Chapter Six

Xaria looked up to see Aidrian gliding toward her with single-minded purpose. She was sitting in a chair in the lobby waiting for a friend. Involuntarily she licked her lips. Raw power was the only thing she thought when she saw him. Well, that and sex. Lots and lots of sex.

Stopping before her, Aidrian cleared his throat. When he met her gaze, his stunning black eyes struck her again. “Ms. Hummel, what would it take to get you to teach me what you know?”

Closing the magazine she’d been pretending to read, Xaria sighed. “Look, I’m sorry. I can’t help you. I’m taking a trip and will be out of the country for at least two months, perhaps more. I can give you the names of some men I’m sure you would feel better learning from anyway.”

Her eyes flashed between him and the woman who was still waiting for him across the lobby. “I’m sure those men wouldn’t mind putting up with your extracurricular activities as well. But for me, I find it distasteful.”

Aidrian arched a brow at her blatant disgust, shock on his face. “What are you talking about? What extracurricular activities?”

Those green eyes narrowed. “Well, let’s see. I’ve seen you twice since I turned you down and both times you were in the company of a different woman.” She stood and stepped closer to him, dropping the magazine in the chair. “Mr. O’Shea, even if I were inclined to help you, which I’m not, I wouldn’t be putting up with this need for women you have. When I teach people I expect their full attention. If they’re going to spend time sleeping around, that means they aren’t going to be paying attention to me. The ice isn’t a playground for amateurs. A man who treats women like you do would have a hard time taking me seriously, and that is something I refuse to put up with.”

One side of his mouth lifted into an endearing grin. Aidrian stepped closer, and her nose flared as his scent wafted around them. “I know the ice isn’t a playground; however, it seems to me you’re the one who wants to keep me at a distance. Why is that? Are you afraid to be alone with me?”

“I’m not afraid of you or any other man,” she retorted, holding his gaze, ignoring the way his deep voice purred.

Leaning his head down closer, Aidrian whispered, “Prove it, then. Teach me.”

She gulped. This man wasn’t like anyone she’d encountered before. “No.”

“I’m not giving up. I want you…” he paused, his eyes running over her face, “to teach me what you know.”

“Excuse me,” another voice interrupted, causing Xaria to spring back from Aidrian.

Both of them looked to see a small brunette woman. Xaria immediately recognized her and knew he did as well. “Yes?” Xaria asked, noting the sharpness to her tone.

The woman put her hand on Aidrian’s arm. “Thank you for last night,” she began. Xaria snorted her disgust. “I know he would have killed me if you hadn’t come along. The cops just arrested him; I’m leaving for home now, but just wanted to thank you for intervening.” She reached up, placed a kiss on his cheek, and walked off.

He put his black eyes on the woman standing before him. Xaria was shocked about what had just happened. She’d believed something else had occurred.

“I’m not giving up. Have lunch with me today,” Aidrian tempted. “At least let me explain why I want to learn.”

“Sure,” she said before she could command her mouth to do otherwise.

One more of those brilliant smiles crossed his face. “Great. See you then.” He turned away before spinning back around and leaning back in close to her ear. “And if you were still wondering, that woman over there is mah sister.” Then he walked away, leaving her craving something she wasn’t sure she wanted to explore.