Page 83 of Hunt Me

“Ah, a woman of discerning tastes.”

“No, just a woman who needs liquid courage.”

“Courage you have. Unfortunately, a weapon is out of the question,” he continued.

“You forget I’m a trained kickboxer.”

“You’re right. Thank you for reminding me.” His chuckle was even darker than before. He was thoroughly enjoying my discomfort.

He took his time pouring two glasses, foregoing ice. As he turned, he studied me as intently as any other time. “Come with me. We’re going to talk. There’s no need for you to be concerned about what you will tell me.”

The man was so sure of himself, as if I’d simply fall into line like I was certain everyone else around him did. He nodded toward a doorway, waiting until I headed toward it to move himself.

Without wearing any panties, I felt so entirely exposed and the scent of him lingered on every surface of my skin. What drove me crazy was the scent of his aftershave. It was woodsy and dark, forbidden with exotic spices and touched with citrus like a sweet kiss of spring.

There was no getting away from him. Lights came on as soon as we moved from one room to another. At least I was able to have a better understanding of the prison he was about to lock me in.

His house was magnificent, so beautifully decorated that I was in awe. Everything had a place, completely organized. His tastes were exquisite. I don’t know what I’d expected, but this wasn’t it.

He finally led me to a beautiful and cozier room with a fireplace. There were bookshelves on two sides, full of books and art. As soon as I walked inside, I had to take a moment to admire his collection.

His presence was as electric as before, the heat of his massive body keeping me on edge.

“You seem surprised,” he stated in his deep baritone.

“I guess I am. I didn’t think you had time to read.”

Reaching around my waist, he waited until I accepted one of the thick tumblers. When I did, our fingers touched. I sensed I’d shuddered visibly. He lowered his head until his hot breath cascaded across the back of my neck. “Reading is essential when learning to run an empire.”

He moved around me, heading to one of the bookshelves, pulling a book from the shelf. “My father was an avid reader, which surprised not only his enemies, but his allies as well. He taught his children the importance of education, enlightenment that couldn’t be bought and sold. The greatest leaders in the world were highly intelligent and continued their education.”

“Is that what you’re trying to be, a great leader?”

The way he fingered the leather-bound edition was with reverence. “As least as good as I can be.”

“Which is why you graduated from Harvard, excelling in academics.”

His eyes twinkled as he lifted his head. “I’m curious how much you learned about me and my family.”

“Not nearly enough to understand your intentions.”

“With you or with business?”

“Everything.” I took a sip of my drink mostly to calm my nerves. Just being around him was otherworldly.

“With you my intentions are simple. I will gain the truth and try and shield you from whatever war could occur due to Sergio’s murder.”

“War. You make it sound like your business is nothing but a battle zone.”

He studied me, his brow furrowing. “There isn’t a successful business of any type in the world who doesn’t feel like the playing field is often a battleground, Bristol.”

“That’s not what we’re talking about. You intend on exacting your own form of revenge.”

His expression shifted to one of amusement. “Isn’t that what every attorney does when arguing a case?”

“We work within the law. If any of the stories I’ve heard about your family are the truth, you believe you’re above the law and create your own rules suiting your purposes.”

“Who doesn’t believe in the law of the greater good? You said so yourself. You abide by right versus wrong. So do my family and millions of others. With every misdeed there are consequences that must be paid.”