Page 29 of Perfume Girl

“He’d take advantage of Raquel and then toss her away when he’s done.” Damien fixed an accusatory glare on Astor’s back.

My ex was an idiot. He and Embry deserved each other.

Years of hard work and endless crafting of perfection in a laboratory had been lost because of that theft, and right there on that love ship were clues to help me get my perfume back and secure my future. All I had to do was follow Astor up those steps.

All I had to do was be fearless.

AFTER BOARDING THERIVETING,RAQUELstood just beyond the ramp wearing her Wayfarer sunglasses and sporting that crazy T-shirt.

I would have drawn more amusement from the situation if I hadn’t done the unthinkable to strategize getting her on here—though I felt no guilt. I had a billion-dollar empire to protect, staff to pay, and I was willing to go to any lengths to preserve it all.

That didn’t mean I couldn’t have a little fun with her.

Raquel’s long brunette locks were being ruffled by the wind, and the freckles sprinkled across her nose made her look like an all American girl; though remnants of her English heritage lingered in her porcelain complexion, her cheeks made rosy by the brisk breeze. The unassuming way she assessed the guests was endearing, but she knew she was beautiful.

I strolled toward her. “Good timing. We’re about to launch.”

“I’m not staying.”

“Well, that’s disappointing.” I smiled anyway.

The yacht suddenly rocked beneath us and she slammed into me, clinging to my chest as she regained her balance. She fit too well against me, and I let her rest there for a moment.

Wrapping my hands around her waist, I eased her back. “Steady, Mrs. Wren.”

She blushed wildly as she stepped back. “Sorry.”

“You’re forgiven.” I fought the temptation to steal a kiss and draw the truth from her.

“It’s Miss, now. Wren’s my maiden name.”

I raised my sunglasses, wanting her to see the steeliness in my gaze and heed the warning. I wasn’t about to fall for her ruse.

“Tell them not to leave yet.” She sounded breathless.

“I’m the one taking us out.”

“Oh, okay.” She looked around, her expression uncomfortable.

I detected that maddening scent of hers, the same one that’d had me thinking about her since she’d left my property. Something else lingered too; I tried to place the flowers.

She glanced up at me. “Do you have a few minutes?”

“Sure.” I glanced toward the marina. “That was your ex?”

“Unfortunately.” Regret flashed across Raquel’s face.

The same man in the happy photos she’d once posted on Facebook, but something—or someone—had caused their relationship to come to an abrupt end. I had to assume that “someone” was the woman with him on the dock. Embry’s face was familiar and I tried to recall where I’d seen her before.

“It was nice of you to invite me.”

I took her arm and led her toward the balustrade. “Are you here to say yes?”

“To what?”

“The job offer.”

“You haven’t even seen my résumé,” she said. “Sure you don’t want to take a look at it first?”