Page 80 of Dealing Dirty
Armani cologne sweeps across the room, bringing Jackie front and center in two short strides.
“Juliana.” My name is a plea to raise my gaze to his.
Reluctantly, I oblige.
“What I told you is true. I want to be free of Bruce, but there are too many people involved in his antics. It’s politics. One wrong move could get me killed.” He drops his voice low. “When those two idiots told me they’d brought you with the girl, I lost it. Ethan was reckless, and his infatuation with you marked him for a well-deserved death.”
I swallow thickly.
“Bruce was not happy.”
The enormity of what was done to Ethan weighs on me like a ton of bricks. If Diablo can kill a man with less than a thought, what more could he be capable of?
“I’m not revealing any more weaknesses. Bruce has only ever known me as a womanizer, and that’s what I’ll continue to be. Especially if it helps me keep you safe.”
Such tender words.
“I need a partner in this, Juliana. Can I count on you?”
Gnawing on the inside of my lip, I think on what he’s asking of me. How long am I expected to play prisoner? “I’ll help you tonight, but after that, it’s nothing but teeth and claws until I’m free.”
There’s a single breath between us as his pupils gradually pool with desire. The aftershave patted over his cleanly shaven face makes me dizzy, and his lips part just slightly, extending a silent invitation.
Those old womanizing habits die hard, it would seem.
“Jackie.” I press a palm flat against his chest. “I appreciate you helping me, but…”
His face softens as he runs a finger beneath my jaw, tickling the sensitive skin. “A better man has possessed that fierce heart of yours.”
The organ in question beats wildly. “I think I love him, Jackie.”
My admission flat-out amazes me.
I’m in love.
I’ve railed against the idea of giving him that final piece of me for far too long. Here and now, I make a promise. No matter what it takes, I will escape this hellish nightmare I’ve been thrown into, and Iwilltell Derrick that I love him.
We deserve a happy ending, dammit.
He adjusts his cuffs before stalking closer to the exit.
Extending a hand, he says, “He doesn’t deserve you.”
The twitch of his lips softens me toward him.
I stroll across the space, head held high as I accept the hand presented to me.
“I am a catch, aren’t I?” The shimmy in my hips rustles my gown.
His head tips back with a laugh. “That you are, sweetness.”
A young server pops his head in through the crack of the double doors. “Sir, are you ready?”
Jackie nods, but my hand shoots out to stop the doors from fully opening.
“Wait.”
My date for the evening turns a curious eye. I don’t suppose many of the women he brings here have had the gall to direct his staff.
