Hunting Lust (Orion the Hunter Part Three) Read Online Free PDF Page A

die for.”
     
    He smirked, “I know.  The chef here is so talented.  They’ve been given a Michelin Rising Star award showing that they have the capacity to attain a Michelin Star.  Once they do, they will be fully booked for weeks, if not months, in advance.”
     
    I nodded in agreement.  “I’m surprised that more people aren’t enjoying the spring sunshine out here on the terrace.”
     
    He topped up my wine glass but ignored my comment and, for some reason, I got the feeling that it wasn’t an accident that we were alone.  Yes, that could be seen as a romantic gesture but I suspected that it had more to do with his anti-social tendencies than romance.
     
    “Are you trying to get me drunk, Lucas Hunter?”
     
    He frowned.  “Now why would I do that when I like you just fine when you’re sober?  I am topping up your glass because, for one thing, I’m driving, and for another, you said it was delicious.”
     
    “That doesn’t mean I want to drink the rest of the bottle.  I wish I could take it home – Angel would love it.”
     
    He shook his head and chuckled.  We chatted amicably about the properties that he owned in New York and, it turned out, in other states too.  He didn’t know how many properties he owned, apparently it changed almost daily as newly constructed builds were sold and other buildings were acquired.
     
    I found myself wondering why he was so anti-social.  He was extremely good company and wasn’t at all awkward interacting with the waiter – it just didn’t make sense.  Why would he want us to eat on the terrace alone?  I didn’t know whether it was the wine or his relaxing company but, the more I thought about the situation, the more I wanted to ask him.  Just as I was considering which words to use, he excused himself from the table.
     
    I watched him walk back into the restaurant; he moved with such athletic grace and confidence – not like someone who was uncomfortable in his surroundings.  I made it my mission to find out exactly why he didn’t socialise.  As soon as he came back, I resolved to ask him. 
     
    I was watching the vast array of wild birds that were flitting from branch to branch and tree to tree when Lucas came back.  He surprised me by identifying most of the bird species and then went on to explain which were only visitors for the winter and would by moving on soon.  As he sat, he placed a rectangular black box on the table.  He didn’t mention what was inside so I didn’t ask, but I was curious. 
     
    “Do you eat here regularly?” I asked suddenly, thinking that it was a good way to get on the subject of socialising without being too obvious.
     
    “No.  I had a series of meetings here in order to obtain the necessary clearances for a project of mine to go through smoothly.”
     
    “So you’ve never come here in a social capacity?”
     
    His eyes narrowed and he hesitated before answering.  When he did, his tone was noticeably cooler.  “Not until today, no.”
     
    Leave it, Issy.  Now obviously isn’t the right time to have this discussion.
     
    “But why?” I blurted out.  “Why don’t you socialise, Lucas?”
     
    Oh crap!  I shouldn’t have said that.  Look at those eyes darkening.
     
    “If you hadn’t noticed, I am socialising … with you.”  His tone was now positively arctic.
     
    And I know that I should have left it.  I know that I should have shut up but I didn’t.
     
    “Before this, when was the last time you attended a social gathering?” I persisted.
     
    “I don’t recall exactly.”  He looked truly irritated now but still I didn’t stop.
     
    “A week ago?  A month?  A year?”
     
    He sat up and ran his hand through his hair.  His response was delivered through clenched teeth.  “What does it matter when it was?  You know I don’t enjoy socialising – I’ve told you already.”
     
    “But I don’t understand why.  Haven’t you enjoyed our lunch together?”  I