A Taste of Passion ; Ambitious Seduction

by Chloe Blake

  She nodded. “That’s right. From that moment I knew I had to be financially independent—otherwise I’d always be in the system and prey for slimeballs.”

  “Is that why you went corporate instead of into family, civil or immigration law?”

  Her eyebrow rose. “Why’d you mention those three?”

  “If anyone’s a poster child for a bleeding-heart case, it’s you.” He held up both hands. “Don’t get me wrong, you’re brilliant at your job, but corporate doesn’t fit you.”

  Kamilla raised her shoulders, reminding him to continue with his massage and grinned. “So you’ve noticed how good I am.”

  “My point,” he stressed, “is that I’m pretty sure you’d be happier as a public defendant than you are working for our law firm.”

  “Corporate is where the money is. I’m almost done paying off my student loans and once I make partner, I’ll always have a job.”

  He shook his head. “Unless they toss you out.”

  “Which they won’t because, as you just mentioned, I’m fantastic at what I do.” She reached up and touched her cheeks. “I must be an ashy mess leaving the chlorine on my skin for this long.”

  She’d never believe him if he told her how beautiful she looked, dry skin and all. “Lotion wouldn’t run away from you.”

  Her tinkle of laughter made him smile. Before she could walk away and disappear into her room, he lowered his head and gave her a slow, lingering kiss on the lips. With a herculean strength of will, he pulled back from her sweetness rather than giving in to the lust driving him. Leonard gazed into her eyes. “You are one of the most powerful women I’ve ever met, Kamilla Gordon. Never believe otherwise.”

  He watched her disappear into her room. With each encounter, the woman proved more spectacular and he wanted to give her the world. Even the partnership? Would he be willing to give it up for Kamilla when he’d worked equally as hard? He was starting to believe he could.

  * * *

  The man held magic in his kisses. Kamilla touched her lips and sighed as she recalled the light touch of his mouth and his inspiring words. Recovering from the encounter, she slipped off the T-shirt she’d used as a cover-up. What had possessed her to share so much about her life with the last person on earth who’d care?

  He’d seemed interested enough.

  A perverse sense of joy had infused her when he’d vibrated with anger on her behalf as she told him about her encounter with the pimp. She’d left out the part where the twice-cursed pathetic excuse of a man had cornered her and tried to entice her into giving him what he wanted. A knee to the groin kept him away for a long time afterward.

  What would it be like to have Leonardo on her side?

  She adjusted the water in the shower so it flowed the perfect temperature of warm before shimmying out of her damp suit. Letting the water sluice over her, she lathered the luffa.

  She’d always been able to take care of herself and didn’t need anyone fighting her battles. Not even the man whose simple smoothing of her hair had set her skin on fire, making her forget she never shared her stories with others. What was the point? It wouldn’t allow her to change her life.

  Living in the present and heading toward the future was the only way to exist. Then why did she feel light and bubbly after sharing such a disturbing aspect of her life with Leonardo? She wanted him to know more, and hear all of his experiences. She craved him more with every conversation and touch.

  Was that his plan? To keep her off her guard so he could swoop in and take the partnership away from her? She wouldn’t put it past him.

  She didn’t need the complications he brought, and yet found it difficult to stay away. Sex had complicated things between them and if they did it again, would they be able to go back? Be colleagues and professional with each other?

  She could already feel her emotions getting involved. Better to stay away. Then she sagged as an ache filled her chest at losing whatever had sparked between them. If only I can.

  Chapter 16

  Last night at dinner Leonardo had sensed that Kamilla was pulling away. As much as he’d attempted to engage her, her responses were less than enthusiastic. They’d parted in the living room without even a chaste good-night kiss.

  At breakfast she’d seemed to take delight in telling him they’d have to separate for the day because of the ski lessons for beginners she’d be taking.

  He seized the opportunity to be with her. “I’ve been skiing for years. I’ll teach you.”

  She snorted. “You’re more likely to push me down the hill and watch me turn into a huge snowball than to instruct me.”

  “Sometimes trial by fire is the best method. Besides, we’ll be on the bunny slope. It’s basically flat. You’d gain more speed snowshoeing.”

  At the mention of the new activity, her eyes lit up. “Can we?”

  Leonardo laughed, finding her willingness to try all things new refreshing. “I see your agenda is flexible and dependent on any snow activities you learn about. Let’s start with the ski lesson. Maybe tomorrow we can go snowshoeing. That’s if ice-skating doesn’t catch your fancy.”

  The quick scrunch of her nose gave him the answer.

  “I’ve been ice-skating once. I fell so many times, my ass got bruised.”

  A guffaw exploded from his chest. “Let’s finish eating and then go skiing. You’re a fast learner. Maybe you’ll end up on a slope where your velocity increases to about five miles an hour as opposed to the two you’ll get on the beginner hill.”

  “You don’t need to stick with me. I won’t mind if you go do something more exciting.”

  He leaned across the table and crooked his finger. After a quick glance around the crowded dining room, she rose, meeting him half way. Bracing his hands on the table, he closed the last few inches separating them. His lips met hers. Sweet strawberry jam assaulted his tongue as he teased her mouth. He ended the kiss long before he wanted to and settled into his seat.

