Page 30 of The Lieutenant

I sensed she was furious with herself for saying anything. She had no intention of allowing herself to become personal with me. That had the effect of requiring me to learn more about her.

“I have no reason to lie to you and I’m sorry to hear someone you cared about led you down a bad path,” I told her and meant it. No one as sweet and beautiful as she was should ever be forced to feel the burn of betrayal. “You believe me to be a dangerous man.”

“Without a doubt. There’s nothing you can say that will alter my opinion. However, we need to change the subject.”

“Perhaps we do.”

The way she studied me was as if picking me apart. If she thought she’d find a decent man inside, she’d be wrong. That had been tossed the moment I’d heard about Leandro’s death.

“Okay. Tell me this. Other than diving, which you’ve admitted you haven’t done for a long time, what do you like to do for fun?” She slowly pulled her hand free from mine and I noticed she’d curled her finger, nonchalantly bringing it to her mouth and nose.

I did believe she was inhaling my aftershave. Everything the woman did had the same effect on me. My balls were now tight, so much so I had to shift in my seat.

“Sailing. Pool. I play a mean game of darts. I also enjoy racetracks.”

“Like with real cars or the kiddie car ones?” At least my answer brought a smile to her face. I wasn’t certain where this was going or if I would participate but so long for her interview, but I needed to break the ice. What I needed was for her to trust me.

Although I wasn’t certain yet of the reason why.

Laughing around her was easy, also something I hadn’t indulged in for months. “Both, but I prefer the real thing. A buddy of mine is a driver for a team in Italy. Every once in a while, he allows me to take a ride around the track.”

“You also have influential friends.”

“The truth is that I have very few friends.”

“The trust factor?” she asked as she ran the tip of her finger around the rim of her glass as she’d done the night before. I watched the subtle action, mesmerized by the simplicity and her charm.

“Exactly. Perhaps we’re more alike than you think we are.” I tossed my napkin on the island, standing and reaching for her plate.

“I’ll help, but I don’t think we’re anything alike.”

“You’re my guest. Relax and enjoy your wine. Why do you say that?”

“You’re rich and powerful. I’m attempting to be both.” Her laugh highlighted the brightness in her eyes. They were a deep blue, so much so a man could get lost in them for hours. They matchedboth her personality and her long raven hair. My body was keenly aware of just how attractive she was.

“I have no doubt you will be if that’s what you want, but keep in mind there are pitfalls.”

“Such as needing a bodyguard?”

“Well, yes. For one. There’s always knowing you have a target on your back, at least in certain difficult situations.”

She rose from the barstool, crowding me out of the way of the sink. I decided to let her do what she wanted. I’d never had a woman inside the apartment. I’d never shared space with anyone in a residence for longer than part of one night. This felt… different. Real.

Almost too perfect.

“That’s very sad,” she said after a few seconds. “To never know if you’re safe.”

“You learn to accept it and take precautions. I’m certain you’ve been required to do that over time.”

The look she gave me sent a wave of longing into every cell and muscle. “Yes, which is why I learned martial arts and weaponry years ago.”

I coughed on purpose. “A tiny thing like you?”

“I’m hardly tiny.”

A part of me still couldn’t figure out why I’d allowed her into my life, either in business or my personal space, but I was warming up to her being around. Maybe too much so.

“You very much fit your kitten persona.”

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