Page 120 of Dark Lover

“Don’t ever mistake my intentions. He won’t die, Sam. He will suffer.”

She looked down at Ian, who was watching her, fighting the drug to keep his eyes open. “I am not walking away. I am coming back to you.”

His gaze suddenly locked with hers.

“It’s true,” she heard herself say. “How I feel. It’s all true.”

And in spite of the drugs, his eyes widened.

As Sam was escorted out, she heard Carlisle laughing at them.

She was sick. And she was scared of what he’d do to Ian now.

SAM STARED at the imposing front gates barring the drive leading up to Ian’s Loch Awe mansion. From this perspective, the stone manor seemed to float upon the purple lake, although it was set back from the loch’s shores. Sam didn’t move. A few stars were beginning to emerge in the dusky sky. Gerard reached for the passenger door. He was seated beside her. “I’ll use the code, Ms. Rose.”

She nodded, not even glancing at him. Instead, she thought about the time she’d showed up there last year in her sexy red dress, hoping to bargain with Ian—the second time they’d ever met.

The memory hurt so much.

She’d been amused when she’d realized he had a butler. “I did not realize his lordship was expecting other guests,” Gerard intoned, clearly disapproving of her.

“He’s not…I opened the gates with my superpowers.”

Gerard had instantly disliked her. She’d gone inside without being announced, only to find Ian there, waiting for her, hotter and more gorgeous—and more arrogant—than any single man had the right to ever be.

“I expected more of a hunt.”

“In your dreams.”

He’d been sensual and suggestive from the start, eating her up with his eyes, ignoring his date and his other guests. “Welcome to my lair.” He’d handed her a flute of champagne.

“Your father was the wolf.”

“Like father, like son.”

The tension between them had been instant and unbearable. He’d led her into an adjacent salon, so they could have a private discussion. Sam had intended to play him. He’d played her, instead.

“I’m not asking for a favor, Maclean.”

He’dlaughed. “Of course not…ye think I’m Santa Claus.”

Gerard slid back into the car as the front gates opened. Sam glanced grimly at him and put the rental car in Drive. Her heart thundered now.

“Take off the dress. I want to see the goods.”

He hadn’t even given her the chance to make a deal. “You are an unbelievable bastard.”

He laughed. “I’ve heard it a thousand times. What’s wrong? Are ye afraid of the bright lights?”

Sam lifted her spaghetti straps and slid the dress down her otherwise naked body. His smile vanished. “Take a good long look—because it’s your last one.”

His thick lashes lifted. His stare was gray and sizzling. “’Tis only my first one, Samantha…”

Sam stopped the car in front of the huge country house. She made no move to get out of the car, even though she was racing the clock now.

He’d left her standing there naked, the doors open, and he’d walked out on her.

She hadn’t thought she’d ever forgive him, but damn it, she sure had.