conversation with you half dressed and my cock
as hard as wood.”
Her cheeks burned. She tugged her robe tighter
around her chest. “I will not dress with you watching me.” Her eyes
moistened with tears. Her adrenaline was slowing and her emotions
were out of whack.
“I didn’t say I’d watch.” His voice softened as did
the lines of his face. “Go to the bathroom for privacy.”
She got up from the bed, gathered the clothes Miss
Deveraux had lain out for her and headed for the bathroom. Roark
was already sliding his belt back into place on his waist when she
closed the door behind her.
Ten minutes later, Bronte emerged wearing the
outfit. The tan breeches, long sleeved white button down and black
boots all fit her to perfection. She wasn’t sure how he’d managed
to arrange for her clothing to fit flawlessly, but everything
did.
“You look lovely,” Roark surprised her by saying. He
was sitting on the chair with legs propped on the bed.
At first, Bronte thought he was being sarcastic, but
she could see honesty in his expression. She moistened her lips and
asked, “Am I riding?”
He removed his feet from the relaxed position and
stood up. “Correction. We are riding.”
She ran her gaze down his casual clothing. “Then why
do I have to be dressed in riding breeches and you’re not?”
“Don’t you like the clothes?” One thick eyebrow
curved.
“The clothes are fine. I’m just wondering why I had
to have riding apparel.” She shook her head. A tendril of hair fell
from the side bun and she tucked it behind her ear. “Never mind. It
doesn’t matter.”
“Then let’s go. I’m prepared to offer you a
deal.”
Chapter 5
ROARK’S WORDS OF a deal spiraled through Bronte as
she followed him downstairs and into his den. She started to ask
him what “deal” he referred to, but then she saw the phone on his
desk— her phone . “That’s mine,” she said.
“Yes it is.” He sat down at his desk.
“What are you doing with it? Are you being nosey and
reading my messages?” She wanted to be angry, but she couldn’t get
past the enthusiasm of seeing the phone.
“Are you mistaking me for a jealous lover?”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all.” She
swallowed the tightness building in her throat. “But you didn’t
answer me. Why do you have it?” The phone had been in her purse,
which was also missing. “And where is my purse?”
“You have no use for your purse,” he said.
“And I do for my phone?” She moved to grab it when
he snatched it up. Not surprising. “I have a feeling this is
where the “deal” comes into play.”
He dropped the phone into his lap. “Your assistant,
Fallon, has been worried about you.” Her excitement deepened. “She
must think vacation means you answer business calls from a
different location. Why do you tolerate that?” he asked.
“Fallon is a great assistant, and friend, and I’m a
great editor. Proficient people are always needed and very seldom
get vacation.” She was curious where this was leading, and guessed
she probably wouldn’t like what he was about to say.
“If that’s how you justify your workaholic ways.” He
shrugged and she sighed. “You will call her and let her know you’re
okay.”
“And why would I do something stupid?” She shook her
head.
“Because you care for your friend and don’t want her
to worry needlessly.”
“Needlessly isn’t the word I’d use. Necessarily is
more appropriate.”
His gaze narrowed. “You’re safe here. Now call and
tell her.”
“I won’t, no matter what you say or do.”
“Even if it means you’ll get answers?”
“Answers?” Was he serious?
“Make the call and you’ll get information.”
“And I’m supposed to trust you?” She didn’t even
trust herself at this point.
He nodded. “Yes, you are. I haven’t lied yet.”
“You’re too good to lie, but you’ll sink low enough
to keep me hostage. Great values and ethics you