Page 85 of Beguiled

“Yes, I do. You’re far too intelligent and cunning. Plus, you’re going completely legitimate. That’s what I can concentrate on while being your black widow.”

When he started to back away, I did the unthinkable.

I gripped his hand.

“Don’t. I also know about your dirty little secrets.” Oh, God. What was I doing?

Now he smiled. Far too wide, his expression one of ire. “Are you threatening me?”

“No, I’m… just reminding you that if you’re worried I’m not who I say I am, I could have already contacted the authorities.”

I’d be damned if he didn’t crowd my space more, leaving his lips dangerously close enough to kiss. He was doing so on purpose, pushing me in a way where he believed I would break.

The man had another think coming.

“Very good point. I guess that means I should keep you on a short leash. Very short. Or perhaps in handcuffs.” His voice dipped even lower. “Pink. Fuzzy. Handcuffs.”

CHAPTER 19

Saige

Oh, the man was so infuriating. He really thought he could get the better of me.

Who did this guy think he was?

How could I forget? Superman.

Only the cape’s red hue was from an entirely different reason.

Blood.

His hands were stained with blood.

If so, why was I bargaining my way into his life? Did I honestly believe I could guide him and his entire family into being more mainstream, or did I simply have a more corrupt streak in me that I wasn’t aware of earlier?

I’d say the latter because a rush of excitement was building alongside a kick of adrenaline.

However, they’d need to jump past the utter embarrassment. The bright color washing over my face was exactly what he was going for. Did he really believe he could use the scandalous information against me? Even if he tried, it wouldn’t matter. The shame had already drifted permanently into excitement. “I would understand your need to do so.”

With the slight flash in his eyes, I could tell I’d surprised him once again.

Neither one of us moved. While everyone who knew me would ask why the hell I was willing to toss my livelihood, my freedom, and potentially my life away, there was only one decent answer.

Power.

And he exuded extraordinary power all wrapped in Tom Ford and Gucci.

“Very well, Ms. Mitchell. I’ll allow you the opportunity to present your full report and your ideas about how we can flush out the person who is trying to destroy the Chertov regime. But for my generosity, you will agree to my terms, my rules, and my requirements and they are entirely different.”

“I can do that.”

“Which will include being disciplined should you fail to follow those obligations.”

My mouth was suddenly dry. “Yes, sir.” That’s what he wanted. Full obedience.

“Good girl. An excellent start.” Was it possible his lips could be any closer to mine? No. They were so close all I’d need to do was to stick my tongue past my lips to taste him.

I refrained because I sensed that’s what he wanted. Was this nothing more than another test?