Page 67 of Betrayed

“That’s where you’re wrong, buster. We are so through.”

He moved in close, towering over her as he pressed her against the entryway wall. His head lowered and she could feel his warm breath on her face. A sudden wetness gathering between her thighs accompanied the flutter in her belly that began every time he was near. Even when angry, he had this effect on her.

His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb firm beneath her chin to hold her where he wanted her. When she looked up at him, his determined green eyes snapped with emotion.

“We are not through, Marilee. Not by a long shot. I love you. Afterward, when we have time to reflect, we’ll talk it all out. Until then, you are under my protection. You’ll remain so while we exhaust every avenue to prove your innocence. That means, you do what I say when I say. I expect you to do so with respect and none of this newfound tendency for cursing. It’s not like you and isn’t becoming. Are we clear on this?”

The brief stirring of hope over his “I love you” wasn’t enough to overcome the blows of the last hour. Her mouth opened and on the tip of her tongue was a scathing response.

“Think wisely,” was his warning as he read her intention easily.

Not as foolish as she had been acting, she shut her mouth and looked away.

“Smart girl.” He then lowered his head to place a soft, brief kiss on her lips. “Let’s get this done.”

He released her and stepped back. When he opened the door, she swept through without revealing that her insides were a mess of quivering, nervous doubt. As they stepped into the elevator, his hand at her waist, she watched the numbers overhead as they descended, his words from earlier replaying in her head.

Listen to what I have to say before you react.

Like hell. The marble statue that stood in the fountain in the middle of the grand Four Seasons lobby would have flinched at the shocks he’d delivered.

The elevator dinged as the door slid open to the sound of trickling splashing water and creamy-white steadfast marble. She laughed, unable to help it, drawing a quick glance of concern from the tall, powerful man at her side. She ignored him, content to keep the irony of her thoughts to herself.

Besides, it was that kind of day.

* * *

COOL AND DISTANT, MARItreated him like a stranger on the ride to the bank. Once inside, she warmed up, but not toward him, instead flashing her smile at the young assistant manager while continuing to freeze him out. She’d been hurt and was reconciled in her belief there was more to come when they learned the contents of the safe deposit box. He’d give her that play, but his patience wasn’t unlimited.

Responding to Mari’s attention, Dustin, the assistant manager, was solicitous, expressing concern for the pretty widow, at one point becoming daring enough to try to keep him out of the room. Arturo simply stared at him, silently intimidating until the younger man had swallowed, come close to pissing himself, and backed down. Sending his best dominant glare Mari’s way, she wisely decided to relent, but not before getting in another dig, telling Dustin with a warm hand on his forearm, “It’s all right. He’s big, scary, and not too bright, but he’s my security guard. A necessary evil, I’m afraid.”

When he smiled like a lovesick teen at her touch, she sent a smug glance Arturo’s way then followed the young banker into the vault with row upon row of double lock boxes. After they both used their key, Dustin withdrew the long metal box and led them to a nearby room set aside for customers to take care of their business in private. He gritted his teeth as she smiled her thanks at the dreamy-eyed kid, who couldn’t be past thirty, when he pulled out her chair and set the box in front of her.

“Please, take as much time as you need,” he said as he boldly laid a hand on her shoulder. He removed it just as quickly when Arturo moved closer, clearing his throat in warning. “Uh, yes,” he stammered as he retreated. “I’ll be right outside.”

“Thank you so very much,” Mari replied sweetly, but the door had already closed behind him.

Arturo didn’t hesitate, leaned over her shoulder as he placed his hands flat on the table, effectively caging her body with his own. “I know what you’re doing, and understand your need for a little payback. Let me advise you to stop, as my patience isn’t unlimited. If you test me further, I won’t hesitate to bend you over right here and spank your naughty ass until it’s red hot.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Wouldn’t I?”

“You don’t have the right. Not anymore.”

“I believe I made it clear at the hotel that I do,” he growled, his head dipping close to her own, his lips finding the sensitive bend where her neck met her shoulder. He nudged her collar aside and opened his mouth over her soft skin. His teeth came into play, nibbling lightly until she squirmed in her chair.

Having proved his point, he lifted his head ever so slightly. “I propose an end of hostilities until we have solved this mystery.”

“Yes,” was her breathy reply. “I agree. I want answers.”

“As do I.” He straightened, gliding his hands up her arms to curl over her shoulders. In his mind, an end of hostilities in no way equated to hands off or precluded a well-planned seduction. He smiled determinedly since she couldn’t see. “Open the box, and let’s see what other twisted shit your late husband left for us to deal with.”

With trembling fingers, she inserted the key and lifted the lid. Inside the long box was a flash drive and nothing else.

* * *

SHE STEPPED INTO HISsuite, hearing the door close and the snick of the lock behind her. Biting her tongue to keep quiet, she stuck to her plan. Don’t argue with the man, keep out of reach, see what is on the flash drive, and get out of there as fast as she could.

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