20

Joshua

No one would ever call me a patient man. That would simply be a lie. However, I’d done everything in my power to stay away from the stunning woman or even making contact. Through my Capo’s help, I’d learned where the lovely Selena Barrios worked, risking my bail being revoked by standing outside her building watching the window where I knew her office was.

And I’d hungered for her more than I should have.

The moment she’d peered out the glass, I’d wanted to see her again. The desire was overwhelming, but not in my best interest. At this point, it was best if I laid low, although the fact the new attorney Baron had hired was getting stonewalled for information on what evidence they had other than my fingerprints was disturbing as fuck. Enough so I remained on edge.

Mikey and Zephyr were my most trusted men, Capos who’d been in my family’s employ for twenty years. Now they servedunder me. I’d tasked them to try to gather information on why I’d been framed, including learning if there was another player in town. What they had already determined was that Liam Voltair was out for blood, already making ridiculous statements about seeking revenge.

That was another solid reason I should stay away from Selena, even though every part of me wanted not only to possess but also to protect her. From what I knew about Liam, he was as bloodthirsty as they came, considered the hothead of the Voltair family. If he had any inkling I’d spent the night with her, I had no doubt her life would be placed in danger. Damn it. I’d never been caught in this kind of web before.

Selena. Just thinking her name pushed my needs into being obsessive. She’d haunted my dreams during the little sleep I’d gotten. I hadn’t experienced that kind of a reaction to a woman ever in my life.

I’d spent time researching my true opponent, using my contacts in the States to find out everything I could about her. It was amazing what one could learn from social media. I’d delved into everything regarding her career, her successes, and her single real failure. She was amazing at what she did, but I’d gathered a sense of vulnerability, a true level of innocence that begged for corruption.

And I was just the man to do it.

I stared out at the water of the Ohio River, hoping for some sense of peace. Given my type A personality, I doubted that would occur. My hotel was across the street from the waterfront, the area packed with restaurants and bars, the music festive and the food spectacular. Sadly, I’d had almost no appetite since arriving.

Except my hunger for Selena.

My hotel. It was the one Selena had been staying at for a night. I laughed to myself as I walked close to the water, trying to put everything into some kind of perspective. It was difficult, creating a ‘fish out of water’ moment, which I wasn’t used to. When I heard the sound of a text coming through, I yanked my phone into my hand, half expecting it to be from Baron.

Laughing, I noticed the dozen emojis and my heart raced. I had everything to return home to, which was adding to the caution with my behavior. The two words from Christopher were exactly what I’d needed to read.

Goodnight Daddy.

He had no idea how much I wanted to hear him to say the words out loud, but he hadn’t spoken since losing his mother, a woman I barely knew. Who was I kidding? The little guy didn’t know me at all, forced to place his trust into a stranger. And for all the money I had, the doctors I’d sought out, the answer had been the same.

Christopher would talk when he was ready, the trauma of watching his mother die in front of his eyes too tragic for his young mind to handle. I never pushed him, but it was at times like this I longed to be a better father. He didn’t deserve to be born into a world where his father was such a brutal man.

And I’d never wanted to have a child in the first place.

Life could be cruel sometimes.

Sighing, I typed a reply, adding as many goofy emojis as he did. Hitting send pulled at my heartstrings more than normal. I’dgone on business trips before, his nanny taking care of him, but I’d always been able to tell him when I was coming back and had never lied to him or failed him.

Until now.

That added to my heightened level of rage.

I should be there supporting my family, not here on a bogus charge. However, I couldn’t blame Selena for not coming forward. Why should she? She assumed I was a brutal killer given what limited information she’d found. That much I’d learned from Baron already. The crap that had been dug up on me and my family was ridiculous. Even if I came forward about the night we shared, it would be her word against mine. Unfortunately, if and when either one of us did come clean about our involvement, she would be driven into the kind of horrific spotlight her career wouldn’t recover from. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t give a shit except I liked the girl.

Everything about her.

I’d tried to convince myself otherwise, including using the fact she was far too young for me. Nothing had worked. I wanted her. Every inch. I’d all but made up my mind about the damning situation.

