The Helen Bianchin Collection (Mills & Boon E-Book Collections) by Helen Bianchin Page B

mouthful.’
    He seemed totally at ease, and she couldn’t help being aware that his presence caused a flutter of interest among several of the female patrons.
    How could she blame them? He was a superb male animal, who possessed more than his share of sexual magnetism. Inherent good looks and an overwhelming aura of power made him a spellbinding challenge few women could ignore.
    The lilting music and warm convivial atmosphere of the restaurant were persuasive, and she cast him a faintly wistful smile.
    ‘Would you like to try the dance-floor?’
    She looked helplessly at the small square of parquetry that held one couple, then inclined her head in silent acquiescence.
    Minutes later she wasn’t so sure it was a good idea. Her right hand lay supported between her breasts, while the fingers of her left hand rested against his shoulder. His hands were loosely linked behind her hips, forming a protective cage, and this close she could sense his body-warmth beneath the sophisticated mantle of his clothes.
    His movements were sure, fluid, his strength a potent entity as he guided her with effortless ease. The keyboard player sang a hauntingly slow ballad, and to her surprise her steps didn’t falter once, although her breathing quickened in tempo with her fast-beating pulse.
    Warm heat spread through her veins, suffusing her body until she was aware of every sensory pleasure-spot, and a deep aching need that cried out for his touch.
    She felt his hands shift to curve over the slight swell of her bottom as the ballad finished and another began, even more poignant than the last. Seconds later, she felt the brush of his lips against her hair as they trailed down to settle at her temple, and her stomach executed a tiny somersault, then went into a series of crazy flips as his warm breath stirred a few stray tendrils close to her ear.
    Slowly she lifted her head, her eyes skimming the broad column of his throat to take in the firm contours of his mouth, the straight patrician nose, the sculpted cheekbones, and lastly his intensely dark eyes.
    What she glimpsed there deepened the colour already staining her cheeks, and her mouth trembled slightly as she sought to put some distance between them.
    He immediately loosened his hold, allowing one arm to curve lightly round her back as he led her from the floor.
    ‘Another drink?’ Alejandro queried when they were seated.
    Something cool, icy , she qualified silently. ‘Please,’ she accepted. ‘Lemonade with a dash of lime.’
    He ordered coffee for himself, and she sipped the contents of her glass, contrarily wanting the evening to be over, yet strangely hesitant to leave the restaurant.
    Why so apprehensive? she reiterated to herself as the Bentley cruised smoothly towards Palm Beach. There was no medical reason why they shouldn’t resume intimacy, and to be so racked with nerves was ridiculous.
    ‘Do you want to share?’
    The sound of his voice startled her, and she turned towards him in silent query.
    ‘Your thoughts,’ Alejandro elaborated as he eased the large vehicle into the driveway, then activated the remote control to raise the garage doors.
    Dear heaven, had he guessed? What would he say if she said she was scared stiff…of him in the role of lover? More than likely he would be mildly amused, she decided wretchedly.
    As soon as the car came to a halt she released the seatbelt and slid to her feet, waiting as he sprang the locking system before crossing to her side as they entered the house.
    Once indoors she made straight for the stairs, only to come to an abrupt halt as his hand closed over her elbow and he turned her round to face him.
    His eyes were faintly hooded, his tone a deceptively soft drawl. ‘You’re reacting like a skittish kitten, unsure whether to leap and run, or stay.’
    ‘Perhaps because that’s how I feel.’
    ‘You find my touch abhorrent?’
    Oh, my, nothing like aiming straight for the jugular. ‘No,’ she disclaimed quietly. ‘But