Read Online Filthy Rich by Dawn Ryder - Free Book Online Page A

stepped into her path when she tried to make a getaway.
    â€œOr maybe I should have said, it won’t be over until you find the courage to face your demons.”
    Her eyes widened in surprise before her temper flickered in her eyes. “Like I said, neither of us needs the tension hooking up will create.”
    â€œThe way you blush when you look at me says differently.” He shrugged and watched the way her gaze lowered to his shoulders. “Am I the first man who’s excited you since you left the prick? Or am I just the first one who’s made it past your defense system?”
    â€œYou don’t—” She bit back the lie, a hint of disgust surfacing in her expression. “My sex drive works just fine.”
    He offered her a raised eyebrow. “You’re good at it, the brush-off.”
    â€œHow would you know?” she questioned. “You don’t look like a man who gets told ‘no’ very often.”
    He chuckled. “Thanks for noticing.”
    â€œCan you even name the last five partners you had?” she asked.
    Nartan locked gazes with her. “Now you’re back to being a bitch to get me to shove off.”
    â€œMaybe I am a bitch.”
    He studied her for a long moment. “You aren’t. I know my share of them.”
    She drew in a deep breath. “My point exactly. But just in case you don’t get it, I’m not interested in joining your list of friends with benefits. I know what it’s like to be used, and I won’t do it to someone else. Even if you’re willing.”
    Surprise flashed through him and unleashed a wave of need that shocked him with its intensity.
    â€œTell me you don’t want to touch me and I’ll walk away.”
    She’d crossed her arms over her chest. She gripped her own bicep, her fingertips pressing into the skin. There was a flash of guilt in her eyes, a hint of fear over being unmasked, which sent a jolt of excitement through him.
    â€œI want the same thing.”
    â€œYeah, I got that message when you pinched my butt,” she responded in a dry tone.
    â€œI cupped it.” He withdrew his hand from his pocket and mimicked a little pat. “Only a boy thinks a girl likes to be pinched. I know how to touch a woman.”
    Her face turned scarlet.
    But the tip of her tongue appeared and swept across her lower lip. He stepped toward her and had to force himself to stop when her expression become guarded.
    â€œTouch me, Celeste.”
    She blinked. “Excuse me?”
    He crooked his finger, beckoning her forward. “Come here and finish what we started last night…” He laid his hands on his chest for a moment. “Do what you felt the impulse to do, and don’t let that prick keep you bottled up.”
    â€œI told you, I’m not interested in doing anything about what I feel for you.” She shook her head. “Why would I? Your ideas are clearly different than mine when it comes to relationships. I’m a complication you don’t want any more than I want to be disappointed in myself by how I treat you.”
    â€œAnd still, I followed you out here.” Determination edged his words.
    â€œAll that proves is that you like getting what you want,” Celeste countered, doing her best to recall exactly why using him was something she wanted to avoid.
    â€œYou think I have to follow you to get it?” It wasn’t really the tone of his voice, just the way his features sharpened with confidence. He knew his effect on women and enjoyed reaping the benefits.
    â€œThanks for confirming what I thought about you the first time we met.”
    She went to step past him, but he moved into her path. “And what was that?”
    â€œThat you are very successful and accustomed to being in control.” She sighed and held up her hand when he started to speak. “It’s nothing personal. I just don’t go for the controlling