Page 95 of The Lieutenant

“I think so. Again, I couldn’t prove anything.”

“How did you get out?”

“Thank God for another diver. He saw me struggling and headed toward me. By that point, I’d panicked and lost the regulator from my mouth. The other diver cut me free and slowly, we started to make the ascent. He allowed me use of his regulator, calming me with his eyes.”

“When did the shithead show up?”

“Oh, he made an appearance jumping in the water when we only had maybe twenty feet to go. He told me he’d gotten a cramp and had to surface. Bullshit. I knew better.”

“Why would he do that?”

I thumped back on the bed, raking my hand through my hair. “Because my career was starting to take off. He wasn’t getting anywhere. I’d told him about a story idea I had. When we made it home, I found out two days later he’d pitched the idea to our editor. The editor went for it. And as they say, the rest is history. He won a Pulitzer over the article I’d already penned fiftypercent of. There was no way to prove that either. So you see, trust isn’t on my bucket list right now. Not really. Not until you.”

After shifting to face him once again, I ran my finger from one side of his jaw to the other. The stubble felt good against my fingers.

“Does that mean you trust me?”

My laugh sounded fake because I was still nervous around him. “For some insane reason, I do. I know you wouldn’t hurt me.”

He rubbed his hand down my arm, the excitement from his touch as ripe and wonderful as before. “I promise with all I have, my kitten, I will never lie, or try to hurt you.”

“I promise you the same. But I don’t know if I can offer anything else. I mean… not in the long term.”

“Then we take it one day at a time. Yes?”

I nodded several times, feeling a sense of relief I’d shared the horrible experience. To a basic stranger, only we knew each other better than so many people did who’d been dating for months. “Does it ever get old? Being in a dangerous lifestyle, I mean.”

His gaze became even more pointed as he took a deep breath.

He shifted and suddenly sat up. “Why don’t I get us both a drink?” The fact he didn’t wait for me to answer meant he wasn’t planning on doing so. I watched him as he left, still able to marvel at his toned butt. After he’d disappeared, I felt a sense of loss. Why did I care about him so much? Was I just as crazy as before?

I moved off the bed, shocked at how close the Eiffel Tower appeared.

The night was crystal clear, not a cloud in the sky. The brighter moon appeared so close, highlighting the gorgeous view. I wanted to be completely mesmerized by the setting, the city, and the passion, but something remained off. I wasn’t certain what other than that for all Havros’ claims of possession, I knew he didn’t mean them. It was all the heat of the moment.

What was maddening was that I was beginning to get used to the idea. At least a little. I’d pushed him away even seconds before. I was now the one being hot and cold.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips and I moved away from the window, turning down the bed. The scent of the man washed over me, creating additional tingles. This time had been incredibly different, holding a closeness that I hadn’t expected.

Yet it was still all in the moment.

But what a moment it was. I glanced at my laptop case, considering writing out a few notes. Somehow, I didn’t think the man paying for this fabulous trip would appreciate me highlighting our sexcapades. I almost laughed at the thought. Now that would spice up the article.

I crawled under the covers, instantly fluffing all four pillows before easing against two of them. Still able to see the wondrous sight, I let out a happy sound. But soon the fairytale would end and I’d be shuttled back to reality. It had to be that way.

I wondered if I would eventually convince myself of that.

Havros sauntered into the room, stopping when he reached the end of the bed. His gaze was even more heated than before andI did so adore the way his chest rose and fell when he looked at me.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, playing coy.

“I didn’t tell you that you could cover up that gorgeous body of yours. I guess I’ll need to use these.” He pulled up a pair of handcuffs, grinning like a big kid. It was refreshing.

Exciting.

Even shocking.

“I don’t think so.”

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