Page 42 of The Lieutenant

What was she so afraid of?

Being sucked into damning activities or caring about a bad boy? I knew my personality well enough to realize I would continue pushing her to the breaking point.

I took my time heading down the hall, pushing the partially open door wide with a single finger. When I walked in, I was reminded of how much I adored the city. The hotel was well known for its Greek culture and tantalizing views, its rooms recently renovated, but done so in a way to reflect the age of the building. She’d chosen a suite on the top floor. At least I knew she wasn’t a starving artist.

In checking her website, I’d seen an agent listed. She was standing on the very precipice of becoming famous. Dimitrios was right. Her sudden fame and writing skills could be used for our gain. If I was a deceitful man. The question was wide open, the answer not as easy as it would have been prior to meeting her.

With anyone else, I’d drain them dry, tossing them away after their use-by date had passed. But with her… With her, everything was different.

Kara had already dropped her things and was nowhere to be seen. I headed toward the small table she’d set up as a bar, curious as to her choice of libations. Wine. Vodka. Whiskey. She’d managed to find a liquor store, purchasing interesting private labels. They were ones I’d choose, but not particularly pricy.

There was much to learn about the woman. I grabbed two glasses, selecting the whiskey. It had been a long time since I’d partaken in anything other than Italian wines and vodka.

“Please,” she said sarcastically. “Do help yourself.”

I said nothing as I poured the glasses, not bothering to check for ice. Who needed such delicious liquor watered down? As I turned, I was surprised and charmed she’d grabbed a robe, hopefully peeling away her wet suit. My mind shot straight to all the filthy things I’d thought of doing before and even more.

She seemed to sense I’d already visually removed the garment, huffing as she took long strides forward. When she yanked the glass from my hand, I purposely forced our fingers to touch.

The look she gave me could drive my body ten feet under concrete. I adored this woman even more. Feisty. Seductive. Argumentative.

That’s why I had to tame her. Breaking her completely would be a sin.

Without turning her back on me, she moved away, finally heading to the window overlooking the city. “I think we need to get a few things straight.”

“Absolutely. I’m all for it.” I sipped my drink, keeping my distance, eager to see how she handled pushing me away.

“I very much enjoyed you allowing me to be a part of your personal space. Your candid honesty will add significant depth to my article. However, I don’t think we need to continue handling the interview that way. In your office or another corporate location will be just fine. I’m ready to learn the innerworkings of your organization. How and why. Issues. Enemies. Successes.”

“I thought you wanted the piece more up close and personal.”

She shifted her gaze to the window, the reflection allowing her to catch a glimpse of me. “I think it’s best for both of us to keep our relationship at arm’s length. Don’t you?”

I watched her intently as she lifted her glass, licking the rim. My cock twitched, pushing hard against my trunks. I waited until she’d taken a sip before answering.

“The answer is easy, Kara. No, I do not. As a matter of fact, I don’t think you are being honest with yourself.”

“Why? Because you think you’re a magnificent catch and this doe-eyed American girl is going to fall hard for you? Let’s see,” she stated with defiance as she tapped a finger against her lips. “I know. You’re going to use me to get what you want.”

“What I want?”

“Yes, deliciously amazing publicity. Did I read somewhere a local rag said some pretty nasty things about you and your family?”

The woman had done her homework. I was even more impressed. “Yes. His discrepancies were handled.”

“Oh, let me guess. You’re the type to say even bad publicity is good publicity. Right? But I have a feeling you want more.” She spun around to face me.

I stepped closer. “Absolutely. I want many things and I’ve achieved most.”

“Yet you won’t mind my article adding to your coffers. You do enjoy all the perks money can buy.”

“Is this what you really want, pushing me away?” I walked even closer, keeping my eyes locked onto hers.

She held her head up in defiance, but I sensed her resolve crumbling. “Creating boundaries is necessary. I can’t do this.”

“You can’t do what,gatáki? Enjoy something for yourself? Trust that you can walk away from what we’ve started?” I was only inches away, the intensity of my needs increasing.

“I can trust myself. You’re the one I question.”

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