Page 9 of Indecent Proposal

Claire huffed and got out as well. “I don’t suppose you have a change of clothes or food in there?”

“Clearly, as you can see, this isn’t the Ritz Carlton,” I drawled. “And sorry, I didn’t stop by the local department store to pick out your summer wardrobe on my way to get you out of town,” I said, grabbing my bag. “I was a little busy keeping you from being murdered.”

“Well, you failed,” Claire replied, straight-faced. “Because your personality is killing me.”

I couldn’t quite hide my smirk of amusement, so it was a good thing she couldn’t see my face as I headed toward the cabin’s front porch, figuring Claire would follow at some point.

I didn’t know if she was going to drive me crazy in a good way or a bad way, but either one was going to be interesting, that was for sure.

CHAPTER4

Claire

Ireally needed that rest.

I was surprised that I could fall asleep in a moving car with a man that I hardly knew, but at the same time, I had barely slept the past couple of weeks and I’d just crashed. And while he drove me insane with his attitude, I did trust him to keep me safe. His security company was the best of the best.

When he shook my shoulder and I jolted awake, I felt a bit more rested and centered, but I also wanted to know where the hell I was. Why a remote, almost crude looking cabin in the middle of nowhere? I felt like I was at the start of a horror film or some quirky Hallmark movie.

Vaughn led me to the cabin and unlocked the door. “There’s a bolt lock and a chain lock on this main door, but there’s also a safe room below the main floor. Cameras are everywhere. I’ll show you how to arm the system in a bit, so you’ll get an alert if anyone approaches the area around the place while I’m gone. The surveillance room is also the storage room, so you’ll have all the food you’ll need.”

I stepped inside after him, looking around. Admittedly, the cabin was nice and well made, but not very large. It was clearly designed with one person in mind, or perhaps a couple. To the left was a kitchen area, with a dining table, while in the middle was a fireplace with a few cushy chairs, and on the right was a large bed with a dresser and a closet.

There wasn’t anything extraneous, but it wasn’t bare bones, either. It was actually kind of cozy. It was still a little small for my tastes, though, if I was going to be stuck here for who knew how long.

“There’s no internet or Wi-Fi, and good luck finding a cell signal,” Vaughn went on. “But I have plenty of books if you want to read them.”

I wasn’t worried about using a phone, since I’d trashed mine earlier. “Can I take walks?” The woods would be nice…

“Not yet.” Vaughn’s voice was stern, and I felt a sudden shiver go up my spine.

I glared at him, although whether it was because of actual frustration with him or just because I was frustrated with myself for being attracted to him, I didn’t know. “What am I supposed to do then, just stay cooped up in here all day?”

“Yes.” Vaughn pointed. “There’s a bathroom with a shower, you can wash up in there.”

I rolled my eyes, but I really could use a nice relaxing shower. I was filthy and tired. Even with the nap, I was sure the hot water would help to wash the rest of the feeling of exhaustion off me.

“Fine.” I headed for the bathroom.

“I’ll be back in about an hour,” Vaughn informed me.

“You going to tell me where you’re going?”

“Nope.” He smirked at me, and then pressed a section of the wall, revealing a keypad.

It hit me with a jolt as he typed in a code that this cabin was actually far more sophisticated, at least in regard to security, than I’d expected.

“The place is armed now,” Vaughn said. “Stay put. I’ll be back.”

“Way to make this place feel not at all like a prison,” I called after him.

Vaughn ignored me, and I walked into the bathroom, huffing all the way. I didn’t even have a change of clothes. What did he expect, that I’d just walk around naked?

The idea of Vaughn seeing me naked had heat rushing through me and I swallowed hard, banishing that thought. The man was insufferable. Just because he was handsome and had a body built for sin didn’t mean that I was going to swoon over him and forgive his dickish behavior.

The bathroom was small, but also more sophisticated than I’d expected in a cabin. Vaughn had clearly updated this place where he wanted to. But no Wi-Fi? Seriously?

I hoped his damn books were at least enjoyable.

---