Page 65 of Degrees of Power
I look at Chase. His eyes are hooded and controlled, giving nothing away. My heart aches for the man that I love. “This is not going to end until we end it. Your father will pull together a meeting with the family in Italy, and Jay has everything in place to draw Alfreita out,” he says.
I nod. “Whatever it takes.”
“I promise you, this will be over soon, Katarina,” he says, turning away from me and towards the speakerphone.
“Carlos, I’ll be in touch and let you know when Jay has plans in place for us to travel,” he says, disconnecting the line.
“I told you that I didn’t need to know, but tell me that whatever the plan is you aren’t putting yourself at risk like the last time. It’s all I’ve been thinking about. I don’t care what happens as long as that man is out of our lives for good and he can never reach out and hurt you or our family, but I’m petrified that you’re going to do something that places you in harm’s way. I couldn’t take it if anything happened to you,” I say, trying unsuccessfully to keep my tears at bay.
“Come here,” he says, pulling me into his arms. “This is going to be over shortly and there is nothing for you to be concerned about, but it does mean that I need to be away from you for a short time,” he says, holding me close.
“You’re going to be involved, aren’t you?” I say, looking up at him, his eyes hooded and controlled but filled with emotion.
“Baby, it’s the only way. I need to be there.”
“You’re breaking my heart, Chase. I don’t want you anywhere near the man that wants to hurt you, but you’re going anyway and there’s nothing I can do about it,” I say, wiping the tears that are falling faster than I can wipe.
He pulls me close, kissing the top of my head while I cry into his chest and then lifts me into his arms carrying me to the couch, and settles me into his lap. “Katarina, I won’t be gone long and Jay will be with me. We’ll be okay. I’m coming home to you and our family, understand?” he says, lifting my chin so that I am forced to look into his eyes.
I nod, still unable to stifle my sobbing. “When are you leaving?” I ask.
“Tomorrow afternoon,” he says, pushing the hair out of my dampened eyes.
“How long are you going to be gone?” I ask, attempting to push my fear down.
“Hopefully only two days,” he replies.
“Where will you be?” I ask, wondering if it will be in Aruba or somewhere else.
“Baby, I think story time has come to an end for now. But, we should talk about your work with Torzial. You didn’t mention it?” he says.
“She just asked me a few days ago and I really haven’t done too much except field a couple contract questions and review the documents that Carlos sent over for the Larussio land. It appears as though the Prestian building and the Larussio properties will be neighbors. Did you know that when you started the build?”
“I knew your father’s plan, but I wasn’t certain if all would go as well as it did with Vicenti, but I think it’s my turn to ask questions,” he says.
“Just what questions would that be, Mr. Prestian?” I ask, smiling at the amusement in his eyes.
“Oh, I’m pretty sure taking on the Torzial work for Jenny will cause you to break a few rules, or did you forget?” he asks.
“Forget what?” I ask breathlessly, watching his eyes intently.
“Forget that when you work too many hours I will be forced to come and remind you of the time. If you’re in the library working I may come in quietly, close and lock the door behind me. You’ll be at your desk and glance up. You’ll know by the look on my face that your time is up and that you’ll be punished. As soon as you realize this, your body will begin to respond. Your breathing will change, it will become shallow and your body temperature will rise. I’ll be watching you and when I see your little intake of breath, I’ll know that you can feel yourself moistening for me, just like now,” he says, pushing a strand of hair out of my face.
“Then what will you do?” I ask, feeling myself becoming moister and moister as he talks to me.
“Sorry, Baby, I need to take it,” he says, pulling his vibrating cell phone from his pant pocket.
“Damn it, I’ll be ready,” he says, disconnecting.
“Katarina, there’s no easy way to say this. Things are escalating and I need to leave shortly. Jay’s having the helicopter take me to the private field and will have the jet waiting from there. I don’t have much time,” he says.
“Nothing I say will stop you,” I say, trying desperately to put on a brave face and suppress my feelings about the plan I know nothing about and failing miserably. The tears begin and I am helpless to stop the flood that pours down my cheeks.
“Katarina, I’m sorry. It’s the only way, Baby,” he says.
“I know, just go, Chase,” I say, as he pulls me tight against his chest and kisses me on the forehead.
“I’ll text you whenever I can, but if you don’t hear from me, it’s because the signals aren’t clear. I’ll contact you when it’s safe and will be thinking about you every minute,” he says.
