Page 40 of Beguiled

“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.