And Lukas, with his law firm and his family wealth, certainly wouldn't be after her money. She tightened her fist, hating that it was now so hard to tell him the truth. Even if he didn't care about her money, he'd distrust her because of her lies. Grandfather always said that the one trait men hated the most was deceit.
Lukas shifted in his seat and came to stand in front of Kat. He placed a finger under her chin and lifted her face to his, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"Do you regret what just happened?"
She shook her head and looked away. "No. Not regret. Just... It happened a little too fast for me. I'm not that type of girl."
Lukas chuckled, the sound lifting the hairs on her arms. "I know just what type of girl you are," he said, his voice and words teasing her.
She took a step back, but he circled his arm around her waist.
"If--and I mean if--you have to go, then I'd like to say goodnight." His lips traced her cheek, making her shiver.
She had to clear her throat to get the words out. "Say goodnight then," she whispered, her voice husky.
Lukas lowered his lips to her throat, biting her neck softly. Kat groaned, then cursed herself for her total lack of control when the man was around her.
"Um, okay then," she said, trying to take a step back.
"That," he said, his voice deep, "was not my goodnight."
"Oh?" She looked up at his face, her eyes widening as he traced his fingers up her thigh. His fingernails scraped a trail upward, making her shiver with need.
Her clit began to throb, paying no attention to her mind as it tried to argue the need to leave. His hand curved around her thigh, his fingers seeking access from behind, slipping into her slick folds and making her moan.
He bent lower, grabbed her thighs, and lifted her, wrapping her legs around his waist. "I think this time, when I say goodnight, I would much prefer to do it in a bed."
Hoisted into the air in Lukas's strong arms, Kat couldn't demand that she leave. Instead, she lowered her lips to his collarbone and kissed a trail of heat and desire up to his chin.
He dipped his head, his lips seeking hers, and before he claimed her, she said, "Please say goodnight to me."
And he did.
22. LUKAS
LUKAS GRIPPED THE STEERING WHEEL of the Jaguar, his mind focused solely on Kat. He should have been thinking about the benefit's guests: who he had to sweet talk and cajole, and who would need firmer persuasion.
Gary Masters had already implied he wanted a poker game to determine the amount he was going to donate this year. Lukas would have to encourage him to part with his money without making Lukas lose his inheritance.
Lukas blinked as the music shifted from Mozart to Eminem, and he gave Alana a dark glare. She didn't say a word, just tapped a red-painted finger on her knee and stared out the window.
In the back seat, Sam and Kat were silent too, both with headphones in their ears as if the classical music was too much to bear. From where he sat, Kat's scent was heady and arousing. Not to mention the fact that every time he caught her eye in the rear-view mirror, she blushed. The smell of her arousal drew its fingers around him, making him rock hard in response.
Beside him, Alana was all too aware of his condition. And no doubt of Kat's arousal too. The woman was a bear. She'd have scented his condition immediately. He wondered if she'd put the two together and suspect Lukas and Kat were really hot for each other. He suspected she might.
When he'd entered the office the morning after his passionate night with Kat, Alana had been alone, her face tight at the sight of his happy smile. She knew.
And Lukas hadn't cared.
Kat breezed in ten minutes later, having insisted on getting to work herself. She'd stopped off at home first, from the looks of her navy figure-hugging suit. God, the woman made office-wear look hot.
Another ten minutes later, she'd gone into his office to drop off a second, much drier copy of the signed contract. She'd paused as she'd handed it to him, shivered when his fingers grazed hers as he took the envelope.
He'd wanted to get to his feet, stride toward her, and take her right there on the desk, but he'd retained a measure of control. Alana had stood in the doorway, as if guarding her property.
Damn. He'd have to speak to Alana sooner or later. He wasn't really sure what he'd tell her because he'd already made it abundantly clear that he wasn't interested in her. She and Sara seemed to be on the same wavelength, pining for men who didn't want them.
