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She inhaled sharply. ‘What business is it of yours?’
‘A sexual relationship has the potential to disrupt the dynamics of the dance company, so that makes it very much my business. Answer the question, Miss Woods.’
‘Or what?’
‘Or I’ll get the answers I seek from Maxwell.’
‘Michael.’
r /> He waited, noting that knot of irritation, far from dissipating, was tightening.
‘No, I’m not sleeping with him. He’s just a friend.’
His teeth ground together for a bare moment. ‘And you allow all your friends to touch you like that? Or merely those who believe themselves to be potential lovers?’
Her eyebrows pleated. ‘I’m not sure exactly what you’re implying and frankly this whole conversation is pointless and absurd. Who I let touch me and when really is none of your business. If you’re truly worried about your company’s dynamics, let me assure you that when it’s required of me I’ll show up and deliver one hundred per cent.’
‘That’s commendable, but a relationship involves two people. Should you choose to get involved with another member of the company, how would you propose to prevent an adverse fallout when the relationship ends? Dancers aren’t exactly known for their level-headed temperament, are they?’
‘What do you want? For me to tell you I have no intention of taking a lover who’s a dancer or involved in my profession on some level for the foreseeable future?’
Xandro stared at her for a moment until, burning with the need to demand just that from her, he found himself shrugging.
Her mouth dropped open for a moment before she collected herself. ‘Are you actually serious?’
‘If you’re picked to be part of the company, it will be a sacrifice you’ll have to consider making.’ Perhaps he needed to instruct Melissa to add that clause to the contract.
She shook her head. ‘I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with you. I’m not even a member of Hunter’s yet. And we both know that if you get your way I won’t be, so what do you care one way or the other who I get involved with?’
‘You’re wrong. The selection process isn’t up to me. Melissa has total control over who makes the final cut. Your fate is entirely in her hands.’
Heavy scepticism blazed in her eyes. ‘Oh, come on. You acquired a majority stake in the dance company just to sit back and take the hands-off approach? When, according to you, you believe in complete autonomy when it comes to your companies. I believe your exact words when you were interviewed were, “I prefer complete control. I don’t like to share.”’
He was unprepared for the very male gratification that lanced him at the thought that she’d taken enough of an interest in him to do some research.
Her self-conscious flush at his raised eyebrow almost amused him. Except her words were having a less bemused and more carnal effect on him. ‘You’ve been checking up on me?’ he asked.
Her colour deepened. ‘I was doing my homework on the off-chance you wouldn’t heed my request to leave me alone.’
‘Good for you. Well, now you know my stance when it comes to the things I consider mine. And, to answer your question, my success comes from knowing when to allow those with requisite experience to take control. Whether you’re successful this time or not, the company will give me the returns I want. It’s nothing personal.’
‘Now it’s my turn to call bull, Mr Christofides.’
‘You misunderstand. Until you cooperate with me to find your brother, my interest in you will continue to be personal. And I intend to use every tool at my disposal to achieve that aim.’
He caught the tiny shiver that raked her body at his words. Her gaze searched his for a long moment before she stepped back. ‘So what you’re saying is that you’re coming after me whether I become a member of the Hunter Dance Company or not?’
He allowed himself a small smile. ‘Precisely. You can see, therefore, why telling me what I want to know saves us both a huge amount of time and effort.’ He paused when he noticed that she was rubbing her wrist. ‘What’s wrong? Are you in pain?’
She stiffened and looked down, almost in surprise. Quickly, she stopped the left hand she’d been using to massage her wrist. ‘There’s nothing wrong. Absolutely nothing.’
The firm denial only prompted him to believe the opposite. Before Xandro could question her further she was speaking again.
‘Are we done here? Can I go now?’
‘Where is your brother, Miss Woods?’
Her fingers tightened around the bottle until her knuckles showed white. When her chin lifted and her gaze met his again, he knew what was coming. ‘For the last time, I don’t know where he is. I’ve tried to contact him but he hasn’t returned any of my calls. His message box is full. Or his phone’s disconnected.’
