The Emperor: Secrets Bared

Excerpt:
Lori had no idea what she was doing. She was way out of her element. These people were in a different league. They were classy, sophisticated. She was plain and boring.

Painfully normal. She’d only agreed to come because her art-teaching friend, Margaret, had talked her into it. Of course, Margaret had abandoned her the instant they’d arrived.
Damn her. Someone had grabbed and flitted her away. How was she supposed to find the blasted woman in such a large crowd? It was wall-to-wall bodies.

She only wanted to go home. These people lived a different life. She enjoyed Margaret's company, but this yuppie world was not Lori’s style. In the back of her mind, she knew the real reason she’d come tonight, and it hadn’t been because of Margaret.
Now she wanted to forget the stupid idea and go home where things were normal.

Unfortunately, Margaret had driven, which left Lori somewhat stranded. She was forced to talk to people she didn't know, smile when she didn't feel like smiling, and drink champagne, which she now knew tasted horrible. If she ever drank alcohol, it was
to tip back a cold, light beer on a hot summer evening. She’d never tasted champagne before tonight. Apparently, she hadn't been missing a damn thing.

In her search for Margaret, she ended up telling yet another oversexed man, thanks but no thanks. When she turned to go to the bathroom as a means of escape—and call her sister, Tabby—Lori saw the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. And the biggest. In fact, he was a little scary—0ver six foot six easy, with shoulders a linebacker only dreamed of and hair the color of night. The closer he got, the more she could see he had chiseled features that would rival a Greek God. He was completely underdressed in a pair of black slacks and a simple white T-shirt that showed off his muscles to perfection.

His shiny black hair was entirely too long for today’s standards, falling just below his shoulders. He looked like a disreputable pirate.

Oh yeah, definitely a hottie.

At the same time Lori thought the word, his brow arched up in inquiry, as if he could read her mind. As if he knew she was thinking about him. “Oh great, terrific impression,” she mumbled under her breath.

Lori breathed deeply, resisted the urge to run and hide, then stood up straighter as he approached. Slouching added pounds, and she definitely didn’t wish for more of those. He reached his hand out to her and spoke.
"My name is Gideon Adrian and you are?"

Have mercy. His voice should have been bottled to preserve its flawlessness. She could listen to him talk for hours. Lori wondered what he sounded like during sex. She'd bet her bottom dollar, he could make a woman climax just by whispering in her ear.

Then she realized she was clinging to his hand. Damn it. She made a valiant effort to give it back to him, but he appeared to be in no hurry. Instead, she answered his question and opted to leave her hand right where it was.

“I’m Lori Fontaine. It's very nice to meet you, Mr. Adrian.”

Then it hit her. Gideon Adrian was the world-renowned sculptor. The party was in his honor. She had seen his work. She couldn't actually afford it, but she’d seen it. Lori was dutifully impressed. He sculpted couples. In particular, erotic poses of men and women wrapped up in each other, embracing, making love. He was a wild sensation in the art world.

Lori looked pointedly down at their hands, then back up at him. He didn't seem to get the message because he still held her firmly. The gorgeous hunk stared into her eyes as if he could see into her very soul. Tingles ran up and down her spine.

To break the silence, Lori decided to let him know what she thought of his romance-inspiring sculptures. "You are a very impressive artist, Mr. Adrian. It's an honor to meet
you."

He stared another second, then said, "Call me Gideon.”