Free Your Red Always by Leeann Whitaker Page B

concerned.”
    “Oh.” 
    I fiddle with my hands on my lap. Out of the blue, he cups them with his. I peer down at them feeling and fondling my skin. Each finger taking a turn to run up to my wrist. He’s cool, like his circulation doesn’t function correctly. I should be thinking right now, is he ill or something? But the truth is, his skin on mine is making me seethe to the point of madness. I wriggle my butt on the leather, finding it difficult to keep my hips still.
    “Elizabeth.”
    Why does he call me that?
    “Liz, please… you make me sound like I belong in a care home.”
    “Elizabeth,” he says, adamant. “I need to discuss something with you; a matter that concerns us.” His eyes are so unforgiving. “Do you have a faint heart?” 
    My eyelids bat slowly. He’s being so mysterious. Yes, my heart’s faint right now, for him. Why won’t he just kiss me?
    “Do you have feelings for me?” He asks. “Because I have for you, and I need to know if that’s mutual.”
    Whoa . Mr Rich has just told me he likes me. I look like crap, have the hangover from hell, and he can, and probably has, laid every bimbo in the city. I’m stunned. I’m so amazed, I’m totally lost for words.
    “Elizabeth?” He wakes me from my stupor. “I have a very important role to play in the city. There’s a hell of a lot of people depend on me, and there is legality that must be complied with. Even in my personal life.” He’s making this all sound very business. 
    “Okay.” I pucker my brow.
    “I will protect you, and use all the resources I have, doing so.”
    “Protect me from what?” I choke up and swallow down the confusion.
    He moves his hands from mine, almost deflated I’m quizzical about this. “You need to answer my question first,” he says, firmly. “I need to be able to trust you.” 
    He waits as I become engulfed by uncertainty. He’s just this second told me he feels things for me, and now wants me to do the same. It’s not easy to do; tell someone you hardly know that you like them. Lust for them. My jaw falls open and kind of hangs there of its own accord.
    “Elizabeth,” he bites. “It’s not hard to say… a yes or no will do.”
    “Yes,” I say quietly, snapping my lips together.
    Satisfied, he breathes out with a smile. “Wasn’t so hard was it?” I nod very slowly. “Right that’s settled then.” He moves away. Why isn’t he kissing me already? “Sara,” he calls. 
    Sara trots in. “Yes.” She hands me my boots.
    “Call maintenance; I want the car warmed up… I’m going to be taking Miss Lovell home. Oh, and would you please fetch Miss Lovell’s handbag.” Sara dips her head and does exactly what she’s told.
    Did that just happen? Instead of ravaging me in bed, he wants to take me home? I scowl the scowl of all scowls.
    “Elizabeth, all will become clear. I shall meet you in the car downstairs… Sara will take you.” He gets up and disappears into his office as I pull my boots up.
    Not one single kiss. Is he some religious nut who wants to marry me first? I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for that.
    Sara waits by the door. “Miss Lovell, would you follow me please… Mr Knight is waiting for you.” I blow out, and screw my jacket up into my arms.
    I glance in the mirror inside a stainless-steel elevator. Sara watches each green light goes out as we descend in silence. I don’t think she likes women very much. I wonder, if I were to bring Nathan up would she thaw. I decide against it. She scares me slightly, reminds me of a psychopathic bunny boiler.
    The doors part into the garage beneath the Shard. He’s there, leaning on the hood of a brand new black and chrome Land Rover, swinging his keys on his forefinger. He’s beaming a sinful sexy grin at me. 
    I step out onto the concrete. My legs are heavy, like I’m walking through mud. The elevator doors slide shut on Sara, and now it’s just me and him down here. Alone. He’s ogling me with his intense