Free THE CHAMELEON by Kelly Ilebode Page A

hoping the job had not already been taken.
     
    Easily maneuvering Aisling’s car through the Boston traffic, Stephan only had to go several blocks to reach home. Aisling said nothing when he whipped into the front entry of the Ritz-Carlton Towers. She had already known that this was where he lived, but it was a completely different feeling to pull up to the ostentatious front entry and to have a doorman hold his hand out to assist you from the vehicle. She waited as Stephan walked around to her side of the car. Slipping the valet the keys and money, he pressed his hand on the small of her back and whisked her through the glass doors, past security, and into the elevator. She assumed her bag with the change of clothes would be promptly brought to his suite. When she stepped through the large oak doors, she couldn’t help the gasp that escaped her lips at the view. The wall was entirely made of glass and Boston Common sprawled out below them.
    Walking to the windows where she stood, he followed her gaze. “Isn’t it strange how, sometimes, when you have had something for a while, you stop seeing the beauty?”
    “Wow, that is profound, Stephan. I don’t think I could ever stop seeing this view. I bet it is incredible at nighttime.”
    She felt his fingers as they slid into her hand. Aisling turned to face him, saying nothing when he reached behind her head to undo the clasp that held her hair up.
    “Your hair is the most amazing color I have ever seen.” Sliding both of his hands through the tresses, he seemed mesmerized by the softness.
    She watched as his gaze fell on her lips. Instinctively, she ran her tongue along her mouth. Stephan groaned as he followed the movement before he slowly lowered his head, stopping just before their lips met when a knock sounded at the door. Kissing her on the forehead, he stepped around her quickly to let the bellhop in. A wave of disappointment rushed through Aisling.
    “I think you will be more comfortable changing in the spare bedroom, Aisling.” Stephan walked down the hallway, fully expecting her to follow.
    The home was tastefully furnished and she was surprised how personalized it was, with many photographs along the wall. She wanted to take a moment to look at each one, to try to get inside his head. Right now, she was confused as to who he was.
    “I will fix us a drink while you change.”
    Aisling sat on the bed and stared at the closed door. Even for her, this was moving way too fast. All she wanted was a quick but passionate night of sex and to be gone in the morning before he woke up. Everything in his file made him out to be cold, calculating, and very good at his job. She knew that he had killed before. Hell, so had she. This warmer, softer side of him was something she hadn’t prepared herself for. He wanted to talk but talking led to the risk of getting emotionally attached. That was not who she was or how she was brought up. There was no way she would turn out like her mother: falling hard and then thrown to the side when whoever was finished with her.
    Her fingers ran through her now free hair. She laughed. How bad could this really be? They were only going to go for a walk around Boston Common and as many times as she lived in this city, she had never done that by herself, let alone with someone as gorgeous as Stephan Petros. Quickly stripping out of her dress, she walked to the closet to hang it up, and then put on her jeans and tee shirt. She had barely slipped on her shoes when her phone buzzed to let her know she had a message coming through.
    Aisling wanted so much to shut it off and not even think about work for today, but her conscience wouldn’t allow it. She still wasn’t finished with her open job and had even received a new request before meeting with Stephan. If something were wrong with her information, she would have to handle it promptly. Pressing on the message, she was shocked to see Stephan’s name at the top of the email. The irony was not