Page 15 of The Lieutenant

Or her spunk.

I could still see it in her eyes.

“Ms. Banning. I’m Havros Nomikos.” I moved closer, extending my arm.

She took a deep breath, her tongue involuntarily darting across her bottom lip as she stared at my outstretched fingers.

“I assure you I won’t bite,” I told her. Yet, anyway. But I wouldn’t mind sinking my teeth into her.

“Of course not.” She accepted the gesture and while I’d anticipated the sparks we’d shared the night before, I sensed she was miffed at her body’s betrayal. It was too bad her jacket had successfully hidden her nipples when her dress hadn’t the night before.

“Mr. Nomikos. While I appreciate you taking this meeting, it was scheduled with Dimitrios.” When she pulled her hand away, she nonchalantly rubbed her palm on her slacks.

I backed away on purpose, sitting on the edge of my desk. Even with her attempt at disguising her beauty, my mouth watered from the sight of her.

My intuition told me she was attempting to hide the fact we’d already met. Why not play the game? After the night before, I was more than curious where this might go. “Yes, well, my brother is engaged in other business. I’m certain I can provide you with what you need. Although I must say, this exposé is highly unusual.”

“So you know my work.” She moved closer, studying me as intently as I was doing to her.

“I can’t say that I do. I’m also uncertain of exactly what you’re looking for.”

“The truth. As always.”

“What truth?”

She seemed somewhat more nervous than the night before, but her spirit remained bold. I knew that instantly when she headed to one of two chairs positioned in front of my desk, sitting down without being asked.

I’d give the woman credit. She wasn’t going to allow me to push her away. I headed behind my desk once again, easing down in my leather chair. As I folded my arms, clasping my hands together, she refused to blink.

“The truth regarding every crime syndicate. How they work. How they incorporate legitimate with less than honorable business operations. What you’re willing to do to your enemies. How you handle your employees.”

“What enemies, exactly?”

“I know you have a number of them. Those in your profession always do. You ride the world between light and dark, good and bad elegantly.”

I laughed, shifting in my seat to try to un-pinch my cock. “This darkness you speak of. I’m curious as to your meaning of the term.”

Kara finally placed her briefcase on the floor, pulling out the same notebook I’d seen on the table the night before. After flipping the cover, she tugged a pen into her hand.

“Ms. Banning. While I understand my brother said yes, I haven’t agreed to an interview. I think it’s important we get to know each other on a personal level prior to any agreement. Don’t you?” I could easily see I’d made her uncomfortable. She was already squirming in her seat.

The same perfume from the night before wafted into my nostrils. While not nearly as strong, it was a clear indication her buttoned-up appearance this morning wasn’t a decent representation of the woman underneath.

I sensed she knew all about darkness, but was unable to explore her desires. As soon as I sat forward in my seat, Kara tapped her pen on the pad.

“I think it’ll depend on how personal you want to become, Mr. Nomikos. I’m a qualified, award-winning journalist from New York. I’ve worked with several national newspapers and magazines over the last several years providing stories and exposés of dangerous criminals. I have dual degrees in criminology and journalism and a love of the truth. I’m not certain how much more you need to know about my credentials.”

“While I appreciate the overview, Kara, I’m looking for what makes you tick.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“If I’ve heard you correctly, searching for the truth is one passion, but there must be others. I can tell by the look of longing in your eyes you’re continually searching for the truth about yourself.”

Her jaw was suddenly clenched and I sensed annoyance at my pointed questions would soon move to anger. I did enjoy pushing her buttons, savoring the light flush already creeping up her cheeks.

“Mr. Nomikos. I’m a professional. Need I remind you that this meeting was already agreed to? While I’m certainly not going to attempt to take much of your precious time, I’ll assume you’d prefer the truth instead of having me pen blasphemous allegations that would drag your organization’s nefarious activities out in the open for all the world to see. Am I correct in my assumptions?”

“Touché, Kara, and please call me Havros.”

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