Sinfully Summer. Aimee Duffy

buzzing about the charity ball you’re hosting next month. I’m assuming your presence here tonight is to secure our attendance?’

      Trying to keep the surprise from her expression, she turned to look up at Ric. The charming smile he’d worn all night returned and a husky laugh escaped him. Alexa shivered all over.

      ‘You’ve caught me.’ He clapped the old man on the back. ‘It’s for a good cause. There are too many children living on the streets in Spain and it isn’t the government’s priority to help. Your support would be appreciated.’

      Alexa ground her teeth to stop her mouth gaping. She wouldn’t have pegged Ric as the caring type. Especially about someone he couldn’t gain anything from. The fire in her belly morphed into a warm glow. She gulped down her champagne. Damn. She hadn’t expected him to have a heart in that magnificent chest.

       Heart or not, don’t go there.

      ‘Of course we’ll be there.’ Mr Santos pulled his wife to his side. She looked like she’d rather be anywhere else.

      Alexa felt a pang for the old man. He deserved better than a gold digger.

      ‘And I hope to see your beautiful Alexa.’

      Only having a week left on her holiday, she opened her mouth to explain she would have to return to London.

      ‘Of course Alexa will be there.’ Ric squeezed her hip in what felt like a warning. ‘In fact, Alexa’s helping me organise the event.’ Another squeeze. Harder this time.

       Uh, uh, no way.

      She wasn’t going to allow him to use her, and he had nothing to blackmail her with this time. Her father had used her mother for his gain so many times she’d sworn she would never let anyone do the same. And Ric—the big sneak-freak—was trying to do exactly that.

      ‘I’m sorry, Mr Santos. I’m flying back to London next week. I hope you enjoy it.’

      Ric’s arm stiffened around her. ‘Alexa, may I have a word?’ He spoke through gritted teeth.

      ‘Actually, I’d like another drink, if you don’t mind?’ She fluttered her eyelashes innocently, all the while knowing she was ticking him off, if his clenched jaw was anything to go by. Well, he wasn’t the only who was miffed. ‘Thank you, sweetie.’

      Ric, obviously too straight laced to cause a scene, released her and left to find a waiter—or ditch her. Alexa’s lips quirked.

      ‘Trouble in paradise?’ The blonde parasite’s face twisted into a smile.

      ‘Not at all. In fact, Ric and I aren’t dating. I’m merely accompanying him for the evening,’ Alexa said, while trying her hardest not to give blondie the finger and tell her exactly what she thought of her gold-digging agenda.

      ‘Such a shame,’ Mr Santos said. ‘You two make an attractive couple.’

      ‘Yes, Alexa is a very beautiful woman.’

      Ric’s tight voice sent a jolt of shock down her spine. She turned to him. He handed her a champagne flute, his face impassive. From the stiff lines of his shoulders, the hardness of his jaw, she reckoned his compliment was little more than polite etiquette. Irritation simmered in her veins.

      Stick-insect stepped forward then, a sultry smile spread her silicone-filled lips. Alexa wanted to say something rude, something that would wipe the smile away. Especially when Mrs Santos directed that smile at Ric.

      She touched the material of Alexa’s gown above her hip. ‘Where did you buy this dress, Mr Castillo? It’s beautiful.’

      Mrs Santos ran a hand down the silk covering Alexa’s thigh. Her head spun to face Alexa, shock widening her eyes. ‘How did you find underwear so seamless?’

      Alexa stepped back from the girl’s touch. Her irritation had hit its peak when the skinny bimbo assumed Ric had bought the dress. Mrs Santos feeling her up, like she was just another tool to get into Ric’s pants, made her blood boil. Now it brimmed over at the attempt to embarrass Alexa in front of the men.

      Well, it would take a lot more than her knickerless state to embarrass her—blondie picked a bitch-fest with the wrong girl.

      ‘Actually, I bought the dress in London,’ Alexa smirked at the gold-digger. ‘Oh, and I’m not wearing any knickers.’

      Mr Santos’ face turned scarlet, but an amused smile curved his lips. His wife shot another death glare. ‘I suppose we shouldn’t expect any less from a spoilt heiress, isn’t that right darling?’ She turned to her husband. His mouth gaped. ‘Alexa is the daughter of Robert Green. You remember we stayed at The Crystal? She’s in the news all the time for her trashy behaviour.’

      The blood drained from Alexa’s face as understanding dawned on Mr Santos’ expression. If Ric really hadn’t known who she was before, he had a good idea now. He remained wooden and silent beside her. The only word she could think to throw back at the witch with a capital B wasn’t very polite at all. In fact, she reckoned it would get her thrown out of the party. Maybe even Spain.

      Mr Santos turned to Ric. ‘I hope your function goes well. I don’t think my wife and I will be attending. Enjoy your evening.’

      He tugged his wife away as Ric bid him farewell in Spanish.

      Alexa had never been so angry or affronted in her life. Her body almost throbbed with both emotions. There was no way she was going to meet any more of the rich and pompous—especially if Ric was going to spout waffle to score guests and try to use her again. It seemed she’d been right about the scouting.

      The band began to play a Sinatra number she recognised. Snaring Ric’s hand, she dragged him to the dance floor amongst the other guests, all swaying to the beat. Having no other options for privacy, she would have to chew him out here where they’d be close enough to whisper without being overheard.

      ‘Dance with me,’ she said through gritted teeth.

      ‘Alexa, if you wanted to press yourself against me, all you had to do was ask.’ His tone was light, but his expression was tight and deadly serious. Then again, on closer inspection, the hard lines of his face were rigid with what looked like fury.

      ‘Dream on, Castillo. I want to talk to you and unfortunately, dancing with you seems to be the only time I’ll have you alone.’

      He slid his arms around her waist and rested them just above her buttocks. Half an inch lower and he’d be cupping her backside. The fire in her roared back to life, but she refused to let it overpower her. Fisting her hands, she rested them on his shoulders, positive if she felt the hard muscle there she’d lose herself and the anger she clung onto.

      Ric eyed her balled hands with a frown then pulled her against him. Her breasts pushed against his chest and she grabbed his shoulders for balance. Ric’s smirk told her that had been his intention. She stifled an irritated squeal.

      His head descended and hovered above her ear, ‘Ladies first.’

      Alexa’s mind muddied when the full blow of his spicy aftershave hit her. With their hips pressed together, they swayed to Frank’s husky voice. Still, she fought against her loony hormones and refused to slide her hands along the contours of his shoulders like they craved to.

      ‘Why did you lie like that?’

      Ric’s nose grazed her earlobe. The brief touch sent the fire in her belly burning over her skin. ‘I didn’t lie. You will be there and you will help me organise it.’

      Alexa pulled back. His eyes were the colour of scorching espresso. His strong jaw serious. The lusty fire inside morphed into indignation. ‘Not a chance. I’m going home next week.’

      But when she saw his expression harden, his eyes set with determination, Alexa squared her shoulders and readied herself for the fight.

      Ric whirled Alexa around the dance floor in time with the