Free Your Red Always by Leeann Whitaker Page A

substance? Hmm, he’s not giving me nothing to go off. Jeez. What the hell is going on here?
    “Soup?” I almost squeal.
    He sniggers. “I like soup, if it contains the right ingredients.”
    He gazes curiously for a time with his head resting against his hand. 
    Okay Liz. Time to find out where your phone is now. Then you can leave, and get back to reality. This can never work if you can’t function around him.
    “I’ll have Sara fetch your bag in a moment,” he says as though he can read my mind. “First, I would like you to tell me why you behaved that way last night?”
    I shut my eyes, shamefaced. I don’t want to think about it. Some things I remember, and some things I don’t. I’m going through the morning after the night before humiliation, and want to forget the whole thing.
    “Do you not remember Elizabeth?” He better not be enjoying this. “Asking me to kiss you?”  I burn red, and cover my face. “It’s fine… it’s to be expected. I serve alcohol; alcohol and pressure don’t mix well.”
    It’s not fine at all. Of all the people in this world, I didn’t want Mr Knight to see me paralytic. Nathan, fair enough. He’s got me home in the past, and I’ve done the same for him. But the gorgeous, smoking-hot bachelor of the city, does not need to dealing with comatose hormonal messes such as myself.  
    “So…why did you bring me back here?” I ask, wetting my nervous bottom lip.
    “Well, your friend and my employee disappeared… and I didn’t know your address.” He shrugs casually. “What kind of friend is this Nathan anyway?” He asks, with a crumpled brow.
    Oh no. I really don’t know how to phrase it. He’s just a friend. He’s a friend who I used to sleep with. He’s a friend I lost my virginity to, so we’re kind of bound forever. Liz, don’t answer.
    “Do you have a past together?” He asks in a demanding tone.
    He’s extremely pushy, and his commanding side is kind of sexy. But still I don’t want to go into detail.
    “Well?” He presses.
    “Yes,” I sigh. “I have a past with Nathan.” I hang my head a little. “We’re just friends now though.” 
    One of his golden eyes widens to study me. “Fuck buddies… the most destructive kind of relationship there is.”
    Well, that was a bit over the top, and damn right rude. 
    “Look, I have to call Cate, she’s probably called me in as a missing person by now.” I peer around the penthouse. “And I have work tonight.”
    He curves over. Our knees clash, and invisible sparks fly. 
    “I have taken care of everything,” he says, so close his breath tingles my cheek.
    “What do you mean?” My voice fractures with sexual fear.
    “I’ve let your friends know you’re safe, and will be returning home shortly,” he explains like it’s perfectly okay to do that. “I’ve also had a chat with your boss, Harry… nice guy.” 
    What the hell . He’s been in my bag. In my phone. Has he called my mother too? 
    “I’ve told him you’re stressed, and he’s given you some time off.”
    “I’m sorry,” I scowl in astonishment.
    He leans back in displeasure with a hard expression because I’m not being thankful. I see his athletic chest expand. My eyes are addicted to him, but shit, I should be furious. In fact, I should be alarmed right now.
    “I’m sorry if I have took things too far.” He curves over again. “I thought it was better to let them know where you were.” 
    He’s right I suppose. I’m just not sure where he’s going with this. I offer a faint smile. He’s managed to make me feel guilty. He’s a dab hand at this reverse psychology malarkey. 
    “It’s okay,” I sigh. “As long as they know I’m safe. Nathan?”
    He whirls his pupils. “Yes, yes,” he huffs. “Sara explained everything… and he was ever so concerned for you.”
    “Is that sarcasm?” I grin with a tilt of my head.
    “No, I’m being serious,” he replies bluntly. “He was actually very