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“Catherine. It doesn’t really suit you. Where were you born? Raised?”
“Those are rather intimate questions.”
“You have a slight accent. It comes out more when you’re upset.”
A strange look crossed her face. Did she not realize that he could find that information out if he wanted?
“My mother was Argentinian, but my dad was born in Queens, I think. We moved to live back in Argentina after he died. But then, Mama decided to come back to the States and we moved around for a while. I’m not sure why she returned. She never said.”
She turned pensive, looking out the window as they moved through the Manhattan streets.
“My mother’s parents were from Argentina,” Alejandro said, surprising himself. He hadn’t actually meant to say that. The fact that they had this in common wasn’t a bonding point.
Because he didn’t bond.
“They were? Have you been there?” she asked, sounding more animated.
“No. I haven’t.”
“Oh. Where were you born?” she asked.
“Mexico.”
“You grew up in Mexico? Why did you move here?”
“There were extenuating circumstances. Rest now.”
“I don’t like being touched,” she told him.
“Is that right?” he asked, not bothering to point out that she was snuggling into him, one hand resting on his chest.
“It is right. I don’t like it at all.”
“You’ll like my touch. I won’t accept anything else.”
“Are you always this arrogant?”
“Yes. I am.”
Dear Lord.
He was insane.
You’re the one snuggled up to him like he’s a hot water bottle and you’re chilled.
Damn it. She couldn’t move, either.
Fifteen minutes later, they slowed down, turning into what looked to be an underground parking lot.
Was this where he lived?
Is this really smart, Cat?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Fucking hell, no.
Shit.
She didn’t have her phone on her, and eventually she’d need to let the others know she was all right. However, she wasn’t in the habit of checking in with them daily and she’d just texted them before Vince grabbed her.
Which meant she had a couple of days until they grew worried and started searching for her.
She closed her eyes. This wasn’t good.
You’ll be out of here by then. He’s not going to keep you. He doesn’t even seem to like you much.
But why was he bringing her with him if he didn’t like her?
The car stopped, and after a few moments, the door opened. Alejandro placed Cat on the seat before sliding along it. Then, turning, he held out his hand for her. “Come.”
She shuffled across the seat toward him. She half-expected him to lift her into his arms again. To admonish her for having the audacity to try to walk on her own.
But he didn’t. Instead, he grasped hold of her hand and led her toward an elevator. She glanced around, seeing the two bodyguards from earlier. She wondered where The Scot was. She’d liked him. He seemed fun.
These two guys were all business. Although the younger one kept sneaking peeks at her when Alejandro wasn’t looking. She leaned against Alejandro and he glanced down at her briefly.
“Cat?”
She shook her head. She knew that she was being overly sensitive. The guy wasn’t looking at her like he wanted to harm her. She just didn’t want any man near her right now.
Well, except Alejandro.
Which should be freaking her out.
The elevator stopped and opened. On the other side stood a man who looked to be in his sixties. His white hair was thick and lush. Something she was sure most other men his age would kill for.
He didn’t look at her, his gaze landing on Alejandro. “Sir, I didn’t expect you back so early. And with company.”
Did he sneer as he said company?
She looked up at Alejandro, but he didn’t change his expression. The two guards disappeared, leaving the three of them standing in the most gorgeous foyer she’d ever seen. The ceilings were so high that she didn’t know how anyone changed the lightbulbs on the crystal chandelier above them.
A huge staircase wound its way up to the next floor. They could fit an enormous Christmas tree in here.
“Bernard, this is Cat. She’s my guest for the foreseeable future. Is one of the rooms ready for her?”
“Of course. The blue room is clean and suitable.”
“Good.” He started moving away, tugging her gently along.
“I am happy to take her, Sir. I know how busy you are.”
She didn’t want to go with this man who didn’t even look at her. Great, she was leaning on Alejandro again. This time, he bent down and lifted her up so she was cradled against his chest like a baby.
And she wasn’t protesting.
“That’s all right. Why don’t you go on to bed? I’ll get her settled, then I need to go out again.”
She couldn’t hold back the whimper. Shit. That was embarrassing. Why was she being so needy?
Why couldn’t she just push what happened out of her mind and move on? That would be the simplest thing to do.
