Page 23 of The Kiss that Captured a Billionaire

Until—

“Excuse me,” came a warm, male voice.

Rose turned—and nearly collided with a man who looked vaguely familiar. Tall. Broad shoulders. Rugged jawline. A glint of mischief in his dark eyes.

“Do I know you?” She almost winced at the classic cliché.

He chuckled at the line. “I’m impressed. I would have thought you would have been too distracted to notice anyone other than Theo.”

“Yeah… and no,” she replied with a sense of unease. “What makes you think he distracts me?”

“Ouch… I can see why he’s so fascinated by you. You’re sharp, witty, unimpressed with his wealth—and beautiful. A true rarity.” He offered a mock bow, his eyes dancing with delight. “Nikos Aetos. At your service. We were never formally introduced.”

Her fingers tightened slightly on the tray. “Can I offer you an hors d’oeuvre, Mr. Aetos?”

He looked down at the tray, then back at her, the glint in his eyes sharpening. “Not tonight. I’m here to play interference—and stop you from escaping again.”

She blinked in surprise. “Excuse me?”

He leaned in conspiratorially. “I was sent to stall you—for Theo.”

Her mouth fell open, words colliding uselessly on her tongue.

He chuckled. “You’re fast for someone hauling crab cakes.”

Rose took a step back, glancing over her shoulder when she bumped into someone—and groaned.

Theo was standing right behind her.

His dark gaze locked on her, hunger and frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

“You sold me out,” she accused Nikos, glaring back at him.

He shrugged, unapologetic. “You aren’t easy to catch—and friends need to stick together.”

“Well, you might want to consider finding better friends.”

“Not a very subtle one, Theo,” Nikos chuckled, sipping his drink with a wink. “I like her.”

“I’m going to dump this entire tray on your fancy Italian shoes. Let’s see how you like me after you walk in crabmeat and cream cheese.”

“It would be worth it,” Nikos laughed.

“Toad,” Rose muttered.

“Are you two finished, Nikos? If so, thank you, I’ll take it from here.”

Nikos lifted his glass in salute. “Break a leg.” Then he sauntered off, leaving her alone with the man who haunted her sleep.

Rose’s breath caught, and she turned slowly to face Theo. Being this close to him was like standing near a flame—thrilling and terrifying.

She opened her mouth—nothing came out.

“Rose.” His voice was low—soft, reverent… dangerous.

She swallowed.

“You can’t keep avoiding me.”