Page 15 of Corrupted Union

“Hardly. But it’s a delicate matter. I need someone to get me answers discreetly. I’ll pay you.”

He studied me, growing more intrigued by the second. Good. I’d use whatever I could to my advantage. “Who is it you want to look into?”

“Lawrence Wellington.”

His eyes narrowed. “The shipping mogul?”

I nodded.

Keir’s head fell back as a rumble of masculine laughter filled the air. I wasn’t sure how I knew, but I got the sense this man didn’t laugh often, and the effect was mesmerizing. Even though it came at my expense, I could see myself doing terrible things to hear that sound again.

Once he regained himself, he stalked closer, a sharp edge returning to his features. “That man practically owns the entire Red Hook shipping terminal. Why the fuck are you wanting to look into Lawrence Wellington?” His words were harsh, but his tone was somehow still calm and steady. His ability to stay composed was impressive.

“My reasons have no bearing on an investigation.”

“They do when I’m the one investigating.”

Shit. I hadn’t considered him asking me why. It was a reckless oversight, but I didn’t let it thwart me. “His son is my boyfriend. Before going any further into the relationship, I’d like to make sure his father won’t be a detriment to my father’s career.”

Well done, Ro! He can hardly argue with that logic.

“Seems like something your father would be happy to do to protect you both.”

“They’re longtime friends. Dad wouldn’t even entertain the notion.”Please, stop asking questions!

Keir continued to study me. “Yet, for some reason, you feel compelled enough to seek me out.”

“Why not? You had no problem breaking into my parents’ house. Surely digging into someone’s background is hardly an imposition, especially if you’re being paid.”

“I want to know why,” he persisted.

“Why what?”

“Why you even suspect something’s off.”

I resisted the urge to grind my teeth in frustration and smiled instead. “I told you, I’m just being cautious.”

He shrugged. “Then the answer is no.” He turned to walk away.

My mouth fell open. “What? Why?” I hurried after him.

“Because I said so.”

“I told you, I’ll pay you.”

He turned and spread his arms wide. “As if I need your money, Miss Alexander.” He stared at me, a glint of smug satisfaction in his eyes.

I stretched my spine as tall as possible, bristling against what I was about to do. “Please.”

He took a step closer. “As much as I love seeing your pretty lips beg, it’s not enough, so unless you give me a reason”—he moved close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off him—“to motivate me, then the answer … is still … no.” The menacing vibrations of his voice feathered across my skin.

I inhaled, breathing him in. Intentionally intoxicating myself with his scent.

I need him to help me.

No, youwanthis help. You could do this on your own.

Shut up.

---