Page 86 of Hearts Of Darkness

“Tell me where he is, Mr. Sanders.”

Rick’s eyes flicker back to me, and I see a flash of sympathy there. “Please, join me for a drink first.” He indicates to the couch where the sulky blonde is easing her hurt pride by knocking back his champagne as fast as she can. “Beat it, darlin’,” he murmurs, and she scoops up her red heels anddisappears. He sits down opposite us and clicks his fingers at the waiting staff.

“How is he?” I blurt out, desperate for crumbs of information. I can’t cope with the knowledge that he’s been so close to me tonight.

Watching.

Devouring.

Leaving.

“Better than he was.” Rick turns to address the pretty waitress who has appeared next to him. “More champagne, sweetheart. You’ll be pleased to hear that he’s acquired himself an island. I’ve just spent the last five weeks out there in his company.”

“Why did you come back?”

“Not all of us can stay celibate for that amount of time, Miss Miller. Neither can we stay committed to just one woman.” I feel those mocking eyes swirling over my face with interest.At me.The woman who has brought the great Dante Santiago to his knees. “Besides, I have other business interests that require my attention. This happens to be one of my clubs.”

“How is his shoulder?”

“Healing.”

Is he ever coming back for me?

I want to ask the question so badly, but I’m terrified of the answer. Instead, I watch Rick pour out three flutes of champagne and hand one to me.

“To Señor Santiago,” he declares.

I return the toast and drink deeply, more out of nerves than anything else.

“What about the other problem?” asks Manuel, lookingtense. Despite Rick’s charm and claims of unswerving loyalty, I can tell he’s undecided about him.

“Evading termination.” Rick leans forward to snap open the front button of his jacket. His expression doesn’t look quite so genial anymore.

“And their business?” I ask him.

“Currently being ripped apart by circling vultures. I think it’s safe to say that the Santiago reign is over. Still, between you and me, I’m not so sure Dante’s heart was in it anymore.” My head jerks up. Rick is appraising me above the rim of his flute. “I believe he’s exploring new ventures these days.”

“What sort of ventures?”

“Now, that would be telling.” He smirks and taps a long finger against the side of his glass.

Still illegal, then.

“Is he watching me, right now?”

“He’s always watching you, Eve. All angles. Twenty-four hours a day. But you knew that already.”

“Is he here in your club?”

Rick pauses a fraction too long.

“Then why won’t he see me?”

“I can’t answer that, Miss Miller.”

“Then, fuck you!” Banging my flute down on the table, I rise to my feet and walk quickly towards a black door labeled ‘private’.

“Miss Miller…Eve…stop.”

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