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“Thirty minutes, Commander Bates. My offices.”
Paxton ended the call, ignoring the big eyes Knox made at her when her cell phone started ringing seconds later. She stared at Jared’s name for long moments and then rejected the call before stuffing the phone in her small clutch bag. She shrugged at Knox’s questioning look.
“I know he’s looking out for our safety but it’s time the mighty commander realizes I’m not going to jump at his every beck and call.”
Chapter Seven
The world slowed to a crawl as Paxton walked into her office to the sight of Jared standing in front of the bay window. His hands were clasped behind his back as he stared out across the waterfront.
She knew he must’ve heard the clicks of her heels hitting the wood floor as she entered and yet, he didn’t move or acknowledge her arrival. She squared her shoulders as she walked around the massive table. It was disconcerting that he had the ability to upset her equilibrium by just his presence alone. If the stoic countenance of a back turned to her meant anything, it was that he was displeased with her treatment of him.
She smirked. She was sassy by nature. It was the one thing that Rex had loved about her. As a submissive, it managed to get her into trouble more times than she cared to remember. It had always landed her the most delightful punishments that made her soar as much as it confirmed her need to be dominated.
Jared Bates was used to being in command. It was obvious her rebellious behavior earlier had sparked his anger. She secretly hoped it might speed up his imminent domination over her— something his confident posture made her crave with every fiber in her being.
She squared her shoulders.
Business first, Paxton. Concentrate on what’s important... then later... who knows...
"I didn’t expect you to get here this quickly. Thank you for coming.”
Jared pivoted. The clash of their eyes felt like battle lines being drawn. Paxton suppressed the excitement surging through her. The dark flash in his gaze warned her that he wouldn’t bow to her manipulation. She waved him to one of the visitor chairs. He just watched her silently.
“Very well.” She cleared her throat as she settled back in the chair. “I asked you here to discuss the case we’re working on.”
“Proceed.”
“Our client is Hannah Conti, the wife of the actor Bastian Conti.” She briefly summarized the job.
“Which directly contravened my request that you remain at the safehouse instead of exposing yourself at a party.”
His gaze travelled over the black, strappy dress to settle on the rounded symmetry of her breasts. The way she was dressed did little to disabuse him of the truth of who she really was— a once, very capable, badass army ranger.
“I don’t like the black hair.”
“Oh! I forgot to remove the wig,” she mumbled, pulling it off to reveal ropey tufts of her auburn mane.
“At least you used a proper disguise.”
Paxton shifted under his direct stare. “We’re not idiots, Jared. We always protect our true identities during a case.”
“Am I to assume that you believe there’s more to this case than you originally had thought?”
“Maybe. I have reason to believe it could involve connections with politics and financial corporations. We thought it would be an easy surveillance and intel gathering job but since there were people at the party that could potentially be involved, I decided to be cautious; in case it's people that might be part of your investigation."
“I assume you have names?” His one eyebrow crawled higher.
“Jack Paul.”
“I know who he is but he’s not a person of interest in our case. Who else?” He parked the name for further investigation later.
“Thomas Serra?”
“Hmm.” The cryptic response confirmed that the politician was someone they were investigating. “He was at the party?”
“Yes, the two of them and Thea Sutro seemed to know one another well, although it was obvious that Serra and Mrs. Sutro didn’t like Paul’s business principles.”
“And that’s it?”
