Her Alpha CEO

The teasing light faded from Brian’s eyes as it was replaced by desire as he focused on her lips. “If you do that, we might not make it inside.” His voice was husky as he issued the warning.

Nina’s chuckle was threaded with arousal, as she shook her head. “In that case, the kiss will have to wait until later. I want to watch the show and then hit the dance floor.”

“Right! As my lady commands.” Brian exited the car and strode round to open her door with a flourish, holding out his hand to help her out.

“Why, thank you, kind sir.” Nina smiled up at him, and Brian’s hand tightened on hers briefly before he let go and closed the door behind her. He offered her his arm again, and she threaded her hand into the crook of his elbow. As they walked into the restaurant, the hostess came forward to greet them.

“Guidice. Table for two.” Brian spoke quietly, and Nina noticed that though the hostess’ eyes widened slightly at his name, she was professional enough not to fawn over him.

“Of course, Mr. Guidice. Right this way, please.”

The restaurant was crowded, but an intimate atmosphere was created by the red and gold décor, and the small circular tables that accommodated two to four patrons. Candles floated in vases filled with water and rose petals, on each table, and the lighting was dim. The seats were arranged so that diners could focus on the show, which would be performed on the stage during the three-course meal.

Nina took in the whole restaurant, the feeling of luxury and old-world elegance combined to create an atmosphere of excitement, mystery and romance. Her hand squeezed Brian’s arm in her excitement and he smiled down at her.

“Like it?”

“I love it!”

“Good. I’d hoped you would.” The hostess indicated their table, and Brian held out her chair, sliding it expertly under her as she sat.

“You did that well.” Nina smirked at him as he sat next to her. “Had a lot of practice with the ladies?”

Brian laughed. “Only one lady, actually. My sister. Dad was rather big on etiquette. Made me and my brother practice endlessly until it was so drummed into us, it’s second nature.”

“I didn’t know you had a brother.”

“Ah, well, that’s because Tristan and I aren’t really on speaking terms.”

“I’m sorry,” Nina’s hand touched his and he curled his fingers round to hold it. She watched their entwined hands as she spoke. “I know how that is. My sister and I, we haven’t spoken in four years. Not since, well… it’s a long story. But it does hurt.”

“What’s her name?”

“My sister? Sabrina. She’s two years younger than me. We’re not very alike, but we used to be really close. Dad died when we were teenagers, and just after Sabrina turned twenty, Mama went too. Things were strained between us when we lost her, but it was two years later that they really took a turn for the worst. But, that’s old news now. And depressing. Let’s just focus on tonight.”

She smiled up at him, her eyes still haunted with memories, and Brian leaned over and kissed her. Her lips parted willingly beneath his, and for long moments they were lost in the taste and feel of each other — him minty and possessive, her smooth chocolate and yielding.

When they pulled apart, they were both breathing heavily. The diners around them began clapping, and they looked around, guiltily thinking it was because of the kiss. But the diners were focused on the stage, where the curtains had lifted and a trio of girls stood in the spotlight.

With a relieved laugh, Brian and Nina settled back, prepared to enjoy the show.

The meal was absolutely delicious. Nina and Brian ate their way through halloumi starters, a main course of kingklip and prawns, and chocolate mousse layered with fresh cream and strawberries for dessert.

By the end of the meal, they were both convinced they’d be rolling around the dance floor, but the show had engaged so much of their attention that they’d barely been aware of how much they were consuming.

The singing and dancing had been fabulous. At one point, Nina had leaned over to Brian and said, “I wish I could kick my legs as high as that.” The image had made his eyes darken with desire, and he’d looked at her with an expression that sent shivers coursing through her.

“Sweetheart, I can think of much better ways to spend our time with your legs splayed like that.”

For a moment, Nina was tempted to ask him to take them home, but she’d been looking forward to dancing with him for ages, and she stroked his arm with her fingers, in an unconsciously arousing gesture of acquiescence.

“Later. I want to dance first.”

“Of course. But let’s wait for the meal to settle. I don’t think I could do more than roll right now.” Brian patted his belly, which, to Nina’s appreciative gaze, was flat enough to wash clothes on.

“I would hate for your reputation to suffer at my hands, so I’m happy to wait,” she teased him and Brian laughed.

“What reputation?”

“Oh, you know. Billionaire playboy, gentleman, world-champion ballroom dancer…”

“You know about my foray into dancing then.” Nina was amused to see Brian’s ears reddening as he suddenly looked uncomfortable.

“I watched some of the videos. You’re really good.”

“Thank you.”

“Why did you stop dancing?”

“Oh, you know, too much pressure, not enough time. I still dance occasionally but not for competitions anymore.”

“Only on hot dates?”

“Actually, only on one hot date. You’d be surprised how many women don’t want to dance.”

“Really? Why’s that?”

“I don’t know. Probably scared they’ll make fools of themselves, or something silly like that.”

“Ah, yes. The old booby trap of feminine pride. I know it well.”

“You do?”

“I’m a woman, aren’t I?” Nina smirked at him, and he leaned over to kiss her again, tasting the strawberries and chocolate of dessert, mingled with her own unique taste. When she was thoroughly breathless from his kiss, he pulled back, a smug glint in his eyes.

“Honey, you’re more than just a woman. You’re breathtaking.”

Nina’s breathless laugh gave away her blush, and Brian ran his fingertips over her cheek. He was pleased to note that she was definitely blushing, a fact given away by her warmer than usual skin.

Deciding to take mercy on her, and finally feeling ready to dance, he pushed back from the table and held out his hand to her.

“Shall we?”

“Let’s.” Nina grinned up at him and placed her hand in his, allowing him to draw her smoothly to her feet and lead her onto the dance floor.

As he pulled her into his arms, Nina wished that the night would never end.