Chapter 8 #3
The black trench coat was exactly what I thought he’d wear.
“I assure you there is no ploy with allowing you to borrow my coat.”
I nodded. The humidity wasn’t enough to abate the chill, the warmth just enough. I quickly tied the sash while forced to inhale his scent, which clung to the light material. Why did he have to smell so amazing, the sensual aftershave what he wore every day to work?
This time, he placed his hand on the small of my back and I wasn’t prepared for the wild wave of kinetic energy, chemistry so strong I was completely thrown.
He was possessive with the light touch, more so than any man I’d been with.
As soon as he guided us inside, I was surprised by the bartender’s acknowledgement, his face not completely familiar.
“A cabernet for the lady,” he said while walking us past the aging man.
“You know what I drink?” I asked, shocked more than fearful of his answer.
Which he didn’t provide until he’d found a table near a window. With the bar being on a corner, he had a perfect view of both streets. As he pulled out my chair, I almost snapped at him since this wasn’t a date.
He sat down and as expected, he scanned the customers, finally turning his attention to me a few seconds later.
“I know a lot about you, Saige. You do work for me. And if you must know the truth, after the first night we shared and learning of your desire for employment, my curiosity created the need to learn more about you. You don’t mind if I call you by your first name, now do you? ”
“As long as you don’t mind me calling you Stash.”
The corners of his mouth upturned. “Warranted after tonight.”
“Perhaps you’re right. What else do you know about me?”
“Let’s see,” he mused, thoroughly enjoying the conversation. “That you have a thing for butterflies and poetry. Your favorite color is red and you enjoy eighties music.”
I was floored and I had to admit, a little anxious by his answer. “How do you…”
The drinks arrived, the bartender delivering them himself. When he spoke to Stash in Russian, I was keenly aware he was doing so to keep me from understanding what was being said. Their conversation included me, the bartender staring at me with amusement.
When Stash turned to face me, I sensed he’d just given me his full attention. Just like the first night. When would I stop comparing everything to that night?
“If you’re concerned that I broke into your home, Saige, don’t be.
You have several butterflies on your desk.
On days when you think no one is paying attention, you listen to an eighties station on satellite radio and you have a poetry book that appears every once in a while, that I assume you read at lunch.
As far as the color, while you do your best to keep your attire as nondescript as possible, the only touch of color you’ve ever added to your stark wardrobe with scarves and necklaces is red.
Blood red.” He took a sip of his drink, never blinking.
“Wow. A regular detective. I might know a few things about you. Including that you trust no one.”
“Well, that is true. In my line of work, trust is rare and earned.”
“Which means you don’t trust me.” While I took a sip of my drink, my stomach was still doing flipflops.
He studied me while enjoying his drink. “While I know certain things about you, that doesn’t mean I know what makes you tick.”
“Getting ahead in this world. What else?” The wine was excellent, more soothing than I’d expected, yet I kept one hand clutched around my purse. It was my lifeline.
“That’s a very good question. Why did you come to work for me?”
“Because the company was recommended to me.”
“By?”
I thought about his question. “A friend of mine.”
“That wouldn’t happen to be the same friend who asked you to cover for her tonight. Would it?”
His prying was already getting on my nerves. “That’s none of your business. I do have many friends.”
“I’m sure you do.”
The man made me even more nervous. It was as if he was eager to pick apart my life. I purposely looked away, trying to keep my nerves in check. “If you know so much about me, why are we here?”
“Something I appreciate about you. You are highly inquisitive. This is another tactic used to ensure we haven’t been followed. I have my men scouting the streets as well.”
“What exactly is your line of work? I mean other than what I see every day? That doesn’t seem to be cause for someone to try and kill you.”
He wasn’t eager to answer, staring out the window for a few seconds. “It’s possible they wanted to kill you instead.”
“What?” I shrank back even more, my entire body shivering. Was that possible? “Who are you?”
“I think it’s best that you see me as your boss, the man who signs your paychecks. Given that the Chertov Corporation is actively seeking to obtain additional properties, your report will be vital to ensuring that our future is lucrative.”
Was the man trying to bribe me into keeping my mouth shut?
“Do you mind if I use the restroom?” I asked, anticipating he’d say no. “I think I might be sick.”
He nodded at an area right behind me. “Not at all. Just remember, right now I’m your line of protection. And I’d appreciate you remembering that. I hate to say this to you, Saige, because you’re an adult, but if you don’t keep that in mind, I’ll be forced to do something you won’t like.”
“Which is?”
The glass was brought to his lips and I watched him intently as he licked the rim before taking another gulp. Even the way he swallowed liquid was sexy. “Punishment.”
The single word held many connotations.
I wasn’t entirely certain I wanted his level of protection, but I damn well didn’t need his punishment. He might be my boss, but he wasn’t my keeper.
Or my master.
The bathroom was tiny, but provided me with space to think about what I should do.
I hadn’t been prepared for what I’d discover when providing the favor.
And what had he been insinuating with asking me about if the person was one and the same?
What kind of hidden meaning was he referring to?
The real question was did I want to know?
After using the bathroom and washing my hands, I pulled out my phone, contemplating contacting Tawny. On her date. No. I wouldn’t do that, but I would ask her several questions that she would answer. I gripped the sink, staring at my reflection. What was I supposed to do?
What could I do?
My boss had killed three men right in front of me. If I truly believed he would allow me to resume my normal life, I was a fool. No, I’d need to appease him until I could figure something out.
As I left the bathroom and started to return to the table, I lingered in the hallway and leaned against the wall. That’s when I noticed the entrance to the kitchen. Hmm… I still had all that cash and I certainly needed a little time to figure out how to handle the situation.
After darting my head into the bar and slinking back, I knew the only logical choice was to run.
So I headed for the kitchen, pressing my hand on the swinging door.