Page 14 of The Billionaire's Temptation

“Why would I give him a check?” she asked, still unsure. “And I don’t have the money for–” She stopped when his dark eyebrow lifted. “Right. I have money now.” Clarissa shook her head. “That’s going to take a bit of getting used to.”

“You’re going to give them a check because, despite the ass who handcuffed you, the police are a group of people who put their lives on the line for everyone.” He lifted a hand when she started to argue with him. “And, you’re going to give them a big check because it will get them on your side, show them that you’re a force to be reckoned with.”

She liked that idea, but it still screamed of bribery.

“It’s not.”

Clarissa blinked. “It’s not what?”

“You’re thinking that sending a check is bribery, right?”

She shifted her feet for a brief moment, staring at her toes. Then she lifted her head and nodded. “Yes.”

“But it’s not, because you’re not giving them a check to do something specifically. You’re giving them a check because it’s the right thing to do. And because you want them on your side the next time Blaire or Chad do something to you in the future.” He paused, gazing into her eyes. “And they will. Those two are leeches. They will suck everything out of you and leave you an empty shell if you don’t fight back.”

Those were the words that got to her. She thought about the lost promotion and resentment bubbled up inside of her.

“Okay, how do I get a check?”

“You meet with your accountants and set up a bank account. They’ll also be able to immediately give you some cash. Your lawyer should have been here to deliver the credit cards already. Call him and find out where they are.”

“I’m sure that Mr. Silverman has more important things to do on a Saturday.”

“Ron won’t deliver them personally. He will have an underling deliver them. Or he’ll use a delivery service.” He looked down at her jeans and tee shirt. “Once the credit cards arrive, go out and get some clothes.”

“Whose clothes are in that closet?”

“Probably Alicia’s. She was married to your father for two months before he passed away. From what I heard, she spent most of those two months shopping. When she left, she probably took all the clothing she could pack, so whatever is left, belongs to you.”

“Good,” she decided with a nod. “I’m too frugal to go out and buy new clothes when there are perfectly good clothes upstairs.”

“Would you like to have dinner one night this week?” he asked.

“Dinner?”

He smiled slightly at her baffled response. “Yes. Dinner. Just the two of us.”

“I don’t think…why would you want to?” Clarissa queried.

He grinned. “You have no idea who I am, do you?”

She shrugged. “You’re Levi…whatchamacallit.”

Levi laughed softly. “Harris. My last name is Harris.” He tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and the brief touch of his fingertips against her cheek caused a shock wave of tremors. “Look me up. And I’ll call you about dinner.”

He turned and walked out of the house. Clarissa heard the soft snick of the door closing behind him. She cupped her cheek, which still burned from his touch.

Chapter 5

“Alone again, little brother?”

Levi rolled his eyes and turned to face his half-brother. Sure enough, Martin was behind him with his beautiful wife, complete with the expected smirk as she leaned against her husband’s arm. He’d been standing at the bar, furious that he’d come to the tedious party.

“Good evening Martin,” he greeted his half-brother. “Laura, you’re looking exceptionally lovely tonight.”

Laura shifted, as if she were trying to angle her body to give him a better view. “Thank you, Levi. You always look…” she stopped when Martin shifted his arm, moving it to his wife’s waist. She stopped, her face stricken for a moment. Then she smiled. “You’re looking good,” she finished.

Levi wasn’t sure if he was relieved that his older half-brother had stopped whatever sly remark Laura was going to offer, or livid that he’d obviously hurt Laura in some way. Pinched her? Was Martin abusing his wife?

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