenses again.

Strange. His words are brusque. Yet he hasn't been able to look away from her, his body leaning into hers. Funny how body language conveys so much more than words.

Like the man who hasn't glanced away from me since our eyes first met. Goosebumps pop on my skin.

"Not until we’ve sorted out the little business between us." Sinclair nods toward Adam, "Tomorrow." He steps around us and walks off, guiding Summer along.

"I won't be more than a minute." Adam strides toward a group of men in a corner of the garden. I glance after him, wanting to ask him not to leave me alone with Saint.

Too late. He prowls closer, "Victoria, is it?"

Black coffee, crushed ice, hot chocolate sauce—the timbre of his voice coils about my waist, slithers down to the hollow between my legs. My toes curl.

I clench my thighs together.

That voice? What I wouldn't give to have him read aloud from a Harry Potter novel.Oh, my god, did I think that?Why is he insinuating himself into my every obsession? I shuffle my feet.

He tilts his head, looks me up and down. Those blue eyes pale until they resemble chips of ice. My heart begins to race.

This man? He'd not take ‘no’ for an answer. Never turn down a challenge.

His lips curl and he widens his stance.

The movement draws my attention to the fabric tented at his crotch.What the—?Is he turned on? And he's making no move to hide it either? The arrogance of the man. A warmth pools deep inside of me. A melting sensation thrums out from my core. And why am I not able to stop my response? No way, am I going to indulge his interest... Or his ego for that matter.

"Mrs. Rhodes to you." I tip up my chin, up, all the way up to peer into his beautiful face. "Are you the hired help?"

His expression falters, then a chuckle rumbles from him.

The harsh sound grates across my skin. All of my nerve endings pop in response. Why am I so tuned into him?

He abruptly stops laughing, pretends to flick something off of his suit.

Bastard. So he thinks he can disguise his surprise by feigning boredom? Typical.

His resting dick face is all hard angles, cut lines, a mean upper lip, patrician nose and prominent chin...spoilt by that full pouty lower lip which hints at something more—sensuous, luxurious, a personality that indulges in hedonistic pleasures, that controls and does not hesitate to take. My core clenches. I raise my hand, ready to chew on my fingernail.Ha!And wouldn't that be a dead giveaway of how much I am affected by his presence?

I tuck my elbows into my sides. I will not give into the temptation. But would I give in to him?

No. No way, would I indulge this melting sensation that seems to have gripped my center. I square my shoulders, twist my fingers together in front of me.

He drops his gaze to my hands, then up to my face, "You're not wearing a wedding band." He frowns.

I cover my left hand. "Not everyone who's married wears one."

He thrusts out his chin, peruses my features. His blue gaze deepens.Don’t' blink. Don't look away. When you meet a predator, it's best to not show any fear. My heart beat ratchets up.