Princess Next Door(37)

She gasped.

He chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. “I didn’t get this far by not being able to read people.”

“Where’s my mother?” she repeated, looking side to side for an escape. This stranger had unraveled her in just a few minutes. She felt so exposed, so deliciously violated. He had to be over twice her age, so why did he affect her like this? She wasn’t used to watching all her control slip away.

“Relax, baby girl. I’m just playing.” He stepped back, running his hand through his dark hair, a bit of grey at the temples. Everything about him was composed and deliberate. “I’m just asking for one date.”

“I don’t think I’m your type,” she said. “I’m not interested in a good time, and I can’t be bought.” She stood firm on her beliefs. No way would she be used and discarded. Not for all the money in the world, no matter how tempting he may be.

But a part of her, deep down to the marrow, wanted to be his. Wanted to be taken and claimed. Was she dealing with daddy issues? Was she sick for desiring a man exuding power and control? He was everything she tried to steer clear of, but she was inexplicably drawn to him. That one touch made her desperate for more, but she had to resist her twisted desires. Adora was convinced her DNA was against her, leading her to follow in her mother’s footsteps. She wanted more from a man, demanded more from her life.

“Everyone has a price,” he said.

She pushed away, finally able to breathe once she put space between them. His scent was addictive, pulling her under his spell. Adora turned around once at a safe distance. “Maybe in your world. Not mine.”

“Then prove me wrong. One date.”

It took all her willpower to refuse him. “Sorry, I’m not interested.”