“Fine,” I push out, forcing a smile. I push back, pushing him too, and then slip from his arms, making my way into my room. He follows. “Why are you celebrating?”
“Weare celebrating.”
I stop when I see a cart parked at the end of my bed with champagne and covered dishes. “What are we celebrating?”
“You’ve joined the list of the top ten richest women in the world. I believe you are ranked number nine.”
I spin, my gasp covered by my hands as I choke on my own spit. His grin is back, making him look nearly irresistible. “Under one of those trays is your new account number.”
I look down at the trays feeling lightheaded. My plan really worked? Win has really been able to take away my father’s largest asset? “How did you…”
“Your information was excellent. How did you know his passwords?”
“Landline phones have tones. Each button slightly different. I couldn’t catch the account numbers, but the password was always the same.”
He comes close again, pulling my body into the cradle of his. “It’s not a death blow, but it’s a giant wound to his business.”
I nod, wrapping my arms around Win’s neck. I should be elated, but I feel…numb. “I can’t believe it worked.”
He squeezes me tighter. “Katarina, I want you to stay on the property for now. Wounded men are especially dangerous, and your father will want to strike back.”
My fingertips dig into his neck. “But you’re going out? Tomorrow?”
I feel him stiffen and I know I’ve sniffed out his lie. “It can’t be helped.”
I slip from his arms again and turn, pulling the bottle of champagne from its ice bucket. Dipping my head to hide my face, I pour two glasses. Finally, with my smile firmly in place, I turn back to him.
“Thank you for the help, Win.”
He takes the glass, holding it out until I raise mine and we clink glasses. “I thought you’d be happier.”
“I am happy. I just…” I take a sip of my champagne, stalling before I answer. “I honestly have no idea what my life looks like now.”
I don’t really mean the money, I mean him, but Win’s eyes widen in understanding. Like adjusting to crazy wealth is a problem he can wrap his mind around. That’s when he pulls me close again. “I can help you with that too, if you’d like.”
I settle against him, letting myself relax into his body. Then I take another long swallow of my champagne. I’m hoping it will help me get out of my own head. “You’ve got your own life to settle, if I recall.”
Shit. That wasn’t what I was supposed to say.
But he only nuzzles my cheek. “My future is already settling itself. Now tell me, what have you always seen yourself doing. Sunning in Ibiza, eating in Italy?”
I laugh then, wrinkling my nose. “I don’t know that I’m a leisure kind of girl.”
He returns my smile, his features softening. “That’s my kitten. Want to run your own company?”
I shake my head. “I’m not sure. I lack a certain ability to plan.”
His hand spreads out on my back. “Charity work?”
I cock my head considering. “I wouldn’t mind helping women who’ve been abused.”
His forehead drops to mine, his breath fanning my cheeks. He smells of his cologne, sandalwood and pine, with a dash of champagne. I breathe in, letting his scent fill my senses. “That’s a wonderful idea, kitten.”
My free hand slides up his bicep, feeling the deep ridges of his muscle under my palm. “But tonight, let’s just do as you say, and celebrate our win.”
His lips find mine, a gentle brush that makes the air rush from my lungs. How does he do that?
How does a man that strong and hard touch me with such gentleness? I tilt my chin, giving him better access to my mouth.
