Taunting the Lion: Ian Crawford Series, #4

By Andra Lake

Alexis Watson is madly in love with Ian Crawford, who happens to be the most popular guy on campus and an ex-model. Now he has an opportunity to be an actor in New York too. Their relationship is put to the test in the final installment of the Ian Crawford series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andra Lake
• Release date: Feb 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781513029900

Book preview

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

About the Author

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

My heart raced and my hands shook as I pulled my panties and pants back on. Ian’s father was here. Ian’s father had caught us post-coital. Ian’s father saw me naked from the waist down.

Disgusting.

How dare he? Ian was pacing back and forth, his hands balled into fists. What the fuck was he hoping to find?

The question made me want to vomit.

Ian stopped pacing and cupped my face with his hands. I’m so sorry. Worried green eyes searched mine. Are you okay?

It’s not your fault. We thought we were alone. I shrugged out his hands, ignoring his resulting frown. So you weren’t expecting him?

No. Ian’s jaw clenched. He’s probably here to convince me to take the part. You know, since my mom has been so unsuccessful.

Right. I glanced away and swallowed a hard lump in my throat. He was here to convince him what a mistake he was making, what an opportunity he was throwing away.

Ian appeared in front of me, his broad chest blocking my view of anything else. He tugged my ponytail, forcing my head up to look at him. Even now he looked like he could be a rocker—tight black T-shirt and just-fucked hair, a line of stubble along his jaw…

What’s going on in there? I can see the wheels turning.

It’s a lot. I rubbed my arms even though I wasn’t cold. This wasn’t exactly the best first impression to make with your dad.

There’s no good first impression with my dad. Believe me.

I bit my lip. At least he hadn’t walked in moments earlier. Moments earlier he would have seen me ass up with my head in his son’s crotch. I supposed I should be counting my blessings.

He just seemed so…stoic.

Because he’s a jackass.

Good to know, I muttered, too low for Ian to hear. I’m gonna go clean myself up.

I escaped to the bathroom, needing some alone time desperately before facing Ian’s waiting father. My pale reflection in the small mirror looked back at me with large eyes. I washed my face and then quickly applied some blush and makeup, adjusted my ponytail. Staring back at me was the same waifish figure. If Papa Crawford had witnessed something like this before, it was probably with one of Ian’s fellow models, not someone like me.

I gripped the edge of the vanity hard. How was I going to play this? Slink past him and run back to my room? Because hiding seemed like a really good option right now.

Ian was standing in the living room when I emerged, tuning his guitar. The muscle was still ticking in his jaw, betraying his true feelings. When he saw me, he shrugged it off and put it back on the stand. Ready?

I could do this. All I had to do was pass Papa Crawford and then I’d never see him again. I guess so.

Ian took my hand and yanked me into his side. Promise me you won’t let make you feel embarrassed. We weren’t doing anything we should be ashamed about.

Okay. It didn’t sound very convincing.

Promise me.

I nodded and then spoke. I promise. It’s just sex.

Ready?

This time I forced myself to look him in the eyes. Yes.

We walked out of the suite with his arm around me. My heart was thumping loudly in my ears. Ian’s father was leaning against the wall in the hall, arms still crossed, glaring at the lounge like it contained everything that was wrong with the world.

When he saw us he pushed off the wall in a very Ian-like manner and faced us, putting his hands in his pockets. Now that he was standing in front of me, I could see his eyes were as grey as his suit. Nothing like Ian’s vibrant green.

Hello, son, he said. I see you’re having a good time.

The air escaped me in what sounded like a cough and my cheeks burned with embarrassment. Jackass was right.

Ian pulled me into his side. "I’m having a great time. This is Alexis, my girlfriend. Alexis, this is my father Harold."

Mr. Crawford, Harold corrected.

Jesus, Dad, we’re not twelve.

Harold chose to ignore the comment. I’d like to take you for lunch.

I’ll leave you two to catch up, I told Ian and pulled away from him, anxious to get the hell out of there.

Harold halted me with a glare. I meant both of you.

I opened my mouth to object and say I had to go to my next class, but Ian did it for me. Alexis has class, but I’ll go with you.

Certainly she can miss one class. Harold flashed me a smile. So we can get to know each other better.

Ugh. Manipulative bastard. Now I had to go. I wasn’t going to back down against him and I couldn’t leave the scene in there as our only interaction. Plus if I didn’t go, who knew what they would talk about? It was better to be a part of the conversation.

It’s fine, I said, giving Ian a small smile. I’ll come.

Harold started down the hall. The driver is waiting.

Ian gave my hand a reassuring squeeze as we followed. A black limo was waiting at the edge of the parking lot. A man opened the door as we approached and Harold slid inside and we followed suit.

Being confined in such a small space with Harold was intimidating. He sat on the leather seat across from us with one arm draped over the back, his expression unreadable. As we pulled off campus, he actually turned