When he'd visited Marek a few days ago, Sara had made a point of saying that if Marek knew what was good for him, he'd never have chased human tail, seeing as Sara was there for him and always would be. Didn't the woman know that it made her look weak, to play the easy, available woman with her heart on her sleeve? She was lucky Marek didn't take advantage of her.
Right now, they were driving to the Sarkozy family home, a double story, Grecian style mansion set on the outskirts of the city. Things had gone smoothly with the preparations for the benefit, and it was D-day for them all.
In addition, Mr. Anonymous's paperwork was all signed, and the bank had already processed and deposited the first of the payments. It should have made him sigh in relief that they had an influx of funds, but Lukas was worried.
There was something about the way Kat reacted whenever he mentioned their anonymous donor. She got all antsy and fidgety, and he'd smelled fear on her. What could she be afraid of? He glanced in the mirror again. Kat was leaning against the window, her eyes closed, but he could sense her awareness.
Lukas was beginning to suspect that, for some reason, she was afraid of the man. As much as Lukas liked the money, he didn't want to put Kat in a situation where she'd allow herself to be controlled by someone, just so that the firm would have a donor.
As he turned into the driveway to the mansion, Lukas tightened his jaw.
No matter what it took, he'd find out who the donor was.
23. KAT
KAT'S MIND HAD BEEN FILLED with thoughts of Lukas since the moment she'd snuck out of his apartment at dawn.
She'd insisted on going home to shower and dress in fresh clothes before heading into the office for a few hours of necessary paperwork. Then she went home again to pick up her dress and makeup, and had had a chat with Carson that had made her smile.
The poor thing had been complaining about putting on weight, but in spite of that claim, she'd looked fabulous. In the end, Kat saved the day, instructing her indecisive friend to wear the leather ensemble she had bought for her set at Serendipity. It had been good to see Carson living again.
Now, as they drove up to the Sarkozy home, Kat was impressed by its beauty. The mansion was gorgeous, all white stone and Grecian columns, but unlike Sam, she certainly didn't go gaga over it.
Maybe that had been her first mistake, because Alana had begun to watch her every word and move. Had she been watching for Kat's reaction, she'd now know that Kat wasn't impressed at the sight of luxury. And that would make Alana aware that there was more to Kat than met her eye.
Damn it. Why didn't I think of that before?
Too late now. Kat sighed as she followed the butler, who carried her suitcase and garment bag up the winding staircase. Lukas had insisted they arrive early to ensure everything went as planned, so the four of them had driven up to the house a couple hours before the event.
The butler had said something about snacks, but Kat hadn't been interested. As he opened a room at the end of the hall, Alana appeared beside her, so suddenly that Kat would've gasped if she hadn't already been aware of the other girl's observations.
"I hope you like the room," Alana said softly, watching Kat's face.
What did Alana care if she did or didn't like her room?
Kat's face must have conveyed her question because Alana's features tightened, and she straightened haughtily. "Lukas and I would like to make sure you are comfortable, of course."
The smile on her face sent chills down Kat's spine.
Lukas and I? Are they an item?
She'd wondered when she'd first started working for the firm, but Lukas's attitude toward Alana had always seemed neutral. He'd never looked at Alana the way she'd seen him look at her.
Or was she just being naive? Maybe Alana was his main squeeze, and maybe Kat had just been royally duped.
Kat took a relaxed breath and forced a smile on her lips. "You're both very kind. I'm sure we'll be happy with whatever you've provided." She was being formal, but she had to force herself to say something.
Alana waved her inside the room. "Isn't it beautiful?" she asked, as Kat took in the dark blue and white bedroom. The furniture was all distressed white wood and French elegance.
"It's very pretty," said Kat as she dropped her purse on the bed and turned around to study the paintings on the wall. A few Dutch works, Impressionist from what she remembered of her art courses.
"You don't seem impressed," said Alana, her eyes cool.
Kat shrugged. "Should I be?"
