Page 19 of His to Claim

“I don’t know. Just… cautious.”

“All right. Let’s be straight with each other. I’ve heard the rumors, Vanessa. I’m certain you have as well. And yes, there are several old newspaper reports indicating that there is a certain amount of criminal activity within the company. He’s actually under indictment right now. I’ve even heard Chris is dangerous, capable of murder if necessary.”

I studied her eyes. It was obvious that she cared for Chris very much. That didn’t bode well for our friendship. “He’s under indictment?” I acted as if I hadn’t known.

Tanya leaned in. “All bullshit if you ask me. You’re a smart girl. If you honestly believe that Mr. Montenegro is involved in illegal activities of any kind, why are you still working there?”

The question was one I hadn’t anticipated coming from her. “The money.” My hackles were raised more than they should be. She had been the one to call me for a drink, not the other way around. If I had to guess, she was his eyes and ears. Thank God I had never told her why I was really in Denver. She studied me for a full thirty seconds, finally relaxing.

“That I can understand. I’ve known Chris only as long as I’ve worked at the company, which is almost five years. As you might imagine, I’ve talked with every employee and several of the clients who’ve come through our doors. Have some of the various business ventures been difficult, tense on myriad levels? Without a doubt. Chris has his share of enemies, some even accusing him of stealing from them, but that’s simply not the truth no matter what has been reported. He’s one of the most honorable men I know.”

“Honorable. That’s what I needed to hear.” I gave her as genuine a smile as I could, trying to act relieved. Chris had to buy my act for as long as possible.

“That’s something that was instilled in him by his father. Chris took over the company when his father retired, but I assure you that Thomas Montenegro continues to hold interest in the firm on several levels.”

“Chris is certainly an interesting man.”

“Chris has always been very nice to me, although he refuses to tolerate anyone who isn’t loyal. I don’t think you have to worry about your job description.”

“I guess I’m just a worry wart.” I laughed, trying to shake off the odd vibes swarming in my stomach. She was certainly his protector.

“Good. Then let’s celebrate. Oh, sexy bartender. I think we need more drinks this way.” Her eyes lit up. Perhaps I’d passed the test.

“I am driving, you know, and I will need to make a good impression on the first day of my new job.” I winked for effect. What I’d read during the afternoon regarding the company certainly hadn’t squelched my fears. They’d been civilly sued on three occasions, none of which had come to any fruition any more than the criminal indictments had.

“I’ll take you home if you need, sugar. You’ve been working way too hard. A little hunting will do you some good,” Tanya purred, twisting on her barstool in order to observe the customers.

“Hunting? What would I be hunting for?”

“Hot men, of course. I figured you haven’t been laid in a long time.”

I burst into laughter again. For as prim and proper as Tanya portrayed herself to be from eight to five, her wicked side was the one I’d come to at least appreciate. “Not loud enough for everyone to hear.”

She gripped my wrist, doubling over in laughter. “I’m serious. There is nothing like a warm body to do a girl some good. Let’s see what we can find for you.”

“Not a single man in here is my type.” I could tell she was determined to find me a sexy man for a sizzling one-night stand. My thoughts shifted to Stone, an instant flash of electricity shooting through me. I hadn’t been able to get him off my mind the entire night, my dreams filled with images of him.

“You look flushed. See someone you want me to snare?”

“Uh, no!” I dropped my head, studying the beautiful but scarred wood covering the top of the bar. I could almost feel Stone’s hand wrapped around my throat, his cock buried deep in my ass. Every time I’d moved during the day had been a reminder of the hard spanking. My bottom had still been red that very morning.

“Wow. Now, he’s a sight for sore eyes. I could do him in a flash.”

“Then go right ahead.” An odd sense shifted into every cell, my nipples tightening to the point they ached. I didn’t need to lift my head to know that Stone had walked into the bar. I dared glance over Tanya’s shoulder toward the door, biting back a moan.

I’d been right.

Stone stood just inside the doorway, his dark eyes sweeping the perimeter, obviously looking for somewhere to sit. When he shifted his gaze in my direction, he took a deep breath, giving me a single nod.

“Whoa. Do you know him?” Tanya asked, leaning in closer.

“We’ve… met.”

“How? Details.”

“I kind of totaled his Harley.”

She shot me a look, narrowing her eyes. “You did what?”

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