Riveted (Art of Eros #1) Read Online Free PDF

just talking to a woman had his body on full alert?
    He loved a good challenge and was somewhat mystified by her response, a contradiction in so many ways, from her coyness to her innocent blush. Mac let his gaze follow down to her gorgeous, toned legs and back up to her large, supple breasts, resting on her beautifully flawless face. His response was short, sweet and to the point.
    “Oh, I think you want me to show you. I can tell by the shine in your eyes, the blush in your cheeks, and the way your breath makes your luscious cleavage go up and down. You’re a dead giveaway. By the way, there’s only one woman here I’m interested in persuading.” He gave her his slanted, sexy smile. Let the sparring begin.
    She caught her breath. His freshness and unbelievably sexy attitude had her nipples standing at attention. As her hands came up to cover them, the clay dragon slipped from them onto the pool deck. Mac caught her hands and laid them in her lap.
    “Don’t hide. I like to see you when you’re aroused like this.”
    He glanced at her pert nipples as he picked up the dragon, examining it. He could tell she was a bit stunned by his admission and sucked in her breath, which puzzled him. Why would she be surprised that he would want to look at her? He adored exquisite women. The mysteries never seemed to end with her. He let her off the hook—this time.
    “Seems like the beginnings of a dragon. Is this one to keep Eros company?” His eyebrows furrowed together, interested in the fact that the dragon was red. He found her fascination with dragons adorable, in an artsy way, strengthening that invisible silken cord between them.
    “Do you know that the red dragon represents some dark stuff, like death, anger, aggression, danger, and can even be a warning?” Mac’s tone held no amusement.
    “Well, that would make sense considering what’s happened lately in my life. You might say I’m at a crossroads of sorts. It’s time for a new muse to help me sort through it. Maybe the danger has already passed.” She didn’t want to give too much away. Mara didn’t want to expose her broken parts to him, but there was that pull again and it wasn’t letting go.
    “What crossroads are you at? It sounds ominous and interesting. You like to keep me guessing.” He stayed focused on her, wanting her to reveal a little more of herself, making sure the dominance and protectiveness of his body would help without being threatening. What kind of danger was she in? His body went on alert, waiting for her answer.
    She took a deep breath, “I lost my husband about three months ago. Some things are starting to come to light that I would have liked to stay in the dark.” How much of the steel would let loose? Another rivet waited for its next jolt. She was interested to know what his reaction would be to her news.
    “Saying sorry isn’t enough. I know what it’s like to lose someone you’re close to.” Leaning back, darkness clouded his eyes, and he shut them briefly trying to hide his painful memory. “I lost someone, too. It was a living hell to watch, not being able to do anything about it. Sometimes, people leave behind holes.”
    He hadn’t talked to anyone about her, but it was long overdue. He was caught up in her naturalness and shared this fragment with her, yet it scared the crap out of him. Her death was like an open wound. He teetered between wanting to tell Mara everything to not wanting her to see the man he had become. The one who was closed off and alone. Her death had left a gaping hole in him, all too aware that life turns on a dime and loved ones could be gone in an instant.
    As the next words came out of Mara’s mouth, he was certain he would be sharing all of it with her. He would push through the pain to get to the other side.
    “I can tell by the pain in your eyes that the person was very special to you. You’re right; sometimes, sorry isn’t enough. My husband died in a suspicious car accident. No one