Every Last Secret(21)

I moved deeper into the shadows, trying to get another glimpse at the men, and almost fell, my brand-new sandal catching the edge of the steps. I grabbed the column for stabilization and glanced up, my gaze connecting with William’s. Crap. He grabbed Harris’s shoulder and squeezed, then pushed him down into the open door of the Town Car.

I turned, suddenly anxious to be away from their private conversation and back in the party. While our grilled-cheese lunch early this week had certainly improved our dynamic, I was still wary of crossing him when he was on the warpath.

“Neena.”

I climbed the steps toward the front door, hoping it wouldn’t be obvious that I had heard his call.

“Neena!”

I stopped.

“Come here.”

Come here. He was a man of few words, but they carried the weight of stones. I turned and retraced my path down the steps.

William’s face was dark. “You make a habit of spying on people, Neena?”

“I wasn’t. I—um—just stepped out for some fresh air.” I looked back at the house, the doors closed, no one privy to our conversation.

The shiny sedan passed, and I imagined Harris watching us from inside. I glanced back at William, who settled against the side of a Lamborghini as if he owned it. My tension eased as he sighed, his head dropping back, his strong profile looking to the sky.

“Harris is a little on edge,” he said quietly. “Unfortunately, he chose to relieve that stress at this party.”

“He seemed okay. A little tipsy, but”—I shrugged—“everyone in there is drinking.”

“It’s not that. He . . . ah . . .” He scratched the back of his neck, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think he was embarrassed. “He’s drunk and beelining straight for any blonde in sight. Waitstaff, wives . . .” His gaze settled on me. “Potentially fellow employees.”

“Oh.” I turned over the information, warming at the protective look in his eye. “I thought he was married.”

“Come on, Neena. You’ve been around long enough to know that a ring on a man’s finger doesn’t mean much. Especially not in this world.” He studied me. “I want you to be careful when working with him. Skip any one-on-one meetings.”

I moved closer, crossing my arms over my chest in a gesture that would press my breasts together and up against the low neck of my wrap dress. “That’s fine. To be honest, we haven’t exactly hit it off.”

His eyes found my enhanced cleavage, and there was a moment when the powerful William Winthorpe lost his train of thought. “Well, I—”

I waited, and he fell silent, visibly struggling to pull his gaze away from my breasts. I laughed, and he winced.

“I’m sorry. I blame it all on Kelly’s mojitos. They’re almost straight rum.”

“Yeah, I’ve stuck to wine. And no worries. I’m honored.” I blushed and fought to keep the victory from my features, my heartbeat increasing at the cat-and-mouse game. “They’re a little, uh, neglected at times. The attention is nice.”

He didn’t respond, but I could see the processing of information. It would be stored. Cataloged. Referenced every time he got a glimpse of my cleavage. He’d start thinking of them in terms of being needy. Sensitive. Craving. I had studied personality profiles until I knew each by heart, and he wasn’t the sort of man to go after the slut. He’d want a conquest. A discreet housewife who wasn’t sexually satisfied. One who would worship him while keeping her mouth shut and her knees parted—but for him and him alone. If I decided to take this risk, I could play that role with the best of them.

“Look.” He glanced toward the house. “I’d prefer you keep this to yourself. I’d like to keep the Winthorpe Tech reputation as clean as possible during—”

I placed my hand on his arm. “Don’t worry about it. I’m good at keeping secrets.” I held his gaze and hoped he saw the opening in the words.

“Are you?” His gaze dropped to my lips, then flipped back to my eyes.

My stomach tightened in anticipation. So close. Chess pieces, moving into place. But I had to be careful. Very, very, careful. “My loyalties are with you. If you want something to stay between us, it will.”

“Good to know.” He straightened, and I backed away before he had a chance to.

Halfway up the porch, I paused, turning to face him. “You know, I’ve been working with every employee of Winthorpe, except for you.”

A lock of hair fell over his forehead, a break in the precise exterior he always presented. “There’s a reason for that. I don’t need any help.”

“Well, just think about it.” I held his gaze. “Some one-on-one sessions might do us both a lot of good.”

The front door swung open behind me, and I turned, flinching when Cat Winthorpe stepped out on the porch.

“Oh, Neena.” She brightened and gave me a sunny smile. “Have you seen William? Teddy Formont is looking for him.”

I turned, but the Lamborghini was alone, her husband gone. I shrugged. “Haven’t seen him.”

“Damn.” She turned back. “I’ll head upstairs. If you see him, will you tell him to find Teddy?”

“Absolutely.” I smiled as she turned, her dark hair bouncing as she breezed through the door, off to find her husband.