Page 9 of Claimed By the Villain

Fires aren’t always safe—they leave traces. Even if the cops had searched the car, even if I hadn’t destroyed it, they wouldn’t find anything. But I’m a forensic science junkie. I study it carefully. Technology’s advancing, and DNA recovery gets better every day. It’s always working against the perpetrator—me.

Four hours later, I’m already on my way back to New York. I know Jackie’s being watched by one of my men, but I’m not like other guys. I’m obsessive. My priority is visiting her, protecting her.

By the next day, I’m at the building I own on the outskirts of Manhattan. I get a single buzz on my phone. I know it’s from Beau. It’s his way of saying the payment’s been made.

To me, the mission’s already in the past.

Chapter 4

Days Later

“I’m really tired, but thank you,” I hear Taylor say—for the third time tonight—to the waiter who started working at the bar a few days ago.

What he’s got in looks, he lacks in boundaries.

After just two shifts with her, the idiot seems to think he owns her.

Tonight, for instance, he’s repeating an invitation to some damn party that she already politely turned down once before.

I wish I had her patience. If it were me, I would’ve told the jerk to go to hell.

Some men don’t understand the power of a no.

No doesn’t mean “maybe” or “we’ll see.” Women don’t say no when they mean yes. No is absolute.

“Life’s not all about work, Taylor,” he says, and I feel like throwing up.

He couldn’t sound more pathetic if he tried.

She looks like she’s about to slap him, so I decide to step in before they both get kicked out.

“Okay, Todd, that’s enough. If you ask Taylor out one more time, I’m no longer going to treat it like harmless flirting, I’ll report it to the manager as harassment. She’s clearly uncomfortable, and just for future reference: a woman’s silence, just like the magic word no, should always be enough. Now go take care of your section.”

He gives me a look like he wants to kill me, but I give him a go ahead and try me stare, and he backs off, leaving us alone.

“You’ve gotta be more straight, girl,” I say once he’s gone.

“I thought I was. I said no three times just today, not to mention all the other invites I’ve turned down this week.”

I step behind the bar and stop next to her.

“So, what’s the problem—lack of attraction, or are you still hung up on that hot doctor you can’t stop thinking about?”

Taylor’s been sad and quiet lately, ever since she got a delivery here at the bar. She told me it was a gift from a doctor, he sent her a piece of jewelry, a flower, and a ticket to a concert at the New York Philharmonic.

She didn’t say it out loud, but I’m pretty sure the guy’s related to the wealthy woman she takes care of.

“Both,” she finally says.

“You shouldn’t have been so friendly.”

“I know. But I thought he was cute and charming. I made a mistake. He is both of those things, but also super annoying.”

“You actually considered going to that party with him?” I ask.

“Yeah. I mean, I don’t want to be that girl pining over a man who thinks the worst of me. Besides, even if William thought I was the best person in the world, we’d still be incompatible. Not to mention he’s filthy rich and way moreexperienced. He made it very clear what he expects from a relationship—if sleeping with someone can even be called that.”

“Next time a guy shows interest and you sense you’re not a good match, run before feelings get involved. It’s the best way to protect your heart.”