The words came out low and gravelly through stilted breathing. Avery pulled on every last ounce of strength to step away from the physical force that was Ryker Li. “I’d rather talk about the event,” she managed to get out through air that had become uncomfortably thick. Or they’d never get anywhere because she could stand here all day and gaze into those brilliant dark eyes of his. And he could tell her a thousand secrets, and she’d believe every one. Until he became bored and broke her heart into so many tiny pieces there’d be nothing left to glue together. Just brilliant, shiny bits of glitter, small as sand, to be swept off the floor. And you will break my heart. The admission startled her. With brooding intensity, Ryker tore his gaze from hers. “I have no idea as to a theme.” Breathless, Avery said, “Do you like gambling?” “For excitement?” The laugh that came next was haughty and arrogant. “I can think of better ways to spend an evening with a room full of women.”
