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“Nice office. I thought I would surprise you with dinner.” He placed the box down onto the desk.
She watched him, absorbing the scent of his cologne, the way his dark Dockers hugged his ass and his thighs, and the way his tight black collared, cotton shirt stretched across bulging muscles. In an instant appreciation, desire, and attraction sparked something within her. Then came the eerie thoughts of only moments ago.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
He was right in front of her, placing one hand on her hip and the other against her cheek. She felt the emotion flood even her eyes.
She smiled softly.
“Thanks for surprising me.” She hugged him tight as she willed the tears to remain away. She wouldn’t break down in front of him and scare Seno off. She felt so very safe in his arms, and that was what she need right now. Safety.
* * * *
Seno knew something was up. His mind was reeling with numerous questions and concerns. He knew that she had a meeting with some dick who was part of Justice and Vin’s investigation. Justice wa
s pissed off after seeing her with the guy, in his penthouse having a lunch meeting with wine and a romantic atmosphere. He also said that this guy touched her, placed his arm around her in a possessive way, but that Ellie nudged him off. His brother was concerned. He had trust issues just like the rest of them.
Seno caressed her back as he held Ellie in his arms. When she pulled back, she tried to sidestep out of his hold, but he wouldn’t let her. Looking down into her green eyes, he held her gaze and saw they were red and watery. She had been crying. Who made her cry?
“Okay, let’s sit down, have a nice dinner, and talk about what has you so upset.”
He let his hand slide down her arm to her hand, squeezing it, he led her toward the desk.
He looked around the room and saw a small table with two chairs.
“We can eat over there. I hope you like what I brought. I know you enjoy your salads, so I ordered grilled chicken over a bed of mixed lettuce with walnut-and-raspberry vinaigrette on the side.”
“This is so nice. Thank you,” she whispered, taking a seat on the chair as he unwrapped the salads and breadsticks.
She picked up the fork and stared at the salad.
“Something wrong?” he asked her.
“I’m sorry, Seno. I guess I’m not hungry.” She stood up and walked over to the desk. He followed her.
“Still full from lunch?” he asked, and her eyes widened. She started to say something and then stopped herself. He raised his eyebrow at her.
“It wasn’t what it looked like. It was a business meeting that flowed over into lunch.”
“With wine and a romantic atmosphere?” He moved closer, placing his hands on his hips as he absorbed her expression, her body language, and mostly her eyes. He was a criminal analyst, with a knack for seeing things other people didn’t see. Ellie was on edge, nervous, upset, and she also felt guilty. Why?
“It wasn’t like that.”
“You mentioned that already. What was it then? Why do you sound guilty?”
“Guilty? I’m not guilty of anything. Is that what Justice thinks? Does he think I’m intimately involved with Renaldo?”
“He’s concerned to say the least. This guy Renaldo and his partner Luke are somehow connected to two murders. So yes, I’d say that Justice is trying to figure out if there is anything romantic going on with you and these men.”
“No. No there is absolutely nothing romantic going on between us. They’re clients and nothing more.”
“Do they know that?”
“I’ve thought I made my point.”
“Then what has you so upset? I can see the fear and the sadness in your eyes, Ellie. Talk to me.”
She shook her head. Her cell phone rang.
