Delusive Read Online Free PDF Page B

through the glass, he ordered, “Get in.”
    I reluctantly slipped out of my car, slamming the door closed behind me. “It’s okay. I have roadside assistance through my cell provider. I’m going to call them and wait for someone to get here.”
    Barely blinking, he stared at me for too many silent moments. “Hanley,” he stated warmly. “I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the weather in this area, but it’s going to get very cold tonight. Roadside service may take some time to get here. When they do, you’re still going to need transportation. My car’s comfortable and has heat. All the things a good car should have.” He gestured with his fingers in a come-hither motion. “Come with me.”
    The words could’ve been misconstrued as a double entendre. Then again, every word Elias said was spoken with so much sensuality, he made it seem like everything he spoke about was really about sex.  
    The cool wind kicked up, sending my hair swirling around my face and pushed the faint scent of his cologne under my nose. Folding my arms across my chest, I tried to diminish the shudders.  
    “I only want to take you home,” he reiterated, his genial smile fading.
    “I really appreciated the dinner you bought for me yesterday,” I said, making it clear I wouldn’t engage in a quid quo pro. “But, it doesn’t erase the fact I don’t know you. I’m not going to get into your car and let you drive me home when you’re a complete stranger.”
    Any and all bits of friendliness carried in his expression were erased, leaving the more severe ones. “There are very few people in this town who don’t know who I am. Are you really suggesting I’d pull something sinister with you?”
    “Just because almost everyone knows who you are”—I shrugged—“doesn’t mean you’re not a serial killer.”
    His mouth fought against a smile and almost succeeded. “I guess I was right about you. You were running from something. Someone hurt you and made you so frightened, you won’t take a ride from a gentleman when he’s offering.”
    “I don’t know if you’re a gentleman,” I retorted. “You ogled my breasts once.”
    His attention drew to the open lapel of my black shirt and down to my long legs, peeking out from underneath my banded mini-skirt. “Seems you wanted them and quite a bit more ogled at. It makes me question why I’m being penalized for admiring what you want to be seen.”
    My arms teetered between covering my thighs or my breasts. Choosing the latter, I folded my arms higher up, covering my chest in a self-conscious maneuver.
    “You’ve been dressed this way all day. Why hide it now?” He pointed to my folded arms. “Is this the first time you’ve done that today?
    I nodded in response to his last question.
    “Okay.” The single word was said with a touch of bitter cognition.  
    Between the hives he elicited, my need to be confident, and the fight against the way my body reacted to him, I became different around him. I had met a lot of people, but I hadn’t met anyone who exuded power and strength without saying a single word.  
    Elias’s eyes darted across the lot, zeroing in on a man and his daughter—or girlfriend—on the cusp of entering the restaurant.  
    “Excuse me, sir?” Elias waved his hand in the air, calling the man over.
    Alerted and slightly confused, the stranger grabbed his daughter or girlfriend’s hand protectively and came over to us.  
    “My name is Elias Cari, I live… Take this down.” He nodded to the man, waiting for him to take out his cell phone.  
    The man hesitated, having noticed the way his companion stared longingly at Elias.  
    Elias snapped his fingers to draw the man’s attention and gave him a glare so cutting it coerced the man into compliance. Elias proceeded to give him his home address and cell number. The man tentatively entered the information into his phone. “My friend’s name is Hanley Harper and her number is…” Elias