Page 56 of The Boss

She must have heard my approach, her body finally flinching when I walked closer. I sensed she was finally coming to terms with what had occurred. It was something I’d yet to do, the anger fresh enough I couldn’t shut down my emotions even for a short duration.

Her tension and sadness drove a stake through me, which was exactly what I deserved.

When I placed my hands on her shoulders, she exhaled in a soft sound reminding me of a purr.

“I’m serious, Dimitrios. You’re right in that I don’t know my brother. This necklace must have cost thousands and thousands of dollars given the size of the rubies and the clarity of the diamonds. According to my father, Shane was living a hand-to-mouth existence. He had no money. Most public servants don’t. But Shane insisted, saying he was doing well without explaining anything to either my mother or father. I didn’t talk to him. That came secondhand.”

“Aiding me is risky at best. The Stalker is eliminating possible witnesses.”

She jerked around to face me, an even more determined look on her face. “Then it’s settled, Dimitrios. I have a huge stake in this. If Shane had anything to do with the murders, I won’t allow him to get away with it. If he’s innocent, you will not railroad him.The only way to ensure his interest is as important as that of your brother’s is to work with you. I mean side by side. If you say no, I will find a way to make that happen myself. Trust me, I’ll be able to do it. So what’s it going be, Dimitrios? Will you come down off your high horse of thinking only men can do your job and allow a woman to highlight her abilities?”

If she was a man, her challenge would be unacceptable. Given she was a stunning beauty, her words were merely foreplay.

“I have no problem allowing you to work with me to solve this mystery. However,” I said, emphasizing the fact I would always be the man in charge, “it’s under one condition that cannot and will not be altered. You either take it or leave it.”

“Fine. But you will treat me as an equal.”

The girl was serious.

“Alright. You have two choices. One is to accept the deal and the second is you will remain a well-pampered prisoner until I determine your penance is served.”

“But I’m not to blame.”

I cocked my head. “Two choices. It’s entirely up to you.”

She cursed under her breath and I was almost positive she might slap me.

But she didn’t, instead a smile forming, her upper lip curling. She threw out her arm, expecting a handshake.

Which I gave to her.

“I’ll accept the deal. And what is it other than I will obey your every command?”

It was my turn to smile. She truly had no idea she’d just locked herself in a lion’s den. “Yes, there’s that, but more important, you’re going to become my wife.”

CHAPTER 15

Willow

Despair wasn’t for the faint of heart.

I’d lost my parents to murder and my brother to God knows what. What had I gained in a few days?

A husband I could never love.

But I reminded myself once again this was a business arrangement and nothing more. I was the lure. That much I’d gathered from what he’d said, which hadn’t been much. Yet he’d promised to talk to me when the time was right.

Could he keep any of his promises?

If so, I would insist on my freedom.

Sadly, the real question was could I bring Shane in and if I did, what would be done to him? Would I be able to stand by and watch it?

I closed my eyes, blocking the morning sun. Coffee churned in my stomach, the lack of sleep the night before not helping the situation at all. Heartache had torn through me earlier, but I’d shut it down. Now I felt cold and hard inside, capable of going through with my part of the deal.

That didn’t mean I could or would ever trust Dimitrios. In my mind, he was just like any other man, taking what he wanted.

He had no one to tell him when he’d crossed a line or if he did, he simply didn’t give a shit. Why should I care about his pain?

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