Page 14 of Dirty Intentions

She took out a small laptop and notepad before fixing her stunning blue eyes on me. “Of all the tax attorneys and high-powered accountants in the city who could take on a business like yours, why do you want me here?”

Good fucking question. One I’d never admit had something to do with the mysterious effect she had on me.

“I’m not a trusting person, Ms. Trivioli.”

She arched a brow. “I clone your membership card, sneak in, take pictures against club policy, and suddenly you trust me?”

“No, but you didn’t lie about it once you got caught. Obviously, you have a sense of justice. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have wanted to confront your ex. Nor would you have stayed to show me the way you cloned the card to ensure Lance kept his job. I don’t tolerate liars.”

Her shoulders relaxed, and I was afforded a wry smile. “That’ll be a refreshing change. Anything else I should know?”

I leaned in closer towards her. I couldn’t help myself. “Yes. I expect loyalty and discretion from my employees. I’ve already run your background check and will give you a pass for the employee entrance.” I handed her the key card from my pocket and watched her take it in her hand.

The scent of a soft musky fragrance made me want to inhale deeply. This close, I could make out the dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose. She practically shouted innocence. But once again, it was the fire in her eyes which intrigued me.

“First off, I’m not your employee. As far as discretion is concerned, I think we both have enough of a vested interest to ensure that happens. But my loyalty is something earned. So for now, let’s agree that I’ll work hard for you and keep the club secrets. Deal?”

My lips twitched at her spunk. “Deal.”

“Now, let’s start with what the problem is.”

I laid out the facts. Our numbers weren’t adding up. We were experiencing losses even while revenue was increasing. If I didn’t have a good reason to report a loss to the IRS, they’d be up my ass.

“I put everything in a spreadsheet on the computer in front of you. I’ll get a nondisclosure agreement, then give you whatever else you need for backup.”

I watched, fascinated, for the better part of a half hour while Daniella examined my tax returns from the last five years and my computer ledger. I finally left her to it after a few pointed glares told me to leave her be. Plus, I wanted to give her privacy when Shelly came up to take her blood for the test.

When I came back up for lunch, I was surprised to see Daniella had already obtained the folder of receipts for the past year and dumped them all over my desk.

***

Daniella

Luckily, Shelly was completely professional in taking my blood then minutes after Shane had left me. I wasn’t sure what he’d told her, but the woman smiled and told me she’d provide the results tomorrow. I really was grateful to get this out of the way.

About two hours after I’d taken a seat, Chad returned with my things, as promised. Although staying here was unorthodox, it helped me out. With the holidays, it would be nearly impossible to find a new apartment right now. After New Year’s, the search would hopefully be easier. And since Eric had wiped out my savings, I was grateful to avoid wasting money on hotel rooms at holiday prices.

After another hour, Shane returned. I could tell in one glance he was none too happy to find me going through all the backup detail. But what did he expect? I was on the clock. Although I didn’t know why he’d asked me here, I’d be damned if I wouldn’t give this job my best. Which meant being thorough. Plus, if I was being honest, I was intrigued by a business such as this.

But at the moment, I was starving. Judging from the smell of whatever he was carrying, he’d at least brought lunch.

“Great. You brought food. I’m hungry.”

“What are you doing? How did you get these?” He strode over, set the paper bag on the desk, and scanned my notes.

“I’m doing what you’re paying me for.”

“You haven’t signed a disclosure yet. You can’t look at all of this.”

I slid the signed document in front of him. “Here. Max came up and gave it to me when he brought the receipts.” Whereas Shane was closed off and hard to read, Max was friendly and helpful.

His gaze didn’t leave mine. Irritation reflected in his eyes, most likely because I’d taken control by starting on the books without his permission. Oh, well, time to get the fuck over it.

“I didn’t give the green light—”

I held up my hand. “No, you didn’t. But looking at a trial balance and tax returns is not enough. I need the details in order to do a proper audit. Anyhow, if you want to eat lunch with me, you can tell me why it is you’re losing revenue and could trigger an IRS audit if you report a loss. I’m all ears.”

I hadn’t set out to piss him off with my words, but the vision of the vein throbbing on the side of his head was pretty hot. So was his barely contained temper. I wasn’t typically one to play with fire, but somehow Shane pushed all my buttons, including those I hadn’t realized I owned.

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