Alana lifted her chin at the question. "I'm not sure. Usually people gush over the rooms and the house. It's very impressive. You're either used to luxury or immune to it." Her words and her voice cut into Kat's awareness.
Kat forced herself to smiled wide. "Immune then," she said airily as she grabbed the garment bag the butler had laid on the bed and headed to a walk-in closet.
Her actions dismissed Alana, who turned on her heel and glided to the door. She paused on the threshold. "Lukas and I would like you and Sam to join us for snacks."
Kat smiled brightly. "I'm a bit carsick, actually. The thought of food makes me want to hurl. You guys enjoy."
Alana smiled coldly and closed the door on her way out.
Kat let out a sigh of relief. The ride had been long and it had been difficult watching Lukas, so close that she could reach out and touch him, and yet unable to even look at him.
Not with Alana's icy eyes following her everywhere she went. The woman seemed to have something against Kat, and now her probing questions, as well as her insistence on adding her name to Lukas's every time she spoke, was making Kat wonder if she had made a huge mistake.
After taking a quick shower, she put on a loose sundress that grazed her ankles and opened the patio doors. Walking out into the wide private space, she leaned against the balcony, enjoying the view of the blue ocean. This house was magnificent, and despite her lack of outward amazement, she appreciated its beauty.
Kat raised her face to the setting sun, a little sad that the heat of it had weakened as the day drew to a close. She was turning to head back inside when Lukas appeared, almost out of nowhere, striding toward her from along the balcony.
"Not hungry?" he asked, a lazy smile curling his lip.
She shook her head, stiffening slightly as he wrapped his arms around her. "Not really."
"I am," he whispered as he kissed her neck.
"Are you?" she teased, her hands lifting of their own accord to caress his shoulders.
He turned and lifted her onto the wide balustrade, positioning himself between her legs. And she squeaked in response. "What are you doing? What if someone comes?"
"Nobody will come. Alana is down in the ballroom with Sam, and the room I gave you is the only other one that leads out onto this balcony besides my own."
He sucked hard on the skin of her neck, and she gasped. "What about random boats, with telescopes and Peeping Toms."
He reached for her skirt, bunching it up, his hands sliding up her legs to her knees. His thumbs pressed against the inside of each knee, and he pulled her legs open wider. Only when he was satisfied did he reach higher and tug her thong aside.
"If they really want to look, let's give them something to remember."
Kat gasped as his searching fingers hit her hot, wet core. Before she knew it, her hands were at his waist, unzipping him, freeing his heated length.
Their coupling was quick and hot and urgent, filled with passion and lust and mind-boggling heat. Lukas moved against her, withdrawing then plunging deep inside her, and all Kat could do was grab his ass and pull him closer. He took her to incredible heights, and when they both climaxed as one, Kat was certain she'd never experienced anything as amazing as this.
Panting, kissing, and laughing, they both came back down to earth, with Lukas withdrawing and righting his clothes, his movements languid, unhurried. Not the furtive actions of a man worried about cheating on his partner.
Alana was saying the right things to set Kat on edge, to make her run from Lukas.
And she didn't plan on letting her succeed.
24. LUKAS
IT WAS NOW OR NEVER.
Now that the euphoria of their escapade on the balcony was over, he had to ask her and observe her reaction. Now, before they used any of her donor's money.
Lukas took her hand and led her inside, shutting the patio door. He didn't let go of her hand, just drew her to the narrow sofa at the foot of the bed.
"I have to ask you something." He smiled as her eyes widened, curious. "I just don't want you feel like you need to hide things from me." Now, her eyebrows shot up, reaching for her hairline.
She tried to tug her hands from his fingers, but he held tight. "So ask away," she said, narrowing her gaze while a small smile played at the corner of her mouth.
Maybe he was going about this the wrong way, but at least she wasn't running for her life.
He sighed. "I'm concerned about Mr. Anonymous."
