Page 57 of Wolf's Mark

“A hidden door.”

He slipped a key into the single slot. The elevator doors opened immediately.

“No retina or fingerprint check?” I teased.

“The Wolf family isn’t the mafia.”

“But don’t you have enemies?”

He shook his head as he gently pushed me to the back. “You’ve been reading too many books or watching too many movies. It’s not like the days in the past where plans were stolen and executives or designers lured from one company to another.”

“I’ve read enough articles to know your family is a powerhouse.”

“Yes, but not in that way. I haven’t killed anyone in the last thirty days. I’m upping my game.”

I wasn’t entirely certain he was teasing me. “I wouldn’t put it past you.”

“What you think of me is fascinating.” The doors opened and he wrapped his massive hand around my eyes.

“You’re just upset because I don’t fall at your feet.”

“Yes, I am. You hurt my manhood.” He pushed me gently, so I’d move forward. “What do you hear?”

“Traffic.”

“We can change that. What else?”

I listened carefully and smiled. “A waterfall. Here?” We obviously weren’t in the building. The light breeze and crisp air had kissed my cheeks first, the lively sounds of the city welcoming.

“Here in the middle of Chicago.” He pulled his hand away and I didn’t see him at first.

Of course, I was gawking at the pool, tub, outdoor kitchen, a fire pit surrounded by luxurious furniture, and the incredible waterfall that spilled into the pool.

“How is this an underground pool?” I was shocked as I walked closer. The incredible fencing system surrounding the entire roof line enclosed everything while allowing for pristine and uninhibited views. This must have cost a fortune.

“When the building was designed, it was with the pool and this area in mind. The floor below holds a solid surface nestling the base of the pool while allowing access for needed repairs on the mechanical equipment.”

Suddenly, in addition to the glorious atmosphere of the roof top facility, I heard music. Incredible Spanish guitar, which happened to be my favorite.

Had the man been looking into my journal or something? Or my CD collection?

“Are you trying to impress me?” I asked as I tried to find out where he’d gone.

“Maybe so,” he said as he eased from the shadows. “How am I doing?”

“I don’t impress easily, and certainly not from wealth.”

“So a little shack in the wilderness is fine with you?” He took his time coming closer. As he’d done so many times during dinner, he wasn’t blinking. But he was gazing up and down the length of me, his nostrils flaring.

For a few seconds, I was certain the man was a true wolf. The silly thought almost made me giggle. It would seem I had wild animals on the brain.

“As long as there’s wood for a fire, then I’d be perfectly happy.” I was going to back away then thought better of it. I was a tough girl. Right? And no pushover.

“Something else I learned about you. Then on our next date,” he stated, daring to inch even closer, “I’ll take you to a non-glamorous camping site.”

“I would do just fine.”

“I’m certain you would. I don’t think there’s anything you can’t do.” He took the glass from my hand, placing both onto the table.

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