One Night Scandal by Christie Kelley

Opening her eyes, she could only stare at the look of betrayal on his face.
    He knew.
    “Tell Sophia that I do not like liars.”
    He turned to leave but she had to stop him. She had to explain why she’d told him she wanted him to leave her alone.
    “Nicholas, wait.”

Chapter 5
     
    Nicholas had his hand on the door handle when her voice stopped him cold. Walking away from her when he was rock hard with desire nearly killed him. He’d told himself it was the only way to teach her a lesson. Yet, he felt as if he was the one being punished, not her.
    “What do you want, Sophia? Or is it Sophie?”
    “It is Sophie, but I think you already knew that, didn’t you, Nico ?”
    He turned and stared at her. Seeing her disheveled and absolutely sensual appearance, his grip tightened on the door handle. Walk away , his brain told him. But he could not get his feet to move.
    “Yes, I knew your name and that you were the woman from Venice. So why did you lie to me?”
    She looked away from him. “I didn’t lie about everything. I do wish to be left alone.”
    “Liar,” he whispered. Loneliness poured from her soul. He knew the feeling all too well.
    “I am not the one you are looking for.”
    “I am looking for the woman who fell into bed with me in Venice. I want to know who she is, and why she can’t be truthful with me. And why she left without even leaving me a note.”
    She stood quickly. “And what about you? Why didn’t you tell me you were English? Why didn’t you tell me you were Elizabeth’s cousin? Why didn’t you tell me you were in love with Jennette?” She clapped her hand over her mouth.
    “What did you say?” he stalked her with a deep scowl. “How the bloody hell did you know I was in love with Jennette?”
    He stopped only when he was directly in front of her. Her gray eyes widened. No one knew of his feelings for Jennette.
    “How did you know?” he demanded again.
    “I’m a medium,” she retorted.
    “Then why didn’t you know I was English? If you’re such an all-powerful medium, why did you continue speaking Italian to me? Why didn’t you know I was Elizabeth’s cousin?”
    Her lower lip trembled slightly. “I read the letter on your desk from her,” she finally admitted.
    His brows furrowed deeper. He’d purposely kept that note on him so no one would believe there were any improper feelings toward Jennette. “There is nothing in that note that would give anyone an indication that I had feelings for her.”
    “You’re right.” She took a step backward. “So I must be mistaken.”
    “How did you know?” He moved closer.
    “I had to pick up the note to read it,” she answered as if that would make him understand her logic.
    “And?”
    “And I could read your emotions all over that letter. You have read that note so many times I could not begin to count. You keep the letter with you in your pocket. Even now, when you come to me looking for a woman you slept with in Venice, the note is on you.”
    She turned away and almost tripped over her chair. He reached out to keep her from falling.
    “Don’t touch me,” she cried, pounding her fist on the table.
    “I can’t seem to stop,” he admitted. “I’m sorry if I hurt you.”
    She kept her back turned away from him. “Why did it have to be you?” she mumbled.
    He spun her around to face him. He was certain he’d heard her correctly but wanted confirmation. “What did you say?”
    “Nothing.” She looked away from him.
    He didn’t quite believe all this medium nonsense. People couldn’t read other’s future or thoughts. It was a mad idea.
    Staring down at her forlorn face, frustration grew inside of him. He wanted to hold her, kiss her, comfort her and make love to her. But he couldn’t do any of those things. She knew the secret he’d been keeping from everyone. Nevertheless, his hands cupped her cheeks, his thumbs caressed her cheekbones, and with only a moment of hesitation, his lips touched hers.
    What