Page 35 of Possess Me

Then Vissarian had made it clear that for the moment I belonged to him. Maybe that’s the reason I’d allowed myselfto indulge in playing a dangerous and very sensual game. He’d acted out of jealousy.

And he didn’t even know me.

“Yes, sir. Mr. Hoffman, the hotel’s owner. He wanted me to convey his apologies.”

Vissarian drummed his fingers on the table while scanning the bar. He was clearly pissed but said nothing as Hendrik opened the bottle. “I know who he is.”

Way more aggressive.

“Is there something else you would prefer? I’m certain Mr. Hoffman wouldn’t mind if I exchanged it for something else,” Hendrik continued as if concerned that Vissarian thought he’d need to pay for the very expensive bubbly.

“Thank you, Hendrik. If the lady accepts, then that’s all that matters.” Vissarian remained unhappy, enough so there was clear venom in his eyes. He allowed me to make the decision and I hesitated, scanning the deck for any sign of the German.

Meanwhile, the electricity between Vissarian and me was becoming explosive. “This is fine, Hendrik. Please tell Mr. Hoffman I accept his apology.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Hendrik backed away quietly, but I could tell he remained unnerved.

“You don’t seem pleased we were presented with a four-hundred-dollar bottle of champagne. Would you prefer Hoffman grovel?” he asked.

“Perhaps. He was very… pushy.”

Vissarian took a deep breath.

“It’s obvious you don’t like the man very much. Why consider doing business with him?”

He finally glanced at me, rubbing his jaw as if buying time to try to determine how to answer. “Expansion into other markets. However, have you ever loathed someone when having just met them?”

I laughed more bitterly than I should have. “You have no idea. You can tell almost everything you need to know by first impressions.”

“Why do I have a feeling I just walked into that one?”

“You’re an easy mark,” I laughed and touched my face. He noticed. The bruising had mostly disappeared, although there was still some yellowing in certain light. The horror of what had occurred, the realization I was nothing but a possession to my stepbrother would remain. Another reason not to allow Vissarian to enter my life in any way but as an employer.

“What’s wrong?” His snarl caught me off guard.

“Nothing. Just memories.” When he cupped my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes, there was a level of concern I hadn’t seen in a very long time.

“If someone hurt you, tell me. I will take care of the situation.”

Wow. He was also a practicing he-man.

As insane as it seemed, at that moment I wanted nothing more than to have a protector. That wasn’t possible. I gently pulled his hand away. “I’m fine. I was only thinking about the number of jerks I’ve met as a pilot. Some men don’t know how to take no for an answer.”

His eyes remained mere slits. “I will not deny some men use power as a weapon. I’ve done so many times myself, but never with a woman. You are precious and to be cared for, not controlled.”

“Don’t worry. I can take care of myself. My father taught me the importance of doing so.” Or that’s what I’d always envisioned he would do. My father had seemed larger than life to me. What was strange as well as disturbing was that Vissarian gave off the same impression.

“Then he is an honorable man. Just remember there is nothing wrong with asking for help. I’m equipped to handle assholes much better than you are.”

His smile returned, but even so, he remained angry.

“Whatever the reason you’re angry with Mr. Hoffman, you can resolve your differences or toss him aside. Life is too short to go through being forced to deal with someone who makes your life miserable.”

“Something I ordinarily live by but thank you. I needed the reminder.”

We fell into a sweet moment, which was a welcome surprise. However, knowing that Vissarian was Bratva combined with the constant concern I had about Antonio and the Bruni Crime Syndicate meant I couldn’t let my guard down.

Maybe that wasn’t possible any longer.