Free Whatever You Like by Maureen Smith

with me?”
    â€œWhere?”
    â€œTo Japan.”
    She stared at him. “You were serious about that?”
    â€œVery serious.”
    She frowned. “Roderick—”
    â€œI’ve already sent my transition team over there to evaluate Kawamoto’s company and begin the restructuring process. I’ll be joining them in a few weeks to check their progress. I’d like you to go with me.”
    Even before he’d finished speaking, Lena was shaking her head emphatically. “I can’t, Roderick. It’s out of the question.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œWhy?” she echoed in disbelief. “Do you even have to ask? First of all, we’re not a couple. And even if we were, it’d be hard for me to just drop everything and go flying halfway around the world with you. I have responsibilities. I have a job. Speaking of which,” she said, glancing pointedly at her watch, “I should really be getting back to the office. I’ve been gone over an hour.”
    Roderick gave her a look of exaggerated patience. “Didn’t we already establish that your boss won’t care how long you’re gone?”
    â€œWell, I care. I have a lot of work to do.”
    He smiled indolently. “Securing this grant is supposed to be your top priority,” he reminded her.
    He had her there. “Fine,” Lena conceded, heaving a resigned breath. “Name your terms.”
    â€œYou’re ready to negotiate?”
    â€œYes.” Even as the word left her mouth, her nerves tightened. Why did she have a feeling that negotiating with Roderick Brand would be as dangerous as negotiating with the devil?
    â€œAll right. Here are my terms.” He leaned forward in his chair and pinned her with his dark, penetrating gaze. “I’ll approve the grant on one condition.”
    â€œWhat is it?” Lena’s voice was barely above a whisper.
    â€œYou have to agree to spend the next three weeks as my personal companion.”
    His meaning didn’t register at first. “Your…companion?”
    â€œYeah.” He smiled, slow and sinfully wicked. “To put it bluntly, Lena, I’m asking you to be my sexual companion—one who will fulfill my every need.”

Chapter Seven
    A s Roderick’s words sank in, fury erupted in Lena’s chest. Fury combined with a nauseating sense of déjà vu.
    With as much dignity as she could muster, she rose from her chair and stared down at Roderick with a look of icy disdain. “I think you’d better take me back to work now.”
    He shook his head. “We’re not finished yet.”
    â€œOh, yes, we are!” As she spun away from the table his hand shot out, seizing her wrist.
    â€œLet go of me,” she hissed furiously. She tried to yank her arm free, but his grip was too strong.
    â€œWait,” he said, jumping to his feet. “Just hear me out.”
    â€œI don’t need to! You’re out of your damn mind!”
    The waiter appeared, took one look at them and beat a hasty retreat, closing the curtained doors behind him.
    Roderick rounded the table and pulled Lena roughly into his arms. She struggled against him, but she might as well have been wrestling an eight-hundred-pound Siberian tiger. Even in her anger she was no match for Roderick’s strength or his fierce, focused determination.
    â€œListen to me,” he growled, cradling her face between his big hands. “Let me explain—”
    â€œI’m not a damn prostitute!” Lena raged.
    â€œI know, sweetheart. I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to offend you. I just— hell. ” He lowered his head and fastened his mouth to hers, smothering her startled gasp.
    When she put her fists between them his arms went around her, holding her so tightly she couldn’t escape. His warm, delicious taste invaded her senses as his tongue sank into her mouth. Her entire body shook, an explosive