Free Gone - Part One by Deborah Bladon Page A

me."
    "That would raise suspicion." I step back as he refastens his pants and belt. "Everyone would be talking about that."
    "You're one of the best developers we have." He runs his finger across my jaw. "You're actually the best. It would make sense for you to start sitting in on some meetings and traveling with me."
    I can't shield the glint of excitement in my eye. "You would let me do that?"
    "I want you to do that." His hand glides from my chin to my neck. "We'll discuss it further when I'm back."
    I nod in agreement. I know that my ideas can help his business and I'm grateful that he's recognizing it. I can't tell if that's tied in to his desire to be near me but I know that he's ruthless when it comes to protecting his business interests. He trusts me. I hear it in his words, but more than that I see it in his face.
    "Lilly?" He tilts his chin down to catch my gaze. "Were you in an accident?"
    My eyes dart over his face trying to mask the panic I suddenly feel wash over me. "An accident?"
    He runs his index finger over a jagged, circular scar on the back of my neck. "I just noticed this when you were on your knees. It's a scar, isn't it?"
    I reach back to try and move his hand but it's immobile. I cover his with my own. "It's a scar, yes."
    "How did you get that?"
    "It happened at home a few years ago." I shake my head trying to find a reasonable explanation but in my anguished state I draw a blank. "I'm fine now."
    "You're more than fine." He takes the bait, pulling his arms around me. "Judging by what happened here today, you're incredible."
     

Chapter 16
     
    "Lilly, we'd like you to come up with a list of suggestions regarding our security system." Clive's head-of-security, Jordan, doesn't look up from her tablet. "They don't have to be detailed, but if you'd take some time to go over what we have in place now, we'd appreciate it."
    "Do you have time to come in tomorrow to assess things, Lilly?" Clive finally looks at me. "It won't take more than a few hours."
    I shouldn't feel as despondent over this meeting as I do. When Clive's assistant, Bruce, had called me to ask me to come to his office I was giddy. His business trip finally ended last night and even though we'd shared dozens of text messages and several calls since he left four days ago, I'm craving the taste of his mouth and the feeling of his body. I wanted to meet him at the airport when his flight landed two hours ago but I knew that asking for that privilege would make me look desperate. Instead, I focused on my work until the call to come here. The moment I walked into the office and saw Jordan sitting next to Clive, my heart sank.
    "Of course," I tap my heel against the floor. "Is there anything in particular you're concerned about regarding security?"
    "A set of fresh eyes is always a good thing." Clive stands and shoves his hands into the pockets of his pants. "If you can give us a time now, Jordan will arrange to be here."
    Her head shoots up and she throws him a glance that screams ' fuck you' . "What time works for you?"
    I know the question is directed at me, even though the sarcasm dripping from it is aimed at Clive. "I can be here by ten. Does that work for you?"
    "I can do that." She's on her feet quickly, not acknowledging me at all. "Check in at the security desk in the lobby and then come up here."
              I nod, realizing that I can't say anything that will alter her mood. She's just as pissed as I am that this work week has just been extended, with little notice.
    "I'll see you out." Clive reaches to grab Jordan's elbow.
    I take that as a cue for me to leave too, so I pull myself up from the chair. "I'll do my best to offer some useful suggestions, Mr. Parker."
    "You'll wait here for me, Lilly." He motions towards the couch. "I'll be back."
    I try to contain the grin that is forcing itself onto my lips. "I'll be right here."
     
    ***
     
    "If my day wasn't so busy I'd fuck you right here, right now." His lips push