Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 430(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
It’s the only explanation for the sudden dampness between my thighs. Or the way my lungs are stuttering and holding onto oxygen I need for my brain.
I stare and am reminded of his overpowering height. Then I check out his clothes: faded jeans, plain black T-shirt, worn leather jacket, and motorcycle boots. “You found clothes that fit,” I mutter, telling my clit and traitorous vagina to go back to sleep. Now.
He nods. “I had enough cash for one outfit but will need my funds released soon. The clothing is in the farthest bag. Please return that to whichever boarder you borrowed it from.”
I look at him, naturally breathing him in. Male and something undefinable and dangerous. “What do you know about my boarders?”
“Not enough,” he admits. “I’ll know more soon, unless you want to tell me all about them.”
“They’re nice and retired elderly men who pay their rent the best they can,” I say evenly. I tilt my chin, hoping my bra is hiding my erect nipples. I have to concentrate on the case and not his broad shoulders. Is he as hard and rough as he looks? “Why does your stepmother fear you?”
If my words throw him, he doesn’t show it.
“She doesn’t fear me. She hates me with every fiber of her being. Why?”
“I think she’s terrified. Perhaps losing one son has made her realize what’s important in life. But she does fear you.”
While his eyes spark, his stance remains relaxed and his expression bland. “I’ll take care of it,” he says. “Like I said, neither she nor her employees will bother you again.”
“I don’t need you to take care of anything,” I retort. “I want to know if it’s possible that Hendrix set you up for David Fairfax’s murder seven years ago.” While I won’t call Lillian as a character witness for Alexei, she could be questioned to point toward Hendrix’s motive in the death and set-up of Alexei. Reasonable doubt is all I need.
“It’s entirely possible,” he admits. “The only reason he didn’t try to kill us at Hologrid Hub is because you were armed with my gun, and he wasn’t prepared. Which is another reason he shouldn’t helm the organization. I’m always prepared.”
I watch Alexei carefully like I would any predator. The entire atmosphere has swelled, heated, and changed from his presence. My skin electrifies, and I don’t like it. My clit tries to argue, and I mentally order that bitch back to hibernation. I’ve never had a man in this room—and I usually date easy going and carefree men. Not intense possible murderers. “Is there any way to find peace with your brother?”
“I don’t have a brother,” Alexei returns. “Hendrix is anything but.”
“I think he’s probably charging the crystals at Hologrid Hub,” I murmur, waiting for a reaction. I don’t get one.
The man is a master at masking his thoughts and emotions. “Probably, but the crystal felt weak to me. Speaking of which, I’m surprised you didn’t ask any questions when you dropped me back off at the bar.”
I shake my head. The guy was half-asleep as if healing himself had taken a boatload of energy, and I didn’t know what to ask. “I wasn’t surprised. I know all about the use of the crystals in powering the servers.” Sure, it’s a lifelong deadly secret, but he has a right to understand my insight as his attorney.
His chin lifts very slightly. “I was not aware of your knowledge, which unfortunately puts you in danger. I suggest you don’t advertise, to anybody but me, your comprehension about crystals and power. My guess is that yes, Hendrix is charging the crystals at the company. I think Cal was better at it, but there’s no choice now, is there?”
“So you’re better at interacting with the gems?” Not everybody in the lineages is able to charge the crystals.
“Yes.” Alexei smiles, making my vagina perk up again. “I touch an amethyst, and the charge is immediate.” The purple eyes on the panther dance across his skin.
I blink. That must’ve been a hallucination. The panther looks like he wants to take a bite out of me. Maybe two. My breasts tighten more as if trying to reach for him. I have totally and completely lost my mind—and any control of my body. I must get him out of here. “Since you have very little money, at least right now, I can help you find a hotel. I don’t have an empty room here.”
He glances at the bed again, and awareness ticks down my back. “Like I told you, I’m staying here.” He runs one knuckle down my face.
I gulp, my feet frozen to the ground. Which doesn’t make sense because my entire body has gone firestorm hot. “You can’t sleep with your attorney.” My voice shakes, and I concentrate on watching the panther watch me.