Diana Racine 02 - Goddess of the Moon

Compton?”
    “Selene is interested in everything. That ’ s why I married her. She’s much like you, without the psychic ability.”
    “Only taller,” Diana said.
    They all laughed, but when they got to the main room, Compton left them to tend his guests. Slater blocked her way and spoke in hushed tones. “ D on’t provoke Silas Compton. It’s unwise.”
    “Is that what I was doing?”
    “You know damn well you were. He’s not an idiot.”
    “What’s going on here, Edward? What do you know?”
    “Not now.”
    “When?”
    Selene approached, Lucier on her arm. She clung to him like rooted ivy.
    “Diana, you have a very interesting friend. He’s kept me entertained while you got the grand tour. I hope we get to see more of you both . I’m so wrapped up in my boards and charities and foundations I forget everything else. Do let’s make plans for another get together.”
    “Sounds terrific,” Diana agreed, hoping she sounded like she meant it. “Let’s.”
    Selene squeezed Lucier’s arm and flashed a smile sensual enough to ignite a forest fire. Diana felt her own fires burning, and she hoped the steam wasn’t shooting out her ears. Selene lingered on Lucier a moment longer, then moved away with the grace of the Degas dancer in the pastel that hung in her sitting room.
    Bitch .

Chapter Twenty-Two
    Break U p or Make U p

    L ucier read Diana’s anger, but he wasn’t sure he understood it , a nd he sure as hell didn’t know how to approach her sulk on the ride home.
    “Okay, let it out ,” he said . “ You’re pissed because Selene Compton was all over me while you were sounding out her husband. And if you’re listening, I said she was all over me .”
    “You didn’t have to enjoy it so much.” Her words were clipped and she kept her eyes straight ahead.
    “Aren’t you the one who accused me of being jealous of Edward Slater?”
    “Edward’s…different.”
    “Well , I didn’t know that at the time. Even though I have two advance d degrees, h e made me feel I wasn’t smart enough to be in your conversation. Y ou don’t have to be sexually attracted to a woman to be interested. An intellectual connection can be just as powerful.”
    Diana didn’t answer.
    I f she’s going to be that way, let her. Two can play the same game. He pulled up in front of her house, put the car in park , but didn’t shut off the engine. He waited for her to get out.
    “Aren’t you coming in?” she asked.
    “ We ’ve both had a trying day,” he said. He kept his words as tight as hers, faced front . “ G et some rest . I’ll call you tomorrow.”
    She didn’t move. A few moments passed. “I’m sorry.” Another minute. “Don’t go.”
    Lucier turned to her. “I love you, Diana, and a woman who means absolutely nothing to me flirting for one night isn’t going to change that , n ot even your childish reaction to something so insignificant.”
    “I’ve never been jealous before.”
    “I don’t play games. Yes, I was upset about Slater because you reacted to him. He’s a damn attractive man, and he has a connection to you I don’t have . I wish I did , but I don’t.”
    “Selene Compton isn’t attractive? She’s drop-dead gorgeous, and she clung to you like flypaper. Edward is attractive, and yes, we share things in common , b ut I’m in love with you. ”
    H er hand stroked his arm , and a ripple of need skittered through him.
    “ Turn off the car and come inside , ” she said.
    “It’s been a long time for me . Ei ght years long. I t old you once that I’m just an ordinary guy with no extras. I didn’t know about Slater’s problem, but he hit me where I’m the most insecure. As far as Selene, I was playing her game. Isn’t that what this evening was about?”
    “ Yes. I’m wrong, you’re right, and there ’ s nothing ordinary about you. Now shut off the car and come in, or I’ll really get mad.”
    “You really know how to get under my skin .”
    “I know. I’m a brat. You can spank me.” She grinned and he shook his head.
    He turned off the ignition. When he got around to the other side and opened the door, she took his offered hand and led him into the house. A low light glowed from a lamp in the living room. She didn’t turn on another.
    “Stand there and don’t move,” she said.
    “But―”
    “Don’t speak, either.” She threw her shawl on the sofa, then pr oceeded to unbutton her blouse.
    He reached for her , but she danced away.
    “I said