Page 31 of So Close

“I appreciate the diplomatic warning,” I tell him. “But it’s unnecessary. I see what kind of woman his mother is. How often has she propositioned or otherwise sexually harassed you?”

Clearly startled, he recovers swiftly. “You’re very observant.”

“Is Kane aware?”

“I’m perfectly capable of handling such matters myself.”

I set my fork down. “So, you’ve never told him, and he’s making the mistake of not watching his family carefully enough. I’m guessing he hasn’t noticed.”

Witte pats his mustache with his napkin. “I would say you’re a woman who deduces, not guesses.”

My grin is wide and delighted. I love it when just the right word is used. It really does make all the difference. And to have Witte play along … It’s both fun and necessary. Your welfare is his purpose, and I need him to believe we’re aligned in that goal.

I resume eating. The salad is extraordinary, with chunks of ruby red grapefruit, oranges, candied pecans and blue cheese. “My compliments, Witte. This is the best salad I’ve ever had.”

“Thank you.” Picking up his glass of red wine, he savors his sip before swallowing. “Mr. Black expended tremendous effort to refine himself. I see why.”

“Because I like salad? Or because I’m astute and observant?”

“Because those qualities – among others – make you formidable.”

“Ah … Well, now I’m also flattered.”

I slide my fork between my lips before putting it down, relishing the last drop of dressing. My gaze slides around the kitchen, noting the informal eat-in table to my right and the reflection of the city lights at my back in the glass insets of the cupboards.

“I expect it’s damn near impossible to gain unauthorized access to the penthouse,” I say casually, “but there are two armed guards outside the front door.”

Holding his glass aloft, he studies me over it, showing no surprise that I’ve explored beyond the penthouse. “There are.”

“There were guards at the hospital, too.”

Witte nods nonchalantly as if I’ve asked a question, but fine expectation has replaced his earlier ease.

“Is Kane protected when he’s outside the tower?”

“We mitigate risks.”

“Such as?”

He aerates his wine with a practiced swirl of his wrist, but while his movements are insouciant his gaze is intense and watchful. “Why this line of questioning, Mrs. Black?”

“It would appear he’s in danger.”

“Are you?” His clipped pivot signals we’ve moved past pleasantries.

We study each other. The obliging majordomo is gone. The man sitting across from me is someone else entirely. Abruptly, he’s intimidating in every way. His physicality has shifted from fit to formidable. His gaze has gone from observant to unnervingly probing. The fact that he can diminish himself at will to fade into the background and go unnoticed when his true self is so clearly dangerous sets my mind at ease.

I smile, his demeanor has addressed my underlying concern. “How could I be? I’m under guard, too.”

“It’s always best to be cautious.”

“Well … It’s a relief to know he’s safe.” I shoot him a telling glance over the lip of my water glass. “And that you’re prepared.”

“For what?”

“Anything.” I shrug, resuming my former appearance of unconcern. “Anything at all.”

Setting his glass down, he removes his napkin from his lap and folds it neatly on the island. He doesn’t take his gaze off me. “Mr. Black is concerned for your safety.”

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