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

cool, firm handshake and soft brown eyes.  Hmm, rich brown eyes and pale blonde hair – an unusual combination.   He held my gaze and I looked down quickly, worried that he might think I was staring.  I became aware of Lucas’ eyes on me.  I couldn’t see him … but I could feel it.  I looked over and sure enough, his eyes were narrowed and they were boring into me.  His lips were pursed.
     
    Instinctively, I stepped away from the handsome architect, moving farther down the table.  Lucas positioned himself between us and I’d be willing to bet that it was a deliberate act. First my client and now his architect … he was being somewhat possessive.  Was he jealous?   Surely not … that wasn’t rational behavior.  I made a mental note to bring the subject up when we were alone.
     
    For the next hour we pored over the designs and I jotted down ideas for each apartment.  I couldn’t wait to get started on the luxury apartments.  I wanted them to retain any original features, be sympathetic to the period of construction but have all modern luxuries.  Elegance and decadence were the order of the day.
     
    At one point, Jenson gave me his business card and asked me to call him once I had put together my designs.  Lucas immediately stated that he would need to be present to all meetings for this project.  Jenson looked surprised so I knew that this was not the normal procedure.  I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath which caught Lucas’ attention.  He looked at me quizzically but I shook my head.  I didn’t want to have this conversation in front of Jenson.  Daniel interrupted at one point with something for Lucas to sign so I took the opportunity to pass Jenson my business card and tell him to contact me any time.
     
    Once the meeting was over and Jenson had left, Lucas asked what I wanted for lunch.  His plan was to order in and eat in his apartment.  I had spent the last few days indoors and the spring sunshine pouring in through the window was tempting me.
     
    “I’d like to go out for lunch.  Preferably somewhere we can eat outside.”
     
    He frowned.  “No, I’d rather eat in.”
     
    “Well, I need to get some fresh air.  I’ve been cooped up for the last few days and it’s a beautiful day.  Let’s go out.”
     
    A look of irritation flitted over his face before an impassive expression returned.  It felt like dealing with a sulky teenager and I wasn’t in the mood.
     
    “Lucas, let’s take a rain check on lunch.  You want to stay in and I need to get outdoors.  Okay?” I smiled sweetly.
     
    His features tensed and I sensed that he was struggling with how to handle the situation.  I couldn’t see what the problem was.  Did his lack of social skills prevent him from eating out?  Was he that anti-social?
     
    “I’ll order in whatever you want and we’ll go out next time.  Yes?” He straightened his tie and looked at me pointedly.  He was obviously not used to people disagreeing with him.
     
    Not for the first time that morning, frustration bubbled up inside me.  How could he get to his age and not know how to give and take?  Hmm, because most of the people he deals with are in his employ – that’s why!  Well, I’m not.
     
    I had to hold back a sly smile as I shook my head.  “Not to worry, I’m sure you’ve got business to attend to anyway.  If I hurry, perhaps I can catch Jenson.  He may fancy eating out, seeing that it’s such a nice day.  See you soon, Lucas.”
     
    I started towards the door feeling smug, but his hand shot out and grasped my elbow firmly. I stopped in my tracks.  He moved in front of me and I gave an involuntary slight gasp.  The tension in his face was unmistakable.  His jaw was clenched and his nostrils flared.  His eyes were dark and cold as they probed into mine.  He was obviously fighting something inwardly.  His hold on my arm was hurting me slightly but I dared not move or speak.  I simply looked at the floor