After shoving my phone into my pocket, I leaned against the railing, staring out at the dark water. I doubted I would be able to talk with Selena easily. However, she would soon learn that I kept my promises. I would find a way to claim her.

With that in mind, I was drawn to one of the restaurants and bars, wanting nothing more than to get my mind off the damning situation. Tomorrow, I would hunt down my delicious prey and we would have a long talk. She would come forward onmy behalf whether she liked it or not. But doing so would place her life in jeopardy.

Maybe that’s why I hadn’t pushed harder. Her anonymity was her only protection at this point. I sauntered toward the festive location, the fragrance of food coming from the River House Restaurant and Raw Bar allowing me to salivate. I headed inside, immediately moving past the hostess toward the bar.

The place was packed, laughter coming from every direction. I noticed an outdoor seating area and what looked like a firepit. The night was pleasant, a slight chill in the air given the time of year. Perhaps enjoying the riverfront view would bring clarity or ease the anger.

After ordEricag a glass of Macallan, I sauntered toward the outside facing the river, stepping onto the covered porch and drinking in the atmosphere. A strange set of vibrations suddenly coursed through me, the same electric sensations shared with the lovely blonde. I turned my head, a sly grin crossing my face. I’d recognize her long legs anywhere.

It would seem karma was swinging more in my favor. She was studying the water, swirling a wineglass back and forth aimlessly, and it was obvious she was very much alone. Her long legs were crossed provocatively, her hair blowing lightly in the breeze. I managed to gather a whiff of her perfume and my cock was instantly aroused. Without hesitation, I slipped into the seat across from her.

Almost immediately Selena’s hand stiffened on her glass and her body tensed. When she started to push her seat away as if to attempt to leave, I grabbed her hand.

“Let go of me,” she hissed, immediately glancing from one side to the other.

“Are you worried someone will see us together?”

She tossed the napkin from her lap onto the table, trying to jerk her other hand free. “We are not together, Mr. James. I don’t care what you think or what happened between us.”

“What I think is that it’s time we had a real conversation away from prying ears. Luck has provided that opportunity.”

“Luck, Mr. James? Were you following me?”

“No, I was not. You are well aware of where I’m staying. And there’s no reason for us to be so formal, Selena. After all, we do know each other carnally.”

I didn’t need for there to be any additional light, the fire coming from the pit and the overhead string lights to know she’d blushed. Then she purposely slapped a smile on her face, doing everything she could to hide her trepidation. “We made a mistake,Mr. James, one that won’t be repeated. Now, I suggest you take your drink to another table, or I’ll be forced to call the police.”

“Please do, Selena. That way we can get our little fling entirely out in the open. Unless, of course, you’re going to lie about the fact you were with me when the murders occurred.” When she said nothing, I squeezed her hand. “You are a good little girl, aren’t you? You always follow the rules. You won’t allow an innocent man to be railroaded into prison. That’s not who you are.”

I allowed her to yank her hand free and she acted as if it had been seared from my touch, rubbing it with the fingers of her other. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“Oh, no? Would you like me to go through where you went to school, the fact you graduated with honors while holding down a full-time intern position? Or would you like me to talk about how proud your mom and dad are of you, your little brother opting to become an attorney because of your success? Or maybe you’d like to tell me all the fascinating details about growing up in Hawaii. Your dad was in the Navy. Wasn’t he? Then he was promoted, transferred to Washington. I bet you hated leaving your tropical paradise.”

Her eyes opened wide and she shook her head, sitting back in her seat and bringing the glass to her lips. After taking a sip, she glanced toward the river as she’d done before, more disturbed than she’d been inside the interrogation room. “How did you find that out?”

“Oh, I make it my business to learn everything I can about people I interact with, especially with such significant passion.” I adored the way her lower lip quivered after I’d issued my statement.

“What do you want from me, Joshua? This is a slippery slope.”

“Other than for you to tell the truth to the powers that are holding me under lock and key? That answer is easy. You.”

“You can’t have me.”