Their Masquerade (The American Soldier Collection 6)

Fuck. Why, Mariah? Why out of all the people to get picked for a job with Manchester did it have to be you?

* * * *

Mariah laughed as Manchenso kissed her hand and begged her another time to take the job he offered.

“It’s a lot to think about. I have other interviews, and to be honest, I still don’t understand my full position,” she said as Armando wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her gently against his side. Manchenso raised an eyebrow, and she felt embarrassed.

They stood in the main entrance to a five-star restaurant. The evening had gone wonderfully, and Armando had made it clear that he wanted her.

“Well, hopefully Armando can persuade you to become part of our team. Take all the time you need. The position is yours if you want it. I had a wonderful evening, but must head out. Armando, I will speak to you later.”

“Of course,” Armando said as Manchenso walked away and toward an awaiting limo.

As she watched Manchenso get into the car, she felt Armando take her hand and lead her toward the side and away from the crowd. In a flash, as soon as they were behind the large, thick column, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. The kiss grew wild, and in no time, she contemplated going home with him tonight. But a little voice inside her head told her that it would be disastrous. Armando’s secretary already looked at her today as if she were Armando’s latest fuck toy. To start at a new company and already have made a bad or improper impression was not good. Besides, she was feeling so sexually aroused because of her inexperience. One hot and heavy kiss following Deacon’s mouth on her pussy and she was ready to fuck her future boss. Not smart at all.

She reluctantly began pulling back and Armando slowly released her. He wasn’t happy about it as he pressed her back against the building. He stared down into her eyes. He was breathing heavy, totally turned on by her. She needed to slow things down.

“I’m sorry, Armando. This is going too fast.”

He gave her a squeeze as he clenched his teeth. “I know what I want. It’s you, tonight, in my bed. You feel it. You want me, too.”

“Yes, I do, but I don’t make it a habit of jumping into bed with men with whom I’ve just met. Nor with a potential boss,” she said and then held his gaze. He stared at her as if contemplating her words.

“You are perfect to a fault.”

“Excuse me?” she asked, feeling a bit insulted.

“I mean, you are too good to be true. How I found you, and just knew that you were the right one is unnerving. God, Mariah. How will I sleep tonight without you in my arms?”

She chuckled as she pressed her hands against his chest and eased away from the wall.

“Somehow, Mr. Secca, I believe you will survive.”

He squeezed her against him again. “I won’t.”

She smiled, and then pushed up onto the balls of her feet and kissed him on the chin. She whispered against his skin, a smile on her face. “You will.” Then she kissed him gently on the lips and pulled away. He held on to her hand and let her go.

“One evening very soon, you’ll say yes to me.” She gave a wave to the man by the curb that the restaurant had to hail cabs.

“I’m sure that you are right, Armando. But it is not tonight. Thank you for a wonderful evening, and a very informative tour of Armor Con.” He winked at her.

“My pleasure. Have a safe ride home. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

She nodded her head and then got into the cab that had just pulled up to the curb. She watched him through the window and he stared at her, the look in his eyes of a man who had never been told no before, and would surely expect a yes the next time.

* * * *

“Say that again,” Manchenso stated into his cell phone as he rode the elevator up to the penthouse.

His eyes widened and he immediately felt the anger run through his veins.

“We need to eliminate the situation. The deal is set to take place next week. I have plans for the upcoming weekend, and don’t expect to be disturbed. Keep me updated on the situation.” Manchenso disconnected the call.

He would have to speak with Armando and the others. The stakes were getting higher. There was so much to be accomplished in the lab and their contact in the government was suddenly being evasive. What exactly was going on?

He needed to call Armando. He would get to the bottom of this, and hopefully before their plans for the weekend.

* * * *