Page 97 of Deadly Designs

“Your husband kidnapped me and told me he was goingto kill me.”

“Oh, for Heaven’s sake, Aja Blue, don’t be sodramatic.”

“It’s the truth, and, again, it’s all on video. Wasit your idea to drug me?”

“No, that was all Heathcliff. I will have you know Iargued against it, but he was adamant.”

How sweet. “Do you do everything your husband tellsyou?”

“What do you know about marriage?”

“Not much, but I know your husband was betraying hiscountry.”

“How dare you tarnish Heathcliff, you low-classbitch.”

Aja Blue smiled. Takes one to know one. “He did it tohimself. Your life will change, Mrs. Sinclair, and not in a goodway. I would’ve made your pool house a showstopper. Now, I hope Inever see your face again.”

Aja Blue turned to walk out.

“You’re breaking the contract. I want my retainerback.”

She slowly turned. “Your husband broke it when hehired someone to kidnap me, pointed a gun at me, and murdered myfriend. You want the money back? Sue me.”

She walked out the door as Mrs. Sinclair screamedobscenities at her.

“I told you she was a hellion,” the cop remarked.

“You did, and she is. Thanks for the phone. Can Iemail the recording to myself?”

“Sure.”

She did and handed it back to him. “Thanksagain.”

As Aja Blue returned to Christian’s room, she saw twogiant, muscular men in suits coming out. She panicked and rushedforward. What if Sinclair’s men blamed him for Heathcliff’s deathand wanted retribution?

“Hey, you two! Stop right now!”

Both men turned to her, and she almost stumbledbackward. Good Lord, they were devastatingly gorgeous. Aja Blue wasrarely shell-shocked, but she was now. She shook it off.Christian’s life was at stake.

“What do you think you’re doing in there? Did youhurt him? Who sent you? Are you working for Heathcliff Sinclair? Iswear you will be sorry if you touched a hair on his head. I’mtougher than I look and—”

“Ms. LaLonde?”

She blinked. They knew her name? “Who are you?”

“I’m Logan Bradley, and this is my partner, LukeColton. We’re Christian’s bosses.”

Aja Blue prayed a hole would open in the floor andsuck her in. She felt like a complete fool and covered her facewith her hands. “Oh, my God, I’m sorry.” She dropped her arms andsighed. “I was afraid Mr. Sinclair’s henchmen had come forhim.”

Logan raised one brow in a move so sexy she almostswooned. “We look like henchmen?”

“No, of course not,” she sputtered. “I mean, you’reboth huge, like muscular and all, so I guess you could be, but Iwas just . . .” She blew out a breath, beyond flustered.

“I’m teasing,” Logan assured her.

“We’re glad you’re watching out for him,” Luke said.“How is he?”

Relieved they let her off the hook so easily, shesaid, “Good, considering.” She told them what the doctor had saidabout his concussion.

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