  “I want to be with you,” he said honestly. “And besides, I’m at the mercy of your agenda, remember? I can’t back out now.”

  Her smile brightened his morning. “Don’t say I didn’t offer when you’re bored out of your mind.”

  “Somehow I doubt I could ever be bored when I’m around you.”

  * * *

  “Okay.” Kamilla’s breaths came out in white puffs as they reached the bottom of the hill without her falling. She’d even kept herself in a straight line. No veering. “I’ve mastered the second kiddie hill. What’s next?” She gestured to the massive mountain to the left. “How about we take the ski lift and whoosh down that one?” Not in the least bit serious about her request, she held back a giggle at Leonardo’s wide-eyed expression of horror. “I’m kidding. Although I wouldn’t mind taking a ride up and back.”

  “It can be arranged.”

  She’d expected a huge fight from the beginning to the end of the ski lessons, but he’d been a patient teacher. Not once did he rush her to do something she wasn’t ready for. She hated liking this side of him. Detested it even more that he possessed it. Even the fact that he laughed each time she fell didn’t annoy her. Too much.

  He headed them toward the ski-rental area. “We won’t need our skis if we’re only riding the lift.”

  “What’s the matter?” she teased. “Afraid I’ll jump off and head down, leaving you in the dust?”

  “More like breaking your pretty little neck as you plummet.”

  She tried not to let her pleased reaction to his compliment show. She really did, but the smile wouldn’t be repressed. He’d been praising her all morning and damn if she didn’t like it.

  “How come you don’t have your own skis?” Kamilla asked as they stood in line, waiting for a chair after returning their equipment.

  “I’m not much into it. I know how to do it—I excel at it. Bu
t it’s not something I love doing.”

  “I keep forgetting how humble you can be.” His comment had sparked the need to learn about what, or maybe whom, he loved. “Other than working, what do you enjoy doing?”

  He looked at her for a long moment, making her wonder if he’d give an honest answer, or if a sarcastic retort would slide off his tongue. “I can spend hours building a model airplane and never miss the time.”

  Was he for real? This man who exuded authority and confidence in spades enjoyed such a simple hobby? He took off his glove and lifted her chin. His touch aroused the need for more, like the way he’d shaken up her world at breakfast with his kiss, but he released her with a soft brush of his finger once she stared him in the eyes. “What did you expect me to say?”

  Catching her breath, she prattled off the first thing that came to mind. “Yachting.”

  He shook his head. “I’m not a fan of the water.”

  “Traveling all over the world.”

  “I like it, but it’s not something I’m—” he pinned her with a direct gaze “—passionate about.”

  The cold air dissipated as heat rushed to her face. Sexy, flirtatious and delicious were new words she’d use to describe him. She had trouble recalling the more negative ones he’d earned over the years. Attempting to distance herself last night and this morning had been an abysmal failure. His admission of wanting to be with her had made her feel too good to deny herself what she also desired.

  The line moved forward and she went through the files of her mind to figure out something wealthy people tended to do that her poverty-stricken life had never brought to her door. “What about galas and fancy balls?”

  He chuckled. “I attend because I have to. Especially when my sister holds them for her charities.”

  Kamilla grinned at the single encounter she’d had with his sister, Lanelle, at a benefit the firm had thrown last year. The woman had been sweeter than cotton candy. She’d had difficulty believing Lanelle and Leonardo shared blood.

  She snapped her fingers. “Eat at fancy restaurants with your girlfriend?”

  “I definitely appreciate good food, but I’m just as content eating at home. Fewer people to recognize me.” Once again all of his potency focused on her as he stared into her eyes. “And I don’t have a girlfriend to go out with.”

  He’d passed the test. If he hadn’t, he would’ve found himself rolling around in the snow, clutching his groin for leading her on. She swallowed hard and then tried to lighten the mood again. “Play golf at a country club? Heck, just hang out at one?”

  He pretended to wield a club and swung. “I’ve got game, but I play more for business reasons than pleasure.”

  The same reason she’d taken up the sport. Only, she couldn’t claim to be even marginally good at it. She did enjoy riding around in the carts, though.

  His parents owned a billion-dollar enterprise. Was he as simple as he was making himself out to be? Why would he lie? Don’t all women want an unassuming rich guy to chill out at home with, creating model planes? She wouldn’t mind. “How about dating gorgeous, leggy, stick-thin women who work as models?” She’d never heard about any of the women he dated in the tabloids, but she sent up a silent prayer that he’d say no.

  “Far from it. I think you’re confusing me with my brother, Miguel. At least before he got involved with his college sweetheart. I like an unpretentious woman. One who’s not in the limelight. Someone who can spend hours with me conversing, watching movies or just being together without doing much of anything except enjoying each other’s company.”

  Her heart strummed hard enough to bruise her ribs. Not caring if she sounded a little desperate, she asked, “Are you sure you don’t have a girlfriend to do those things with?”

  “I’ve been too busy to get into a serious relationship over the past couple of years.”

