THE VALQUEZ SEDUCTION(28)

                She gave him a huffy look. ‘What of it? It’s safe. At least I won’t pick up any nasty infections. And he doesn’t cheat on me.’

                ‘He?’

                ‘Edward.’

                ‘You called your vibrator Edward?’

                ‘What’s wrong?’ she said. ‘It’s a good old-fashioned name. I admit it’s a bit on the conservative side but I didn’t want to sleep with a nameless object. It’s…dehumanising.’

                Luiz couldn’t hold back a laugh. ‘You are such a crazy girl. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like you.’

                ‘Same goes.’

                ‘Meaning?’

                She gave him a forthright look. ‘You’re so confident and upfront about what you want. Some would say brazen.’

                ‘I thought you didn’t like that about me?’

                ‘Not if you were to be my life partner, but as a casual fling candidate you’re perfect because it would be well-nigh impossible to damage your hubris.’

                Luiz wasn’t sure if she was insulting him or complimenting him. He wasn’t sure why he even cared either way. ‘So you ultimately want a life partner?’

                Her expression was completely guileless. ‘Doesn’t everyone?’

                ‘Not me.’

                ‘Why not you?’

                He lifted a shoulder. ‘You said it yourself. I’d make a terrible husband.’

                ‘You could be trained.’

                He gave a wry laugh. ‘You make me sound like a wild animal.’

                Her beautiful blue eyes twinkled. ‘Don’t worry. I won’t be in your life long enough to domesticate you.’

                Something about the way she was calling the shots sat uncomfortably with him. He was the one who did the checking in and checking out. He didn’t leave it to other people to come and go in his life. That was his prerogative. ‘Why me?’ he asked. ‘Why not the other guy?’

                ‘The Ealing guy?’

                ‘Yeah. Him.’ Luiz could barely think of that creep without wanting to punch something. Preferably him. Hard.

                ‘I can’t have a holiday fling with a compatriot. It’s not half as exciting or exotic.’

                ‘I’m not sure I’ve been called exotic before,’ he muttered drily. ‘Exciting, yes.’

                She grinned at him. ‘You’re exotic to me because I’ve never even talked to an Argentinian before.’

                ‘I can assure you we’re situated on much the same level on the evolutionary chain as you Brits.’

                ‘Oh, I wasn’t implying you’re not civilised,’ she said sweetly. ‘Look at how you conducted yourself last night. You were the perfect gentleman.’

                ‘You only have my word on that.’