Beyond Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

was no denying the heat between us, and my body pulled so tight it seemed to almost hum with tension. He was going to kiss me, and I was going to let him. My breath strangled in my chest, and he bent closer. His full pouty lip held me motionless, and I reached an inch toward him to close the distance and—
    “Yo, James, we’re running out of beer in the back. You got extra in the cooler? None are in the fridge.”
    James muttered a curse. I jumped away, the moment broken, and rubbed my hands over my arms. “Are you fucking kidding me? Why are you asking me—just go look.”
    The other guy glanced back and forth between us and grinned. “I interrupt something? Sorry, dude. There are some bedrooms open upstairs where you won’t get bothered.”
    The creepiness of a house full of strangers having sex wasn’t my thing. It was so public and casual. I always pictured a fling being a bit more romantic and secluded than screwing a stranger in the back room of some rich guy’s house.
    And why was he asking James about the beer? Were they co-hosting the party or something? My stomach suddenly twisted. “Who’s the owner of this place?” I asked. “Is he even here?”
    The guy widened his eyes and hooted with laughter. “Holy shit, is she messing with me?”
    James clenched his teeth. “Dane. Enough.” He grabbed my hand and tugged me down the hallway. “Ignore him, let’s go somewhere to talk.”
    “That what you calling it these days, my man?” Dane continued. “What’s the matter? She don’t like the idea you’re so rich you can pocket half of Key West without a second thought? You can always hang with me, sweets. I’m just the poor working class along with my buddy for the ride.” Dane’s tone took on a cruel tinge. “You know, the one who just refills the beer and doesn’t bother him?”
    I gasped. James was the owner? He was the rich kid who hosted the whole party? Anger cut through, long and deep, like a slice of a knife, and I turned on him. Of course, he’d been playing me. Having a bit of fun so he could laugh later, and entertain his buddies with his new conquest.
    “You really want to play this card?” James asked him. I noticed his face completely changed, becoming cold and hard, and Dane realized he’d gone too far. James’ eyes went flat and hard, like a shark, and he stood completely still, a strong power rushing from his figure. I knew two things at that moment. James was a lot more dangerous than I originally thought. He’d crush competition, get rid of anyone he didn’t like, and play by his own rules. The rules of the rich.
    The second thing I noticed was I couldn’t keep my eyes off him. I was horribly turned on by that powerful streak.
    I had to get the hell out of here.
    Dane put his hand out. “Sorry, man, I’m a little drunk. Catch you later.”
    He disappeared and we were left alone. I shook as I tried to form all the words I wanted to fling at him. If there was one thing I hated more than anything else, it was lies. I’d grown up with them like a nest of snakes, ready to take a bite out of every piece of truth in my life. But I was on my own now, and got to choose my friends and my men. Screw him.
    “I’m outta here.”
    “Wait!” He blocked my path and we faced each other like an old Western at noon. “Quinn, hold on a second. Let me explain.”
    “Why bother? I get it. You thought I was stupid and you’d have a bit of fun. Hope you enjoyed yourself. Now move.”
    He fisted his hands and muttered a curse. “Shit. I was going to tell you, I swear. I hadn’t seen you before, and I just wanted you to know me as me —not the rich guy throwing the party.”
    The hurt was the worst. I’d actually begun to like him in the short time he spoke with me. But he didn’t even trust me to think I’d be anything but interested in his stupid money or social standing. “Oh, well that explains things. Now I know you as you . And I’m leaving.”
    “ Fuck . I made a