“I had my man lock the store. I’ll have another keep watch to ensure you aren’t burglarized.”
Just then I thought about her missing phone. It would need to be found.
She snorted, the sound shooting through me like a bottle rocket. “Your man. Do you have men to do everything for you?”
I forced myself to remain emotionless, even though a part of me wanted to drag her over my lap and give her a very long and very harsh spanking. I had no doubt that would come later. She’d never learn to play by my rules. As soon as I turned toward her, I was rewarded with a flash of heat and need tickling her soft skin.
“I’m going to offer you a onetime deal, Josette.”
She shifted in her seat, leaning forward as if I’d piqued her interest. Somehow, I knew that wasn’t the case. The woman was too smart for tricks.
“Don’t you mean you’re increasing your list of demands of me?”
As soon as I crouched down in front of her, she tensed, but as expected, she refused to back down. I leaned in even closer, inhaling the last of her lingering perfume. With the rise and fallof her chest, I sensed she was also aroused but certainly wouldn’t admit it.
At least not yet.
“A business arrangement.”
She licked her lips, keeping them parted. Lurid thoughts tumbled through my mind. “Okay. I’m listening.”
“Even if your business was successful, which we both know it isn’t, it won’t be open much longer.”
Her eyes slowly opened wide. “How do you know that? You’ve been checking on me.”
“Yes, I assure you I am having your life dissected, but that’s not how I know about the financial strain you’re in. It’s because my family’s corporation put in a bid to purchase the strip mall where your coffee shop is located and every out parcel in a two-block radius.”
Her reaction was slow in coming, her temper simmering as if a kettle with very little water. Once fully heated, it would explode. Yet her smile was as cunning as the woman.
“Tossing me out. You bastard. It was a rent to own situation.” She even lifted her hand and I was certain she had plans on using it.
“Tsk. Tsk.” I snatched her hand, squeezing her fingers. Her skin was so soft. Even though she stiffened, I rubbed my thumb across her palm, fighting the strong urges trying to breach the surface. “We were the first purchaser, but there’s another party determined to break our verbal contract. The timing is oh so very interesting.”
“Please don’t tell me you think I’m involved with trying to, what… extort you out of money?”
“No, nothing like that. However, there’s something about your presence there that created a red flag. Until I find out what that is and can know for certain that you have no ill intent in mind, you will my guest.”
“You mean your prisoner.”
“That’s entirely up to you.”
The tension between us was as sweet as it was palpable.
Finally, she twisted her mouth, her eyes glassing over. “What is this deal you’re proposing?”
“Very simple and I think quite profitable for you. I’ll protect you from the organization who will use whatever necessary to prevent you from identifying the assailant with all the force necessary. You’ll provide me with direct and clear answers to every question I ask.”
“Is that all?” she spit out.
“Not yet. When the situation has been handled, you will be able to resume your life. In addition, the money you deposited in good faith as a lease purchase will be returned to you no matter how the deal is brokered.” When she became clearly uncomfortable, I brought her hand to my mouth, pressing my lips where my fingers had been. She blinked several times, taking shallow breaths. “I wasn’t finished yet. Then I’m going to offer you a location in one of our other buildings in the French Quarter, a location better suited to your talents.”
“I can’t afford that. If you think you know so much about me then you already came to that realization.”
“Not only will I match what you’re paying now for rent, but the lease to purchase will continue and you’ll be given twelve months rent free.”
“In exchange for what?”
“As I said, first, the truth.”
