Page 109 of Dark Duet: Platinum Edition

“Gracias,” Caleb said and took a seat in a reading chair near one of the book shelves. He refused to sit across from Felipe’s desk.

“De nada,” Felipe replied and joined Caleb by the books.

Caleb got comfortable in his seat and sipped from his scotch. It was perhaps too early to be drinking, but he reasoned it had already been a long day. He was eager to get this conversation with Felipe over with and find more interesting diversions for the day. “Forgive me, Felipe, but why am I here?” Caleb got to the point.

Felipe smiled and sipped from his glass. “I only want to talk. You and your slave have been here for quite some time, and we have shared very few conversations.”

Caleb sighed, but tried to keep it respectful. “What did you want to discuss?”

Felipe leaned back. “So serious, my friend. How are things progressing with the girl?” Felipe asked. He was too casual for Caleb’s taste.

“Fine.”

“Only fine?” Felipe seemed incredulous.

Caleb’s face warmed with a building anger. “Felipe, I realize you’re a friend of Rafiq’s, but I fail to see how the girl is any of your business. As you’ve said, we’ve been here for a while – why the sudden interest?”

“Kitten,” Felipe said through an obnoxiously saccharine smile. “The girl’s name is ‘Kitten,’ is it not?”

“Yes,” Caleb said through gritted teeth.

“Well, Caleb,” Felipe’s expression suddenly turned sinister, “Kitten is your business, but Celia is mine – and seeing as you’ve involved yourself in my business, I don’t see my questions as an intrusion in yours.”

Caleb had expected this sooner. “What do you want, Felipe?”

“Well, to be quite honest, Caleb, you’ve overstepped yourself and done my house a great dishonor. My purpose here is to let you make it right.” Fire spread through Caleb’s body and anger flashed in his eyes.

“To what dishonor are you referring?”

“You know the one,” Felipe said. Malice edged his tone.

“I did nothing out of the ordinary, and I had no idea you were so enamored with your property. You obviously don’t feel as strongly about your horses. I believe I rode one of them once as well.” Caleb was purposely smug.

Felipe’s entire body tensed with rage, but he smiled nonetheless. “You should be careful, Caleb,” Felipe said calmly. “I’m a very dangerous man in some circles, and I happen to know a great many things about a great many people. Including you.”

“Watch yourself,” Caleb said through clenched teeth.

“I’vebeenwatching, Caleb. I’ve been watching you. And Kitten,” Felipe said. Suddenly, he was the smug one. “I wonder what Rafiq would think if he saw what you’ve been up to.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” Caleb growled.

“Cameras, Caleb. A man like me, in the business I’m in – I can trust no one. And so, I watch. Everyone,” Felipe said and smiled.

Caleb’s heart hammered fiercely in his chest, but he did his best to remain calm. He thought about what had happened between him and Kitten since they had arrived. He thought of all the things he’d confessed to her, believing they were alone. It was enough to have him seething with rage and thrumming with anxiety. “What do you want, Felipe?”

Felipe shook his head. “I really didn’t want it to go this way, Caleb. Truthfully, I wish you no ill will. I only wanted to talk. You’re the one who made this nasty.”

Caleb tried his hand at feigning remorse. “My apologies. I’ve had a bad morning.”

Felipe smiled. “Yes, I know. However, I plan to keep what I know to myself. I only wish for you to grant me a favor.”

Caleb’s jaw hurt from how hard he was grinding his teeth. “What favor?”

“I’m having a party tomorrow night. I would love it if you and Kitten would attend,” Felipe said cordially.

“That’s it? You want us to attend?” Caleb didn’t buy it.

Felipe quirked an eyebrow. “Well…seeing as you’ve made use of my Celia, I was hoping I could borrow yours for the evening.”