Free Stormy Vows/Tempest at Sea by Iris Johansen Page B

disgustedly.
    “I thought so,” Dominic said easily. “Now don't you think we've made Miss Sloan uncomfortable enough with our remarks? It's about time to get down to business. Run along, Michael, we have work to do.”
    A scowl darkened Michael's face. “I'm going to stay,” he said belligerently.
    Dominic raised his head, and suddenly the rakish playboy image was gone entirely. “No, you will not,” he said sharply, dark eyes commanding. “We have a scene to go over. I have instructions to give, and a rapport to establish with an actress I'm directing in a film. I will not have you standing over us glowering like a jealous lover, and interfering with my work. You know damn well if you were directing, there's no way you would permit it. Well, neither will I!” He turned to Brenna and said in exasperation. “Will you kindly tell our mutual friend here thatyou're not afraid of the big bad wolf, and that he may leave with your sanction?”
    Brenna was stunned at the amazing metamorphosis that had taken place before her eyes. Jake Dominic was obviously a very complex and powerful personality indeed to challenge a man of Donovan's calibre. “I'm not at all frightened of you, Mr. Dominic,” she said slowly. “And Mr. Donovan knows very well that I don't want him here.”
    There was an incoherent exclamation from Donovan as he slammed his drink down on the glass end table and strode angrily toward the door. Jerking it open, he turned to regard them grimly. “The only reason I'm leaving is because you're right, Jake. I'd react the same way to any interference while I was trying to do my job,” he said harshly. “But you'd better be damn sure you stick to business!” The door slammed behind him with a resounding bang.

five
    DOMINIC FLINCHED AS HE GAZED AT THE still vibrating door. “I wonder just how close I was to being totally mangled,” he mused.
    “You didn't seem overly apprehensive,” Brenna remarked dryly.
    His expression was grim. “Don't kid yourself,” he said bluntly. “One doesn't tease a grizzly bear without being fully conscious of the possible repercussions. You just have to weigh the values to be gained against the risks involved.”
    Brenna fastened on the simile. “A grizzly bear?” she asked curiously.
    “Strong, powerful, ‘the lord of the forest,’” he said, his gaze resting thoughtfully on her face. “How do you see him, Miss Sloan?”
    She made a face. “If we're speaking of animals, I think you're completely mistaken; I see him as a cougar.” She looked into Jake Dominic's eyes, and finished deliberately. “And you as a black panther.”
    His lips quirked. “While you, without doubt, are a gazelle. Graceful, fragile, and the natural prey of either of us.”
    She continued to look at him steadily. “You forget that thegazelle is also very swift, Mr. Dominic. Given warning, I have no doubt I could elude destruction.”
    “The big cats give no warning, Miss Sloan,” he replied softly. “Which is why you should realize you're wrong about Michael.” His appraisal was coolly analytical.
    “I would judge that in his usual blunt, bold fashion my redhaired friend has laid all his cards on the table. Michael has no use for subtleties.”
    Brenna blushed and lowered her eyes. “I've noticed that,” she said ruefully.
    Dominic looked down at his drink, a slight smile on his face. “I gather the gazelle is in full flight,” he said lightly. “That's an unusual circumstance for Michael. It's no wonder he's in such a temper. He's definitely not used to being frustrated.”
    “Then he'll have to grow accustomed to it,” Brenna said calmly.
    There was a glimmer of admiration in Dominic's eyes as he looked up. “You know, it wasn't entirely business that prompted me to come here tonight,” he said slowly. “After I spoke to Michael this morning, I must admit to being intrigued. In all the years I've known Michael, he's never once warned me off a woman. I felt a certain