Page 17 of Forbidden Flames

“You threw that one away as well?”

“Yeah. I got a few more, but it wasn’t until I started getting these,” she lifted several of the letters up, then let them fall through her fingers back into the box, “that I started holding onto them.”

He shoved the lid on the box. “Em, why didn’t you tell me that you were getting letters like this?”

“Because,” she started, only to stop. She ran a nervous hand over her hair, smoothing down the already smooth strands. “Because you work so hard, Hendrix. I didn’t want to bother you with yet another problem. You look out for everyone on the staff. Anyone who has a question, you’ll stop and help them.”

“So do you, Em. Every damn person in this club comes to you for direction.” He moved closer, tucking the box under his arm as he leaned in. “You work too hard.”

“I don’t,” she whispered back, licking her lips. She let her eyes drop from his gaze to his mouth. “Are you going to kiss me again?”

“Yes,” he replied. “Do you forgive me for not being here this morning?”

She hesitated. “Someone really broke into the clubhouse?” she asked, sounding a bit breathless.

“Yes. I have him on video. I’ve already started the process of banning Albright from the club.”

“Good,” she whispered. Another pause, then she said, “I think you should kiss me again.”

Hendrix’s smile was slow in coming, but lethal. “What if I don’t stop?”

She inhaled sharply, but didn’t move away. “So what?” she whispered back.

They remained like that for a long moment. Then Hendrix groaned. “You’re killing me, Em!” he told her, then pulled away. “Tonight, we’ll continue this conversation. Right now, I need you to come to the club with me so that I can get my team on these letters.” Before she could react, he leaned forward one more time and kissed her deeply. “And I’m sorry I didn’t leave a note for you this morning. I…don’t want there to be any misunderstandings between us. I want you, Em. I’ve wanted you for a long time.”

Emily smiled brightly, all the hurt and humiliation from this morning melting away with his words. “I want to see you again as well.” She blinked, her grin widening. “In a personal setting and not just at work.”

Hendrix grinned and took her hand, tugging her out of her house. “Tonight, we’ll talk.”

Chapter 18

“What do we know?” Hendrix asked, refraining from touching Emily even though she stood next to him, only a few inches separating them.

Levi leaned forward, his eyes hard and angry as he surveyed the letters laid out on the conference room table. “I think that Emily should have brought these letters to you six months ago!”

Matteo grumbled, nodding his head. “I agree.”

Sean huffed. “She’s brought them to us now. We just need to figure out if Gerald Albright sent them to her, or if someone else is threatening her with sexual violence.” His Irish accent was in full force due to his fury at the contents of the letters.

The three owners of The Billionaires Club stood shoulder to shoulder with Hendrix and Emily, examining the details.

Hendrix sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I’m going to suggest something, but I’m wondering if I should just do it and leave all of you out of the loop.” He glanced at Emily first, then Levi, Matteo, and Sean.

“Tell us,” Levi urged. “We’re big boys. And I want to know what you’re thinking so that we can have your back.”

Matteo and Sean nodded their agreement. It was only Emily that remained unconvinced.

“I think I should break into Albright’s place and take a look around.”

Matteo shrugged, nodding his agreement. “He broke into our place first. Why not return the favor?”

“I’m with you,” Levi replied. “In fact, why don’t we invite him here tonight for a poker game? He’s been trying to pin us down for a game.” He looked at Sean and Matteo. “Perhaps we could get him out here and occupy his attention so that Hendrix can have enough time to investigate.”

Chapter 19

Hendrix watched as Gerald Albright the Third walked out of his building, a new spring to his step. He adjusted his ascot – who wore those?! – and slipped into his BMW. Moments later, the vehicle started up and Albright drove away.

“He’s on his way,” Hendrix informed Tony through the microphone attached to his jacket collar.

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