Page 44

“That you’ll be staying the night but will be brought back safe and sound in the morning.”

As she snatched the phone from my hand, our fingers touched and I was delighted the same heightened level of electricity forged a path down the length of my arm. My attraction to her was a continuous flow of need.

The lady was smart, savvy and cunning, remaining in front of me as she dialed her commander, Emiliano Sanchez. I’d learned alittle more about him since my last encounter with her, including he’d been her single bodyguard during her years in New York. Her father had trusted the man more than any other. That meant Emiliano had significant influence over her.

I’d need to keep that in mind.

“Emiliano. No, I’m fine,” she said as she tilted her pretty little head. Goddamn, in her defiance I craved her even more. “Yes, you’re right. I’m with the prick of the year, but don’t worry, I can handle him. We’re just discussing business.”

I laughed and returned to my drink. Did she have any idea the vile things I wanted to do to her?

“No, not tonight. I’m going to be Mr. Torres’ guest for the evening. Stop worrying.” She managed to laugh as if she didn’t have a care in the world. Acting in front of me I could completely understand, but with her most trusted man? That gave me an idea that I wasn’t the only one captivated by the connection we shared.

“Yes, Marco is with me, but he’ll be returning home shortly. Do not engage with the people who drop him off. Make certain both he and Bella stay safe. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.” She ended the call and immediately walked toward me.

Was there anything sexier than a woman in high heels and nothing else? I thought not.

“Here. Take it,” she told me.

She’d added a caveat in that if I didn’t send Marco home tonight, which I honestly hadn’t planned on doing, Emiliano would send a couple dozen men to break them both free.

“Well played,” I told her.

Her smile was laced with just as much mischief as rebellion.

I shoved her phone into my pocket, retrieving mine and immediately dialing Kruz.

“Yes, sir?”

“Take our guest home. Make certain nothing happens to him.”

“What if we’re ambushed?” he asked.

“You won’t be.”

“Whatever you say.” Kruz chuckled. “I’ll report when we return.”

“Fine. I might be otherwise engaged.” I didn’t wait to hear his answer although I managed to catch his laughter.

Genevieve didn’t make a move to grab her dress, heading toward her drink instead. I knew this was just her continued attempt at controlling me in a method best used by women. However, her fully aroused nipples and the fragrant scent of her desire was a dead giveaway how much she craved my touch. She threw back her drink and I did the same.

Her smile was wry and she carefully lowered the glass onto my desk, taking a few seconds to swirl the bottom across the wooden surface. I wasn’t in the mood to play coy, merely placing the glass on the table where I’d left it before.

When she moved closer, I wasn’t surprised. Yet when she inched so close our lips were almost touching, I had to admit I was taken aback. Perhaps she had no understanding she was playing a dangerous game with me. If she truly believed she could use seduction as a weapon, my reputation hadn’t reached the United States.

Before I realized what I was doing, I had my fingers wrapped around her long neck. Her gasp was slight, her eyes lit up like torches.

“I’m no gentleman, Genevieve, but I won’t allow anything to happen to you or your family.”

“As long as I abide by your rules and those of a tainted alliance.”

“Precisely,” I half whispered and lowered my head, brushing my lips across hers.

She mewed and immediately used both hands to rip open my shirt. “We’ll see about that.” The moment she placed her fingers against my chest, a deep growl erupted from my throat.

We continued toying with each other, opening our mouths and allowing our lips to barely touch. When I pushed my thumb under her chin until she was forced to lift her head, she dragged her tongue across her lips.

I also wasn’t gentle in capturing her mouth. I shifted my hand until I held the back of her neck, tugging her as close to my body as possible.