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

and waited.
     
    After a minute, he muttered a curse then his grip on my elbow relaxed.  “No, you’re right.  It is a lovely day and you spent the whole day in my apartment yesterday.  We shall go out to lunch.”
     
    He smiled and all signs of the tension and inner fury, that had been so visible on his face moments ago, vanished.  Instantly, I felt that I could breathe again.  Although the end result had been my intention, I was rocked by his intensity.  Was it worth it?  Lunch in his apartment wouldn’t have been that bad.  No, it’s the principle.  Mr Control Freak must learn that he can’t have it all his own way. 
    I stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.  “Thank you, Lucas.”
     
    His eyes narrowed slightly and I wondered whether he had figured out what had just happened.  Another distraction was needed.
     
    “Okay then, where shall we go?  There are several places that I can think of within walking distance.”
     
    “No,” he said abruptly.  “We’ll take the car and get out of the city.  I know just the place.”
     
    I wanted to walk and was tempted to argue but I thought better of it.  One victory was enough for now.  I excused myself and used the bathroom to freshen up.  When I returned, he was just ending a phone call.
     
    We took his elevator down to the garage and were soon speeding out of the city.  I watched him drive; his actions were smooth and precise.  I glanced at his profile and noticed tension in his features.  I wondered whether it was because he was concentrating on his driving – he did drive very fast – or whether it was because I had coerced him into having lunch with me in a public place. 
     
    I looked away when he turned his head.  “Issy, is everything okay?”
     
    “Yes, of course.  I was just … admiring the scenery.”
     
    He shook his head good naturedly but I noticed that he was grinning as he turned back.  I wondered where exactly we were going but, before I could ask, my cell began to ring. Angel!
     
    “Where are you?” she demanded.  “You’re not at the office – I am!  I’ve come to check that you’re okay and take you out to lunch but you’re not here.”
     
    “No, I’m not.  Sorry Angel, I didn’t realize that you were coming.  You should have called.  I’ve already gone out to lunch.  I tell you what, I’ll cook tonight – your favorite – and we’ll spend an evening in.”
     
    “Okay,” she sounded sulky.   Then she perked up, “Who are you having lunch with?  A client?  Or is it Lucas Hunter?”
     
    “Yes,” I almost whispered.  I hoped that Lucas could overhear her. 
     
    “Yes what?  A client or him?” she sounded exasperated.
     
    “Him.  Well, I’ll see you later then,” I said brightly.
     
    “Ooh, so you’re having lunch with the phantom.  I didn’t think he socialized.  Where are you having lunch?”
     
    “I have no idea.”
     
    “What do you mean?  Are you okay? You’re very quiet.  Oh, is he there?”
     
    “Yes.”
     
    “Well, he’d better be looking after you.  I still want to know what happened yesterday.”
     
    “Everything’s fine, Angel.  I will see you later.  Bye.”
     
    I could hear her telling me not to dare hang up when I ended the call.  I turned off my phone, put it back in my purse I and sat back in my seat, hoping that Lucas didn’t ask me about it.
     
    He didn’t and soon we were pulling into a long gravel driveway.  My jaw dropped when I saw the mansion at the end.  Lucas explained that he wanted to buy it but it wasn’t for sale.  It was currently a hotel with a restaurant attached.  It was beautiful.
     
    Lucas steered me toward the restaurant with a hand on my lower back.  I was surprised when we seemed to be expected and then I remembered that Lucas had made a call before we left. 
     
    We were guided through a very busy restaurant and were soon seated on a pretty terrace but I noticed that there were no other diners out