Page 12 of Donovan Blake: Adrenalin

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Everyone left except Rick, who silently fumed. The Beaumont girl and Donovan Blake had made a fool of him and he was determined to hunt them down. He hadn’t found anything when he’d visited the condo, but it had been a crazy night and he was going back to see what he might have missed.

“Okay, Rick, now we’re alone,” Franco exclaimed. “Tell me what you couldn’t say in front of the others.”

“I’m sure that girl showed up in that back street totally by chance,” Rick began. “There’s nothing to suggest she knew Donovan before that moment. She was simply on her way home from work. It was just fucking bad luck.”

“And you know that how?”

“When I tracked her down I found out when she left the hospital. She’s a nurse.”

“Computers,” Franco grunted. “You can find out shit about anyone now, but get your ass back to that condo. See what else you can learn about her. Just make sure you’re not seen.”

“I’ll be a ghost,” Rick replied, then choosing his words carefulIy, he lowered his voice and added, “Boss, why don’t we change our approach. Screw the middleman. Let’s demand a direct meeting with Boris…just him and us. We can tell him it was Donovan Blake who screwed up, that he got spooked and caused problems. If we get our foot in the door we can take him out from the inside, maybe get one of his soldiers to turn against him.”

“Maybe, but it could make us just as vulnerable.”

“But we’ll have the upper hand,” Rick said confidently. “He won’t know our real reason for changing course and wanting to work with him instead of against him.”

“Rick, that’s a dangerous assumption. Boris may be many things, but he’s not a moron. He’ll be looking for ulterior motives the moment I broach the subject. Now go and find whatever there is to find in that girl’s place. And Rick, don’t come back empty-handed.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Phoebe was still asleep when Donovan slipped from the bed. When she was stirred awake by the sound of the shower she was tempted to join him but couldn’t find the energy. A few minutes later, she sleepily watched him as he padded across the room and sat on the edge of the bed. Reaching out, she ran her fingers down his arm.

“You’re so strong,” she murmured.

“Martial arts,” he murmured with a smile. “I wish I could stay but I need to make some calls. Feel free to wander around the house. When I’m done I’ll make us something to eat.”

With a yawn she sat up and rested her head against his shoulder, and slowly moved her hand to his crotch.

“Can’t you join me for just a few minutes,” she whispered.

“Don’t I wish. Sadly, I really do have to go.”

As he rose to his feet and left the room, she wondered what miracle had brought them together, and though she still had a million unanswered questions, he had captivated her. Slipping from the bed and ambling into the bathroom, she moved into the shower, thinking she’d either just won lotto, or surrendering to him was the biggest mistake of her life. She took her time, letting the hot water revive her, then finally stepping out, she combed out her wet hair, dressed in a pair of jeans and a sweater, and headed off to explore the luxurious mountain home.

What she found was impressive.

Every room was exquisitely decorated, but her favorite was a masculine den. It boasted coffered ceilings, wood paneled walls featuring western themed oil paintings, and brown leather chairs grouped in front of a natural rock fireplace. As she continued to wander through the surprisingly large house, she came across a large jade figurine of a fire-breathing dragon.

“That’s one of my favorite pieces,” he remarked as he joined her.

“It’s beautiful.”

“I have a few pieces. I’m a collector.”

“Really? Of Jade?”

“Among other things,” he said with a wink. “I hope you’re hungry. I’ve made a cheese and tomato French omelet with rosemary potatoes.”

“You cook as well?”

“I thought I’d mentioned that. Yeah, I enjoy it.”

“Aren’t you just full of surprises.”

Shooting her a wink, he took her hand and started leading her down the hall. Feeling as if she was almost under a spell, she walked with him through the formal dining room and into the gourmet kitchen.

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