Page 71 of The Billionaire's Demand

‘So you’re going to what? Kick it down?’

He arched a brow. ‘Don’t think I can?’

She shook her head. ‘What if they’re on the other side?’

‘Then you’d better grab your paperweight again,’ he said, half mocking. ‘How good is your aim?’

She was tempted to ask him to stay still and she’d let him know, but her nerves were stretched to breaking point.

‘I’m serious,’ she said quietly. ‘What’s your plan? Just to go all Rambo on them?’

‘Why not?’

She eyed him consideringly. He definitely had the physique of someone who could handle themselves and for all she knew, he had the skills too.

‘What are your chances?’

He surprised her then by pacing across the room and stopping right in front of her. ‘Let’s just say I never back away from a challenge.’

‘What does that mean?’ she murmured. Up close, she was aware of the way his eyes were more than just grey, they were almost silver or gold, with specks of luminescence made all the more noticeable by his thick, dark lashes, which seemed to form perfect frames.

‘My chances are good, Libby. But they’re better if you stay here.’

‘Don’t count on it,’ she muttered and, though she was afraid, she knew there was no way she was going to remain hidden in the office while he went and put his life on the line.

The boat jerked hard to the left, knocking them both a little off-balance. Libby might have fallen altogether if Raul hadn’t pressed out his hand and caught her elbow, steadying her, holding her just long enough to make sure she was safe. But it was more than long enough.

Heat radiated through her skin, over her body, adrenalin firing in her veins.

‘Let’s do this,’ she said with a nod, gaze darting towards the door.

His eyes narrowed, inspecting hers. ‘On one condition.’

She waited.

‘Do exactly as I say. And stay behind me.’

‘That’s two.’

He shook his head. ‘Don’t make me regret this.’

‘You should regret this,’ she said. ‘You have no idea—’

‘We could both be dead before the police get here, the way they’re steering this thing,’ he pointed out. ‘You think being down here and waiting for help makes us any safer?’

She bit into her lower lip, shaking her head. ‘I guess not.’

‘Good. So?’

‘Fine,’ she agreed, though she crossed her fingers behind her back. She’d do whatever she needed to in the moment, and if Raul didn’t like it he’d just have to lump it.

It was obvious that he still had some misgivings but, to his credit, he silenced them, moving to the door, giving it a shake once more, then leaning closer, listening for any noises beyond. He crouched down, eyes lined up with the small gap between the carpet and the timber. It was strange to notice something so superficial in a moment such as that, but Libby couldn’t help the way her eyes dropped to his bottom and lingered there, her mouth suddenly dry as she appreciated the strength of his haunches, and his overtly masculine form.

‘See anything?’ she asked, close to his feet, voice surprisingly thin.

‘Nothing,’ he confirmed.

‘Okay, good.’ She quickly looked away, blinking to clear her mind of the imagery of his rear end. ‘That’s good, right?’

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