AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Marco Moretti, a notorious, ruthless crook,” she said with a sassy grin, thinking he was joking around. “I know more about you than you think.”
She immediately regretted the words, then wondered if he’d just cleverly turned the tables and causedherto letherguard down.
“I’m not a crook,” he retorted, apparently not concerned about her admission. “I’m a businessman.”
“Just because the cops haven’t found the evidence to prove otherwise doesn’t mean you’re innocent.”
“Have you forgotten the basic principle of law in this country? Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Everyone includes me.”
“Is that what you are? Guilty, but not yet proven to be?”
“If anyone’s guilty around here, it’s you,” he declared, abruptly straddling her waist and pinning her wrists on either side of her head. “You’re as guilty as a burglar caught cracking a safe at midnight.”
“What have I done?”
“Being coy doesn’t suit you,” he retorted, glowering down at her and lowering his voice. “I’d never call you Coy Steph. Sly Steph, Scheming Steph, Shrew Steph, yes. Those names fit.”
“I’m none of those things,” she protested. “Why would you say that?”
“You’re not just a very bad girl, you’re a very bad liar, or perhaps you’re looking for another visit from my strap. Are you, Steph?”
“No! And I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You just admitted it.I know more about you than you think.Your words.”
“I was just kidding.”
“Stop with the bullshit! Poking your nose where it didn’t belong was a bad idea, and continuing to pretend you’re here because you’re after a photograph will only make me angrier than I am already. I repeat, stop with the bullshit. Are we clear?”
Her heart leapt.
“I asked you a question,” he said sternly, tightening his grip. “Are. We. Clear?”
“Yes, Sir,” she murmured hastily. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Lowering her eyes, she cursed herself for being so stupid. Her guess had been right. She was the one who’d let her guard down.
“I should punish you, and hard,” he growled, lowering his face closer to hers. “Did you really think I didn’t know you were after more than just pictures?”
She caught her breath.
The monster had been lurking just below the surface, and now he was out. She was afraid to look at him.
His eyes would be cold and dark again, not soft and inviting.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I thought—”
“You could outwit me,” he declared, straightening up and climbing off the bed.
“No! That’s not it,” she bleated. “Please, let me explain.”
Thinking he was standing by the bed, she waited for his response, but he didn’t answer. Daring to lift her gaze, she saw him disappearing into the bathroom. A shiver of fear pricked her skin, then a wave of emotion washed over her. She’d foolishly thought they’d made a connection. Closing her eyes, she recalled looking at him as she’d come out of her post-orgasmic bliss.
It wasn’t her imagination.
He’d been different.
She was sure of it.
