‘I didn’t know modesty was a requirement.’ Flip and snide.

‘It isn’t. I’m just surprised,’ he calmly noted, having checked his momentary resentment that she may or may not have sat casually nude like that before.

‘After seeing that video, I’m surprised anything can surprise you.’

‘Not much can,’ he said, ignoring her provocation. ‘You, however, are the exception. Why don’t you put on a robe, Miss Hart, and come talk to me. I promise to behave.’ He indicated the chair beside his with a small wave.

‘And if I don’t?’

‘Feel free to go back to sleep.’

‘And you?’

He softly sighed. ‘I may not behave enough to leave.’

‘So I’m supposed to sleep with you sitting there watching me?’

‘You could. Or you could come and talk to me. Would you like a snack? I can have the kitchen send up something.’

‘They’re probably sleeping.’

‘Then they’ll get up. Would you like something?’

You on a platter for starters. Christ, where did that come from? She dragged in a steadying breath, beat back her irresponsible libido, told herself Dominic Knight was too dangerous no matter how powerful his allure. ‘No—no really, I’m fine.’

He noticed her small hesitation, her resolute little breath, the slight tremble in her voice when she spoke. ‘Not hungry?’ he softly queried, understanding the game was fully in play now.

‘Not for that. There, that must please you,’ she said with a grimace. ‘Your record is unblemished. Every woman in the world wants you.’ And why wouldn’t they? her little troublesome, headstrong, overly confident little voice murmured. When he’s gorgeous and sexy as hell lounging there, his T-shirt moulded to his muscled body, the tie on his pyjama bottoms just a tug away from displaying world-class cock.

‘I thought maybe you didn’t,’ he quietly said.

‘You thought wrong. But I’m going home without, shall we say, getting to know you better. Sorry.’

‘I’d like to change your mind.’

That calm, quiet voice again – like nothing fazed him. ‘I’d like a lot of things,’ she brusquely said, not capable of his equanimity. ‘Most of them I won’t get.’

‘I can give you whatever you want.’

‘You don’t understand. I don’t want to be number two thousand twenty and counting in your world of kinky sex.’

‘Ah.’

‘Exactly. There must be a cast of thousands anxious for the role. You don’t need me.’

‘You’re unusual, Miss Hart.’

She smiled. ‘I like to think so.’

‘I can keep you for six more days, you know. I could say I’m not sure the Singapore bank has performed yet.’

‘I suppose. But the question is, why would you?’

He grinned. ‘To get my money’s worth. Come, Miss Hart. Keep me company. I can’t sleep for wanting you. Talk to me at least. That can’t hurt.’

‘I don’t trust you.’

‘Or yourself?’

‘Yes. Happy now?’

‘Not yet. I could be. But that’s up to you. Where’s your robe?’

‘Wherever your butler put it.’

‘He’s not my butler, he’s your butler.’

‘No, he’s not. You paid for him like you pay for everything else.’

‘But not you.’

‘No … I mean, yes, not me.’

He laughed and came to his feet. ‘I’ll find your robe. Then I’ll take you to the bar where you can enjoy the world’s best view and my charming company. That should be safe enough.’

‘If only,’ she muttered.

‘I heard that,’ he said over his shoulder as he moved towards a bank of louvred doors. ‘My heart did a little flip-flop.’

‘Please.’

‘Word of God.’

‘Jesus, you’ll say anything for a fuck.’

Dragging her robe from a hanger, he threw it across the room. ‘I’m not going to look, because you’re probably right. I might do anything for a fuck.’

‘Finally,’ she said, rising from the bed and slipping her arms through the sleeves. ‘A little truthiness.’

He chuckled. ‘I gather you watch Colbert. We could probably find him somewhere on the net if you want.’

‘Don’t bother.’ What she wanted wasn’t on the net, anyway. He was ten feet away, the murderously handsome, bad boy version of sex personified. And much too dangerous to her future if she were being sensible about CEO–employee sex. She finished tying the belt on the robe, and said in a tone somewhere between politesse and a mild warning off, ‘You can look now.’

Totally ignoring the warning-off part, Dominic turned and smiled. ‘Very nice. Although everything about you is nice. And restful.’

‘I’m not sure that’s a compliment.’

‘Believe me, it is. I lead a hectic life.’ He held out his hand. ‘Let’s see if there’s something to eat at the bar. I’m hungry.’

‘You just ate.’

‘Two hours ago.’ He wiggled his fingers. ‘Afraid?’

She moved towards him. ‘Should I be?’

‘No.’ As her fingers slid through his, he called on whatever reserves of will-power he possessed. ‘I promise.’