Kat frowned. "Did something happen with the transfer?"
"No, nothing like that." He paused, staring at her beautiful face. "Are you afraid of him?"
Kat laughed, the sound shrill and nervous. "Of course not." She tugged her fingers from his grip. "Why is that any of your concern?"
He smelled fear on her now, and his stomach tightened. "I'm just worried. Every time you mention him, you sm--seem afraid." Lukas hesitated, swapping out the word smell for the more neutral seem.
She sighed and gave a soft laugh. "I'm not afraid of him, Lukas. The donor has absolutely no control over me." She shook her head, her smile wide and clear, and he believed her.
He shifted to face her. "Then tell me his name. Maybe it's better if I know who this man is that's giving us so much of his money."
Kat's face lost a little color, her skin alabaster. "He won't reveal his identity. Trust me."
"How can you know? Maybe explain to him how important it is that I know where the money is coming from, due to the sensitive nature of our activities."
Kat shook her head, her silvery eyes darkening. "Don't you trust me? I told you he's happy with everything. He wants his anonymity or... he may rescind his donation."
Lukas sighed and sat back. "So it's anonymous or nothing?"
She nodded.
He had no choice. For now, he had to accept the money without the donor's true identity. Then he drew in a harsh breath. "Okay. Fine. But only as long as you're okay. Can you promise you'll tell me the moment you feel threatened in any way?"
Kat shook her head. She was denying it, but her shoulders and spine were stiff and tense. "What makes you think I'm threatened?"
"Because I can tell you're afraid of something. And you always act this way when you talk about him. Naturally, I'm concerned."
She frowned, her shoulders relaxing as she stared at his face, probably thinking he was nuts for his magical ability to sense her mood. "Lukas, I don't know what's going on with you, but I'm fine. My donor is of no threat to me whatsoever, trust me on that." She spoke firmly, and the smell of her fear seemed to fade away.
Strange.
But he wasn't going to question her any further. Maybe he'd have to just trust her.
25. KAT
KAT'S HANDS SHOOK AS SHE descended the staircase. She'd worn a deep red velvet full-skirted strapless gown that flared out at the waist. She'd been smart and chosen two dresses, one simple black and not as decadent as the red velvet, but after Alana's behavior earlier, she
decided to go all out and dress to please herself.
Damn the woman's cattiness.
Of course, the dress was of a kind that cost what many people would earn in a whole year. So she wasn't as thrilled with it as she'd hoped. It had been one of Wolf's gifts on the last trip she'd made to bless his marriage to his long time lover Patrick. She was happy for her brother, but understood why her father had more or less disowned his own son. Wolf drew criticism from others, made society question the values of their family. He'd besmirched the Carter name, and had been shunned for it.
But Wolf had been her rock, caring and loving, understanding what it was like to never find a place to fit in. His chosen a career as a fashion designer had also drawn comments, but she'd always thought her brother was filled with talent. Case in point, the dress she wore.
Kat crossed the tiled front hall and entered the living room that was the ballroom for the evening. The place was already filling with guests, most of whom Kat didn't know and didn't need to know. Her purpose here was specifically as an employee of Lukas.
Nothing more.
She made her way between groups of well-dressed guests, keeping her head down as she headed to Sam, who stood beside the bar. No sense in meeting the eyes of someone who would recognize her. Too late, she realized she'd risked her identity being revealed if an invited guest happened to know her.
Her desire to dress up and feel good about herself could be her undoing.
She forced a smile onto her face as she stopped beside Sam, who was giving her a top-to-toe examination.
"You clean up nice," she said as she too gave him a once over. He'd chosen a dark suit and a bright purple satin tie. He hadn't removed the ear piercings or his eyebrow ring, though. She grinned. "Love the bling."
The bartender set a drink in front of Sam, and he lifted it in Kat's direction. "To the most beautiful girl at the ball."
An Heiress For The Bear (Sarkozy Brothers 2) Page 7