Free Only You by Francis Ray

office with John and Delores nearby. Embarrassment flushed Sierra’s cheeks. She pushed against his chest. It was like pushing against a warm mountain.
    “Please.”
    His fingers clenched, then uncurled. He stepped back. “John and Delores left when I came in.”
    Sierra didn’t know if that made her feel better or worse. At least Shane had disappeared. There was only one thing that she was sure of. “I plan to win, and when I do, I don’t want there to be any talk about favoritism.”
    “I don’t care what people think.”
    “I do. I think it’s best if you were to visit one of your other properties until the competition is over.”
    Incredulous, he stared at her. No one, absolutely no one, told him what to do. Shane and Rio tried, but ultimately Blade did as he pleased. He didn’t plan to change. “If I don’t?”
    “I won’t be able to stay.”
    He laughed, but it was a cold sound that raked over her. “Are you threatening me?”
    She flinched inside, but she held her ground. She had wanted to hear his laugh but hoped never to hear that cruel mocking sound again. But she wasn’t a Grayson for nothing. “No one but a fool would do that. I’m simply telling you under what conditions I can and cannot work.”
    She meant it.
    Standing there with her lips still moist from his mouth, the remnants of passion still lingering in her beautiful black eyes, she thought to dictate to him. “And if I say I’m staying here?”
    She lowered her head. He sensed defeat, yet deep inside something in him rebelled at the idea of her losing to him or anyone.
    He wanted her happy and willing in his bed. He was about to accept her terms when her head lifted.
    “Good-bye, Blade. I won’t need this.” She pitched the notebook on the table, then walked from the room. “Hello, Shane,” she said on passing as he reappeared at the door.
    “Don’t interfere again, Shane,” Blade said, his temper spiking. He didn’t like ultimatums or being interrupted. His body still hummed, still desperately wanted.
    Shade grunted and went to the table to pick up what Sierra had tossed. He whistled.
    “So she tossed her notebook. It’s not irreplaceable,” Blade said. No woman dictated to him.
    “But this is.” Shane lifted the memory card to the digital camera. “I guess the lady doesn’t bluff.”
    Blade cursed long and hard.

FIVE
     
    S ierra was too angry to cry.
    Yanking her suitcases out of her closet, she began tossing clothes inside. Her first priority was to get out of the hotel as quickly as possible. Once she was packed and, she hoped, calmer, she’d call the airline to see what was available. She’d fly standby if necessary. Her cousin Dominique was on a photo shoot, so Sierra couldn’t hang out with her. And, despite what Sierra had told Luke, there was no way she was calling him.
    She had gotten herself into this mess, she’d darn well get herself out. Banging one suitcase shut, she whirled to the closet for another load of clothes. Why had she packed so much?
    To look good for Blade . She ground her teeth.
    So she’d made a mistake. It wasn’t her first. At least she hadn’t made the ultimate one by caring for a heartless man. Her hand clenched a pair of linen slacks.
    Blade wasn’t heartless. He could care. He’d been tender and passionate with her. He hadn’t tried as others had to take their kiss further than she was willing to go. But he didn’t understand she needed this, needed to know he had enough faith in her to win.
    She ignored the knock on her door. She didn’t want to see Blade. Or Shane, although if things hadn’t turned out the way they did, she might have thanked him for interrupting the kiss.
    Or maybe not. She’d wanted that hot, mindless kiss that swept through her body like wildfire, hot and passionate. To her annoyance, she still did.
    Tossing the linen slacks into the suitcase, she reached for the matching blouse. The phone on the nightstand rang. “Go away, Blade.”
    Moments