High Voltage

Her eyes snapped up to meet his. “You will be back, right?"

His gaze swept over her, committing every inch of her to memory. “Oh, yeah."

She smiled softly and touched his cheek with her fingertips. “I'll behave. I promise."

Garrett wrapped his arms around her and held her close, breathing in the scent of her. “Thank you."

He held her for a few moments more, then released her. Moving past her, he headed out of the bedroom without looking back.

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High Voltage: Chapter 13

She barely had time to pull her panties back on before Robert entered the suite. Serena emerged from the bedroom and crossed to the dining table that had been set up in front of the tall fireplace. The rest of the suite was impeccably appointed. The living room was large and decorated in a tasteful, stately manner. The sectional was a pristine white, the coffee and end tables were beveled glass atop thick marble columns. She would have liked to have seen the entire penthouse, but now was not the time.

As it was, just eyeing the table where she and Garrett were supposed to have a quite, romantic dinner made her sullen. Disappointment would have settled in, but it couldn't compete with the anxiety roiling through her.

Reaching for the glass of champagne she'd abandoned earlier when Garrett had joined her, she took a long sip, hoping like hell it would calm her nerves. But knowing it wouldn't. Something serious was taking place that she knew absolutely nothing about. It was something she couldn't comprehend—a dire situation, in fact. Otherwise, Garrett would have taken the time to explain it all to her. And he wouldn't have sent Robert to look after her.

What the hell is going on?

As she drew in another long sip, she recalled the conversation she'd had with Garrett last night. About the danger she was in. He'd said others had wanted her. Was that what this was about? Was that why he wanted her to stay here? Not just out of harm's way, but out of sight?

Her gaze slid to Robert, who busied himself at the wine chiller. He lifted the bottle of champagne from the silver ice bucket and offered her a refill. After he'd returned the bottle to its resting place, he said, “Try not to worry."

Another healthy gulp and she replied, “Tell me I don't have anything to worry about, and I'll stop."

His light brown eyes darkened in color. “I wish I could tell you what you want to hear. But Garrett wouldn't want me to lie to you."

"He doesn't want you to tell me the truth, either,” she ventured.

Robert smiled. He was attractive and easy-going. Serena felt at ease with him, despite the tense situation they were embroiled in.

"Garrett will explain everything to you,” Robert assured her.

"So you feel confident that he's going to return shortly?"

Robert's jaw clenched for a brief moment, the first sign of his own uncertainty and tension. His eyes darted toward the wall of windows in the living room—just a momentary flicker that caught Serena's attention.

Her heart picked up several beats. He'd unwittingly given away a little secret.

She set her glass on the table and rushed across the open foyer to the living room.

"Serena...” Robert let out a long sigh. “Please don't go near the windows."

But of course she couldn't resist. She pushed open one of the tall panels of glass and stepped out onto the terrace. Her hands gripped the decorative black wrought iron railing and she leaned over it. Four stories below her was a lush courtyard. The lodge was situated at the base of the mountain for easy ski-in/ski-out access during the winter season. But this time of year, the cobblestone pathways wound their way through deep green grass and flamboyantly colored flowerbeds. Tables and chairs covered the center section of the courtyard, surrounded by tall, antique lampposts.

Seven men stood on the outskirts of this area. Five more prowled the inner quarter—the courtyard itself. She recognized Garrett immediately, though his back was to her. There was no mistaking his large frame. Broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist and lean hips. Powerful thighs, encased in faded denim, were braced apart. She could tell his arms were crossed over his wide chest, even though he wasn't facing her. And she was pretty damn certain that, if he had been, she would see a menacing look in his usually vibrant green eyes.

Because, quite clearly, what was happening in the courtyard below was a showdown.

"Who is that man?” she asked, knowing Robert had followed her outside and that he stood behind her. She could sense his presence, yes, but she also knew he wasn't about to let her out of his sight.

"That's Braedan,” Robert answered, not needing to clarify which man Serena inquired about. The hulking figure that loomed on the periphery of the courtyard was ominous and dangerous-looking. He towered over the six men he'd brought with him by at least a foot. Serena guessed that put him close to seven feet. He even dwarfed Garrett.

Serena remembered what Garrett had said last night about Baedan. They were sworn enemies. And he'd wanted Serena.

A dark chill inched slowly down her spine, leaving in its wake a cold, eerie sensation. She had a bad feeling about all of this.