  Boy, could she relate. Just as she was about to ask another question, their turn came to hop onto the lift. Not having skis on would make things easier to keep from falling and embarrassing herself. Especially in front of this amazing man she was discovering.

  Focusing on letting the chair carry her away rather than jumping onto it, she clung to the side as it lifted off.

  “You can relax now. You did well.”

  She exhaled as she released her tight grip. “Thanks.”

  “I would’ve fallen off my seat laughing if you’d missed.”

  Leonardo had returned. She did have to admit to the hilarity of such a situation.

  “Now that you’ve interrogated the hell out of me,” he said in a voice that held amusement, “tell me what you like to do for fun.”

  Did he really want to know? “I don’t live the life of the rich and famous. Basic things like hanging out with my best friend and her children when I can get the chance makes me more than happy.”

  “No man to whisk you away to special places?”

  “I’ve been working so hard for the firm that the only thing I have time for is the occasional drive to visit my friend. Everything else is extraneous.”

  “So you’ve given up your life for the partners.”

  She shook her head. Would he understand? “Not for them. For my own security and stability.” Could he see her shrug in the jacket? “It’s been a goal I’ve had all my life.”

  His dark brown eyes captivated her more than the picturesque snowcapped-mountain scene surrounding them and she couldn’t break free. “It’s difficult to explain.” Especially to someone who has always had parents to take care of them and money at their disposal.

  “I can imagine.”

  She doubted it. “Can you really?” And then she remembered his volunteer work. Wanting to ask him about it, she held her tongue. How could she explain discovering the information? Her gut told her he didn’t want anyone to know he was a big softie underneath his tough guy image. “Why are you so...” How to phrase it so he wouldn’t throw her off the chairlift. “Hard?”

  At her choice of word, her face went up in flames and she wanted to take back the question. Instead she dug herself in deeper in a different direction. “I mean you act like a bastard most of the time.” Do not cover your face in utter embarrassment. Stand by what you said and he’ll respect you for it.

  Or laugh his ass off as they reached the turn and headed downhill toward the flatland.

  She grabbed his arm as the chair wiggled. “Be careful you don’t fall off. I have no idea how I’d explain it to the partners. They’d never believe you’d laughed yourself off the lift.”

  “Yeah, they’d be more likely to believe you pushed me.”

  The seat shook at her enthusiastic nod. “I know, right. And no one in the office would blame me.”

  A smile of amusement lingered on his face. “I know what people say about me, and it doesn’t matter.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because they deserve their treatment. I give people what they need, not what they want.”

  She sat up straight and attempted to slide her arm from the crook of his. His flexed biceps kept her in place. “Excuse me, but I don’t deserve it.”

  A few moments passed before he looked down at her. “You didn’t believe me when I apologized for my past behavior toward you. Maybe you’ll believe me now. I’m sorry about how I treated you. I was wrong.” He shrugged. “To be honest I found you to be a threat, and it unnerved me. A new feeling for me, which I didn’t handle well.”

  The tightness of her lips pursed to the side must’ve been response enough.

  “I don’t lie, Kamilla. I may be...harsh at times, but I’m always honest. About everything.”

  “So you really hate people from Harvard?”

  He laughed. “I may have exaggerated a little when I first met you. The rivalry is strong between the schools, but it’s not personal for me.”

  “You could�
��ve fooled me. Do you know that I wore something from my alma mater every day for a month straight just to piss you off?”

  “I noticed, and I deserved it. Although I did enjoy finding and doling out anti-Harvard cracks.”

  She smiled. “I never knew so many existed about Yale. Some were really funny.”

  “I had to bite my tongue to stop from laughing when you let a few of them rip.”

  They’d come to the bottom of the slope and she braced herself to get off the lift without falling flat on her face. “I’ll take my arm back now.”

  “How about if I hold on to you and we get off together?”

  They’d always made an effective team. The partners recognized it, and begrudgingly so had she. Would they make a good couple, too? Something to think about. “If I fall, I’m taking you with me.”

  The softness in his eyes sent her stomach quivering. “I’d have it no other way.”

  Chapter 17

  “Cass, you would love this place,” Kamilla gushed when her friend’s face showed up on her phone.

  “Girl, what have you been drinking? Snow and I don’t go together. Hell, I would’ve never come back to Ohio if Michael hadn’t bribed me with having three children instead of two.”

  Every year, Cass complained about winter from the first fall of snow. “And where is my third niece or nephew?”

  “Two is more than enough. So, tell me what makes Aspen so fabulous.”

  “Leonardo taught me how to ski.”

  Her friend sitting frozen made Kamilla wonder if the line had been dropped. “Casey? Are you still there?”

  “Did you say the monster taught you how to ski?”

  “And that’s not all. We had a real conversation and he apologized for treating me badly over the years.” She paused for dramatic effect. “Twice.”

  The news got a triple gasp. “Do you believe him? What did you say?”

  “I laughed at him the first time because I thought he was joking. I’ve never heard him apologize for anything.” She paused, now a little embarrassed at her behavior. “He kind of seemed sincere, but still...”