Free Blood Match by Jessica Miles Page A

Ethan a few steps behind her.  A half a dozen people were staring open mouthed at them as they took the few steps to the door. She kept a calm head. She knew exactly what she was doing. She was taunting and antagonising him. And she was enjoying it immensely! She was getting her own back on him in a small way. She pushed open the door and walked to the end of the corridor, turning to face him by the fire exit.
    “What can I do to assist you today sir?” She asked in a sarcastic tone. “Any more imaginary JV meetings that you would like me to attend?”
    He leant against the opposite wall clenching his fists and breathing heavily staring off into space.
    “Serena. Do not EVER argue with me in front of the other staff again!”
    He was obviously livid based on the tone of his voice right now.  He moved a step towards her. She stood her ground and raised her head in defiance.
    “Look, I really wanted to take you to lunch today to apologise for my behaviour on Friday night. I admit it was completely inexcusable. You have every right to be so very angry with me for that. I have been thinking for days how to approach you again and what to do about us. I have a real dilemma going on here. You see, it’s like this – I don’t want to have a professional relationship with you.” His golden eyes locked onto hers. He was at least being honest with her now.
    “So, you’re firing me?” She asked with a tremor in her voice. “I don’t see how it could work otherwise!” She pointed out.
    “No, not at all. I have a proposition for you. I would like you to spend the weekend at my house, as my guest. No strings attached, you can take the lead. If you feel anything for me and want to have a personal relationship with me, we can work something out about the job. I have other companies where I have less of a hands on role. So I could place you in one of those – your work has been an excellent quality so far and I would be happy to do that, with your approval, of course. But, If you do not feel enough for me over the weekend, then I won’t pursue you any further and I will do my best to leave you alone if you wish to continue to stay here as an employee. It will be hard, but I will respect your choice. It’s your call Serena. I think we need to spend time together away from the workplace and see how we get on? What do you say?”
    His eyes were suddenly so soft and warm and drew her in like little magnets. She found his gaze to be extremely hypnotic and so very sensual. Her pulse was starting to rise and she started to think highly erotic things about him yet again, her insides churning with want. A whole weekend with him could mean entering the unexplored realm of her fantasies. There’s no doubt she had incredibly strong physical feelings for him. What else did she feel; she wasn’t sure at all…?
    His eyes widened a little and a small smile of victory started to appear. How could he be so in tune with her, it was scary…?
    Could he actually read her mind?
    She told him that she would think about it. She promised to give him an answer by tomorrow. She could tell he was more than a little put out that she didn’t cave in immediately, but why make it easy for him – he said it was her call. She didn’t want him to think he could manipulate her just like that. She wondered why on earth he was pursuing her so strongly. Surely he had the pick of lots of other women… a man like him? Why go after his newest employee?
    As she walked back to her desk, she was sure everyone in this room would love to know what just went on in the corridor!
    She sat down and dropped her head into her hands.
    “Serena, my goodness…is everything all right?” Alistair asked her in a concerned tone as soon as she sat down. She looked up and smiled a tight little smile.
    “Yes thank you!” She replied wearily. “Just a slight misunderstanding of a personal nature. Everything is fine with the great Chief now, don’t you worry!”
    “Are you