Exception to the Rules Read Online Free Page A

proposed, and we’re talking within days here, she moved in with a career criminal that beat her for a hobby. And she’s just the tip of the iceberg. I ask other men, and they either throw up their hands or give me advice that has me sleeping on the couch for what seems like forever. It’s crazy, and it’s driving me insane, and damn it, what I want is to get it right once and for all.”
    Gaea heard what he said. She was a little taken aback by his honesty and enthusiasm, and completely positive this wasn’t going to work at all.
    “Oh, no,” he said. “Don’t make up your mind yet. Please.”
    “I’m just not sure this is going to work.”
    “Look, I know it sounds crazy, but really, it’s not. Consider it to be a research project. An in-depth study. Think of me as a scientist. It won’t be scary. I promise. And I won’t use the information to hurt you or anyone else. But you have to admit. This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’d never get this sort of access. In real life, I’d be too afraid to ruin a relationship. Or if I paid for it, I’d never really be certain I was getting the real scoop, you know? But this way, we can both benefit, and there are no feelings to hurt or wound, then, well...” He stopped and took another sip of his beer. “Not to be immodest, but I think I can convince your boss or anyone else that I’m you man. I won’t embarrass you. I know my way around the press, and I won’t cost you a dime. All you have to do is answer me honestly. If you don’t know the answers, that’s okay. No problem. But if you do know, then I want them. No polite answers. No sparing my feelings. Just tell me.”
    “Just tell you, huh? Well, I know one thing.”
    “And that is?”
    “I need a much stronger drink.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Sebastian kept his grin steady, and made sure not to look satisfied. She was going to go for it. A minute ago he’d thought all was lost, but now? She seemed to be intrigued. From what Cooper told him about her, he’d hoped she’d also be curious.
    “What kind of stronger drink?”
    “A cranberry and vodka, please. Make it a double.”
    “Excellent choice.” He signaled the bartender again, and while he waited his turn, he took his time looking her over. He’d been so busy analyzing her body language that he hadn’t properly appreciated her body.
    She was small in stature, but not girlish. In fact, if he had to describe her, the words that would sum it up perfectly were 1950’s pinup calendar model. Definitely a throwback to that time frame. Her hairstyle had something to do with it, maybe the soft way the dark curls rested on her neck, or the swoop over her left eyebrow. Her lips, too, seemed naturally lush, not collagen-injected like so many of the crowd in this area. And if they had been helped? He wouldn’t mind. She was gorgeous and her skin seemed silky, and the intelligence so clear in those brown eyes made him want to start this week tonight.
    Not that he was going to actively pursue more than his stated objective.
    “What can I do for you?”
    He started at the bartender’s voice, ordered her drink, and himself a double whiskey neat. When he turned back to Gaea, she pushed her hair back behind her left ear. Her hand, tiny, feminine, captured his gaze and held it.
    He watched as she put her fingers around her wineglass. Rubbed the rim lightly.
    Okay, so maybe he would pursue something more. Hadn’t Cooper said she’d been solo for quite some time? Hadn’t he himself been entirely too celibate for longer than was healthy?
    “Sebastian?”
    “Call me Bas.”
    “Um...okay. Bas.”
    “Yes?”
    “What are you going to do with this information, assuming you get what you’re looking for?”
    “Use it.”
    “For a book? Something else?”
    He shook his head. “I hadn’t actually thought of that, but I wouldn’t rule out the idea. Truthfully, I’m doing this for my own personal education.”
    “Meaning you’re seeking a serious