Page 26 of The Lieutenant

“Another pity.”

Of the men I’d interviewed in a similar position Havros held, none I’d considered good looking in the least. Most were older, all with paunch bellies and a couple who were prematurely balding. One smelled like garlic every time we met while another rasped out answers, likely because of his three packs of cigarettes a day habit.

Every single man had given off smarmy vibes, which had enabled me to remain focused. I wasn’t positive how to do that around Havros.

I didn’t hear his footsteps at first, but knew he was right there. The electricity around him was different than I’d felt with anyone else.

The moment I walked into his bedroom, another set of sensations swept through me. I knew instinctively the room was his personal space by the dark, very formidable wood and the royal purple comforter on the bed. Shit. I realized instantly the color matched my dress. I’d rarely felt embarrassed while growing up or attending college. I could handle whatever was tossed in my direction, but I was suddenly tongue tied.

Being in his private space was too personal. I spun around on my heel, charging from the room and directly into the man who boiled my blood.

“What’s wrong,gatáki? Do I frighten you?” He wrapped his arm around me, the hold entirely too possessive.

“As I said, very little does. What did you call me?” Being in his arms was a mistake. My core was instantly overheated to the point I was in a brain fog.

“Kitten. It suits you. You try and roar but deep inside you’re only purring.”

I pushed my hand against his chest, both hating and loving how good it felt being this close. I finally pushed away, the wash of heat becoming far too overwhelming. “I never purr. Am I allowed to ask questions starting tonight?” He seemed disappointed I’d driven him away.

“You can ask anything you want, kitten. Just realize some questions might not receive answers. There are certain aspects regarding our business and its success that many of our enemies would pay a pretty penny to get their hands on.”

“Just like the reporter did with the exposé on television? Providing ammunition?”

He snorted. “Deception does sell.”

The sounds of the city caught my attention and I shifted my attention to the lovely balcony, the wire-style railings surprisingly modern. The breeze was light and warm, the scent of the delectable food he’d mentioned moments before wafting into the air.

He joined me, leaning over the railing far enough my acrophobia kicked in. “Be careful or you’ll fall.”

“Are you worried about me, kitten?”

“Contrary to what you might believe, I don’t like the sight of blood.”

“Does that mean you’ve been forced to witness many crimes?”

I brushed hair from my face as I studied him. “I’m from New York. I’ve seen more than my share of violence.”

“Ah, yes. New York. Don’t worry. I’m skilled in many areas. I know my limitations.”

“Mountain climbing. Lion taming. No, wait. Maybe you serve as a lumberjack from time to time.” While he’d been photographed on a sailboat and in a fancy sports car, nothing had been written about his extracurricular activities. Unless seducing beautiful women was on that list.

“Hmmm… All sound spectacular, but maybe I’m not as talented as I think. Try again.” His face was tilted in my direction. I couldn’t help but wonder if he openly challenged everyone he met.

As he moved, the dim lighting caught his watch and my attention. “You’re a scuba diver.”

My discovery pleased him, his eyes twinkling. “Yes. I’ve been diving for years, although I’ve found it difficult to find the time as of late. Business has kept me preoccupied.”

“Your watch gave it away. My father has one very similar although I’m certain yours is much more expensive.”

“A gift from my father. He taught me when I was a young boy about respecting marine life.”

“Mine did too.”

“You’re also a diver,” Havros stated, also surprised.

“Didn’t I tell you I have many hidden talents? There is nothing more exceptional than the peace and quiet divers experience. Just the sound of your own breathing and often in my case, my rapidly beating heart. Diving makes me as anxious as it does excited.” Why was I telling him anything about myself? I’d been in a position more than once where sharing personal information had been used against me.

The lessons had been painful.

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