Billionaire Bachelors 7 ; The Billionaire's Final Stand(69)

A shiver ran down her spine at his words, spoken in a pleasant tone, but passionate, nonetheless. She knew he wouldn't be at all afraid of causing a scene. She, on the other hand, would be mortified by it.

He could easily ride off into the sunset, once again leaving her behind, nearly broken, trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life.

"That won't be necessary, Joseph. I'll just modify my plans a little. I wouldn't want to upset one of our candidates," she said through gritted teeth. She hoped no one was paying attention to their conversation.

What made the entire situation even worse was the desire flowing through her at his touch. He was dressed to impress, though she knew it was just who he was.

His custom fitted suit draped his body in a way that left nothing to the imagination. His wide shoulders filled the coat out to perfection, while the pants hugged his hips, and showcased his muscular legs. One hand gripped her arm, while the other rested in his pocket, making him appear like he was headed to his next photo shoot.

He was impressive, even more so than he'd been five years ago. There were men who appeared confident, and then there was Joseph. He was a rare specimen of the most perfect order. He knew all of that, though. He knew exactly what he was doing to her, just like he knew every single female in the room would go home and dream about him, a few of the married ones, too.

If his piercing blue eyes, and flawless body weren't enough to make her heart race, the sound of his deep voice caressing her from the inside out had her knees shaking. She wanted to find a wall and sink down it to the floor.

Just a few more minutes, she promised herself. A few more minutes and you can escape.

"Have you cast your vote, Katherine?"

"That would be none of your business, Joseph," she quickly replied as she tugged at her arm, not enough for others to notice, but enough for him to get the hint she wanted him to let go. He managed to get them closer to the door, though she was doing all she could to block his path.

"I get the feeling you're not enjoying our talk," he mocked her.

Katherine fumed at his knowing look. He enjoyed his power game. She decided to quit giving him the victory.

"I always enjoy speaking with any member of the Anderson family, Joseph. I know you're a busy man and I'm grateful you've been able to attend," she said in the politically correct response. 

She stopped struggling for release and allowed him to lead her from the room. At least once they got away from people, she could quit biting her tongue and let him know how she truly felt. As if he figured her out, he stopped their forward movement at the door's threshold.

"What are your plans the rest of the day?" he asked as if he had the right.

"I've got a full schedule. It was nice speaking with you, but I need to leave now," she told him as she stepped away.

"I'll follow you. I have extra time on my hands," he said, switching from gripping her arm to placing it through his. She noticed they'd drawn attention, just what she hadn't wanted.

"I'm sure you have more important things to attend than harassing me, Joseph. You're starting to cause a scene, so please be a good little boy and run along," she hissed as she stepped from the room.

"You're so good for me, Katherine. I don't think I'm ever going to let you go."

She looked at him, terrified when she saw the seriousness of his words written on his face. He may actually mean what he was saying. A shiver racked her body.

Escape.

She had to get far away from him, because she could too easily see herself once again falling under his spell. She was half-way there already.

As soon as they were clear of people, she snatched her arm back and dashed down the hall, her only thought was to get as far from him as humanly possible. The spell he weaved was intoxicating. It wouldn't take much more to make her fall at his feet.

She reached the elevator and pushed the down button, turning her head and breathing in relief when she didn't see him. The doors opened and she climbed inside, leaning against the back wall and beginning to breathe easier as the doors started closing.

Just when she thought she was free, a hand reached out and stopped the doors from closing. Within seconds, Joseph was sealed inside with her  –  giving her nowhere to hide.

Her heart thundered at the predatory look in his eyes. Her stomach tied in knots, she looked at him  –  really looked at him, standing there so self-assured, fire brewing in his eyes.

She knew she was in trouble.

"You know, Katherine, I'm beginning to enjoy our game of cat and mouse. Chasing you seems to be my new favorite pastime. I don't know what we'll do for fun once you've accepted the inevitable," he whispered, his voice seductive, his body sending a challenge she desperately wanted to accept.