Page 9 of Vienna Bliss

“A minute to do what?”

To stop being such a heartbroken idiot.

Of course he hadn’t forgiven her for all the lies. The intimacy of yesterday and last night must have, at least on his part, burned away with the dawn.

“How were you planning to verify my information?” Alena turned, a small smile on her face. The perfect mask for her hurt.

Alexander’s lips twitched in a frown, and he rose to his feet.

“Couldn’t handle having your head lower than mine, your highness?”

His jaw muscle clenched. Good. She’d prefer him pissed to stoic.

“And please do answer my other question. What makes you think you’d be able to verify anything I say? You think Rolf will tell you?” Alena tsked. “Suga’, I work with people several levels above his pay grade.”

“Do not underestimate me.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t underestimate me.”

Alexander got into her personal space. She held her ground, at least until he bumped into her, forcing her to take a step back or risk tipping over.

Another bump, another step back. The third time, her back hit the tree trunk.

He had her practically pinned against the hard tree, which made him the rock. A little thrill of anticipation and fear lanced through her. She tipped her head back, felt the bark dig into her scalp.

“Schoolyard bully tactics should be beneath you, Mr. Wagner.”

He braced his hands on either side of her head. “Pushing me is a bad idea, Ms. Moreau.”

Their gazes met, held, and Alena wasn’t sure if she wanted to kiss him or slap him.

There was a third option, and that was the one she took. She released the anger she’d pulled up like a shield, closed her eyes, and leaned her head forward. Her forehead rested on his shoulder and she sighed.

Alexander was tense for only a moment, then his posture softened and he pulled her away from the tree and against his chest, wrapping his arms around her as he did.

“What are we doing?” she asked softly.

“I don’t know.”

“What changed, between the bedroom and here?” She adjusted, fitting her body against his more comfortably.

“I reminded myself that I shouldn’t trust you.”

“You shouldn’t,” she agreed softly. “But I wish you would.”

Alexander tentatively stroked her hair. “Then you’ll have to give me a reason to.”

“I trusted you with my body.”

“And I abused you. So why would you trust me again, and in turn, I mean then as a result, I probably shouldn’t…” He trailed off, his chest expanding under her cheek as he took a deep breath.

“I know what you meant,” Alena slid out from between him and the tree. “But I do trust you, Alexander, even if my ass is black and blue.” She glanced at him. “That was a joke. It’s more maroon and purple.”

He winced. “I was too hard on you.”

“Maybe, but I needed it.”

“I don’t often allow myself…”