Page 26 of Possess Me

The cottage was quaint, a little smaller than mine and after I knocked on the door, I turned and studied the area. The small hotel was also owned by the Hoffman Group, a landing spot for when members came into town. I hadn’t asked if any were staying here because I just didn’t care.

A few seconds later, I tried knocking again.

Interesting.

Either she had no intention of coming to the door given another wave of embarrassment or she’d decided to venture out. With no access to the rental car, either she’d caught a cab or would be required to remain close to the hotel.

I strolled through the lobby, scanning the perimeter before heading to the outdoor bar that was attached to the pool.

The setting was exquisite, the view of the ocean water somehow even more spectacular than what I had in my cottage.

Our resorts were certainly filled with fabulous amenities, but what we hadn’t considered was a true waterfront concept with every room creating a tropical atmosphere.

Much like Jimmy Buffett had done with the Margaritaville hotels. The early sketches provided by the Hoffman Group suggested something similar.

I’d keep that in the back of my mind.

Even if nothing about the meeting tomorrow excited me. I simply didn’t trust the men. There was no overt reason why other than my instinct told me they were a front for more power than they’d wanted anyone to believe. There were rumors of various European officials disappearing, but up to this point, no dots had been connected since the people vanishing had been from several different countries.

One news article had caught my eye and I’d investigated further. The fact the group had sought out our expertise didn’t allow me to offer them any concessions.

It would be very interesting to hear what they had to say. At minimum, perhaps we could learn if the Russians in Moscow were planning a sudden visit to America. I snickered from the thought.

Once outside in the waning sun, I swept the oversized patio, finding her sitting at a table for two, peering out at the water.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t alone and instantly I bristled.

The picture of the man hadn’t presented him as menacing as he appeared now. Or maybe my instant dislike was for an entirely different reason.

Ludolf Hoffman.

I’d wondered if he’d make his presence known prior to the meeting. The invitation I’d received had included accommodations, and I’d point blankly told the girl who’d contacted me I’d need two suites, including one for my pilot.

She’d obliged without question.

Now I wished to fuck I’d booked a room elsewhere. I would say I didn’t like to mix business with pleasure, but that would make me a hypocrite given my thoughts regarding Fallon.

Why the man was hitting on her was easy to answer.

She was the most beautiful woman I’d seen so far on the island. Perhaps in any city or country. However, if I had to guess, and I was always right, his interest was more about learning as much information about me and the Dmitriyev regime than longing to spend time with a gorgeous woman. What he had no clue about was whether Fallon and I were more personally connected.

I raked my hands through my short hair, almost wishing I’d gotten a haircut. If I could grasp strands with my fingers, it was too long for me.

Chuckling, I kept her in my line of sight as I headed her way. She was sitting facing the opposite direction, unable to see my approach, yet the moment I drew close, her shoulders stiffened, obviously feeling the same jolt of electricity as I was. She turned her head slightly, allowing me to see her from the side.

I’d be damned. Ludolf Hoffman hadn’t wasted any time. While I realized he owned the small boutique hotel, I didn’t care for the way she was reacting to his salutations.

In fact, a hint of jealousy rolled through me. Imagine that.

Ludolf hadn’t seen my approach and I could tell by her eyes she was annoyed at his interference.

The man’s voice was low, but I could tell by his body language he was insisting she have a drink with him.

Or something more carnal.

At that moment, possessiveness kicked in. While I knew she wouldn’t be thrilled at my thoughts, she didn’t want his advances either.

Just as I started to close the distance, she turned her head once again. If she thought she was going to ignore me or the situation, she had another think coming. I removed my sunglasses, shoving one of the earpieces into my shirt.