Prince of Air and Darkness by Jenna Black Page B

filled him with hope and purpose. Now, he just felt another layer of guilt at his resolve to manipulate his own son or daughter as his mother had manipulated him.
    For the thousandth time, he reminded himself that he had no choice. Even if he could withstand his mother’s “persuasions” indefinitely—which he wasn’t arrogant enough to believe he could—the moment he began actually resisting her, she would realize that Kiera had begun to matter to him. Woe unto the poor mortal if his mother came to suspect he cared about her! It was the absolute worst thing that could happen. And once he’d brought a child into the world, he would do anything necessary to prevent his mother from warping that child beyond repair.
    No, Hunter had no choice but to lock his conscience in a closet and throw away the key. Which meant it was time to up the ante in the game of seduction. He owed Kiera an apology after making a pass at her in the elevator. Perhaps he could offer a very special apology that would turn into a far more subtle, and far more effective, pass.
    Trying to feel pleased that he had come up with a clever seduction tool, Hunter poured himself another cup of coffee and told himself his conscience was fully under control.

Chapter 6
     
     
    Kiera was staring at the horseshoe her mother had given her when the phone rang. Shaking her head at herself for even considering her mother’s crazy notions, she answered. When Hunter’s voice greeted her, her heart fluttered.
    “Oh. Hi,” she said, feeling like a nervous teenager. What did you say to a client who’d almost felt you up in an elevator? Especially when you didn’t know if you were more relieved or disappointed that you’d stopped him?
    “I feel like the world’s worst heel,” he told her.
    Somehow, that hadn’t been what she’d been expecting from him, and she became even more tongue-tied. She tried to force some words of forgiveness from her dry mouth, but he continued before she could manage it.
    “I can only claim temporary insanity. I’m really not the type to take advantage of someone like that, and I can’t tell you how sorry I am.”
    “Don’t worry about it,” she said when she could find her voice. “It really wasn’t a big deal.” Pathetic lie, perhaps, but maybe if she said it enough times she’d convince herself.
    “It was to me. I’m ashamed of myself, and I’d like the chance to make it up to you.”
    “Really, Hunter, that isn’t necessary. Let’s just forget about it, okay? I should have your website done in three more days.”
    Her attempt to sidetrack him with talk of business failed miserably. “I’d like to offer you a free massage.”
    Kiera’s heart seemed to skip a beat as her mind filled with images of lying naked on a table with his hands on her. The thought sent a shiver from the top of her head all the way down to her toes.
    “I would, of course, promise to behave in a thoroughly professional manner. There would be no repeat of the elevator scene.”
    “That’s a very nice offer,” she began, “but—”
    “You’re probably reluctant to be alone with me after the way I acted, but Kiera this is my business. I’ve had some very beautiful women as clients, and I haven’t once made a pass at any of them. Aside from any professional ethics, I could very well ruin my business by acting in an inappropriate manner with a client. You’d be quite safe with me.”
    Kiera frowned; she couldn’t imagine feeling safe with Hunter. Even his name declared him a predator. But the idea of having his hands on her, of letting those strong, lithe fingers press into the tight muscles of her back, filled her with heat.
    “I don’t know,” she said. “I have a feeling it might be tempting fate.”
    “It’s been weeks since I’ve given a massage. I’m out of practice.”
    She laughed. “If that’s the case, maybe I should wait until you’re at your best once more. You don’t want to make a bad impression, do