Read Online Beautifully Twisted by Jennifer Domenico - Free Book Online Page A

can hold her own. In fact, I’d venture to guess that you’re pretty good at calling the shots.”
    “Possibly.” She offers a slight smile.
    “I’d like to know more about that, more about what you want in a man.”
    Alexa never had to think about this question before. The only man she’s ever wanted is Scott. She lowers her eyes while she considers how to answer his question.
    “Why don’t you tell me what you want in a woman first,” she says, stalling for time.
    She watches as he lifts his wine glass to his lips and takes a sip, closing his eyes momentarily while he savors the flavor.
    “Alexa, I like strong women. Women who know how to get what they want. I think that’s why I’m fascinated by you. It’s obvious you don’t take shit from anyone.” He chuckles softly. “In fact, if you can handle Scott, then I know you’re the type of woman that turns me on.”
    Alexa takes a sip of her wine. “I can handle him and you if I have to, but that doesn’t mean I want to get involved with you. Mixing work and pleasure is dangerous.” Alexa knows firsthand exactly how true that statement was.
    “You don’t strike me as someone who’s afraid of a little danger,” Brett teases.
    Alexa smiles just slightly. “No, I suppose, I’m not.”
    “So… back to my question. What’s it going to take?”
    “I don’t know that I’m interested.”
    “Ah, but you don’t know that you’re not. There’s a chance.”
    His comment causes her to soften. They eat quietly, Alexa picking at her meal and only eating the parts she likes.
    “You don’t like it?” Brett asks.
    “It’s okay. The wine is excellent.”
    He nods then says, “Will you come home with me tonight?”
    His sudden request surprises her but as usual she masks her emotions and responds stoically. “No. I haven’t had that much to drink.”
    “Ouch.”
    “I’m not ready. I’ll…think about it.”
    “I hope you do.”
    As they finish dinner, Alexa’s thoughts are cloudy with decision. She told Scott she wouldn’t sleep with Brett, and she knows it would kill him. Still, it’s very tempting to take this opportunity to hurt him like he hurt her. Who better than his buddy?
    She watches as Brett pays the bill then gathers her coat for her. He seems awfully nice, not weighed down by the edgy hardness Scotty bears.
    “I’ll take you home now,” Brett says, standing close to Alexa, forcing her to stretch her neck to look at him. He wanted to kiss her but he had a feeling she would not like that at this point.
    “Thank you,” she says softly.
    Once in the car, he reaches over and touches her leg softly. “I want you in my bed, Alexa, and I don’t easily back down.”
    “I don’t easily give in.”
    “I can see that.”
    She feels her phone vibrate inside her handbag and pulls it out to see a text from Scott.

    SP: He doesn’t know you like I do. You don’t even like French food.

    Her body tenses. That asshole.
    “Anything important?” Brett asks.
    “Not at all.” She makes a decision. “You can come up for a drink, if you want.”
    His face fills with a smile. “I’d like that.”
    “Good.” She’s satisfied with her choice. If Scott wants to mess with her like this, he should know that two can play this game. Poor Brett is just a pawn in this game.
    They pull up to the valet in front of her place. She’s nervous, but feels confident she’s doing the right thing. She is her own woman now; Scott does not control her.
    “What changed your mind, Alexa?”
    “I haven’t. It’s just a drink. For now.”
    “Fair enough. I’ll relish the time I remain in your company.”
    She looks at him with suspicion. Is he for real? Ignoring the glances of the workers at the front desk, she presses the elevator button.
    “Nice building. We must be paying you well,” Brett says.
    “Quite well.”
    “You earn it.”
    “Thanks, Brett.”
    They ride to her floor in silence. Only the devil himself knows how far she’ll let this go