Page 19 of Vienna Bliss

“You need to make him believe it. A lover’s quarrel that caused an alarm to go off—”

“Would not need the CEO of RTW security to show up.”

“I’m aware Zakaria was there.”

Alexander narrowed his eyes. “How is it that you are a member of the Orchid Club?”

Rolf stiffened. “You’re questioning me?”

“The monthly dues are half of what you make in a year,” Alexander said coldly.

Alena should have known he would have already had someone look into Rolf. He could have easily done it while she was showering last night.

Rolf didn’t look embarrassed or ashamed. He was every inch the confident alpha male, sure of his place in the world, even when facing another alpha male with greater resources.

“How do you think the Orchid Club is able to operate without any fear of interference by the authorities?”

Alena couldn’t help it, she laughed. “You’re their dirty cop? Feeding them information and protecting them?”

Rolf’s gaze snapped to her and he opened his mouth.

Good. Let’s fight again.

She needed the emotional outlet.

“I will not pretend to be in a relationship with her.”

Alexander’s words were cold, a slap in the face. Alena felt the blood rush from her face. She sat back, turning to look out the window and praying she wouldn’t cry.

Out by the lake, Alexander had made it clear he didn’t trust her to know her own feelings.

It hadn’t occurred to her that he actually felt nothing for her.

Perhaps the intimacy between them, based first on her lie, then on his rage, had ceased to exist, at least for him, once he understood her motivations.

But last night…this morning. The way he’d held her. Surely that had to mean something.

Or maybe he was right, and it was all a result of her having been completely under his control, even if it was only for a few days.

“Mr. Wagner, we are not in a position to move forward with the operation. If Absolon alerts those he is working with, we will lose the chance to dismantle the network. All Interpol would be able to do is arrest him and a few others for theft and transportation of stolen goods.”

Alexander was quiet for a moment. “Wagner Global will support your efforts to apprehend all parties…within reason.”

Within reason.

Meaning even pretending to be in a relationship with her was unreasonable.

She hated feeling like this. Loathed it to the point that her muscles trembled with the need to get up and walk out of the room. She knew what it was to be unwanted—her biological father hadn’t wanted her, and that had left some deep scars on her psyche. Knowing they were there didn’t stop it from hurting if that particular wound was poked at so much that it started to bleed anew.

“If you have suggestions, please let me know.” Rolf spread his hands. “If you’d like, we can arrest Ms. Moreau on charges of burglary, though we would prefer those charges be in no way related to either art and antiques or information theft, as either might cause Absolon to alert the people he is working with.”

“Excuse me?” Alena demanded. “You will not arrest me.”

“We will if that’s what it takes.”

“Interpol guaranteed me protection—”

“Within certain limits.” Rolf looked almost pleased.