His to Command

Kate watched the shadowy figure on the other side of the door move away and sighed in relief, her heart still thundering in her chest. Then she scrambled upstairs and began gathering her things. As she did, a deep sadness washed over her.

Would she just climb in that limo and head home, leaving this and Matt behind her? Of course, they’d be business partners, but as crazy as it seemed, she’d miss him terribly. Now that she’d rediscovered how amazing it felt to be with him, it was painful to think about going on without him.

As she dressed, she realized she didn’t have her panties. Damn, they were still in Matt’s room. She’d have to go get them. But first she went to the dresser and brushed her hair, then dabbed on some lip gloss. That’s when she saw Matt in the mirror, standing behind her. She didn’t turn, but met his gaze in the reflection.

There was a dark, haunted look in his eyes, and she imagined that he must be feeling the same sense of loss that she felt.

“Kate, there’s something I haven’t told you.”

* * *

Matt crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed, then folded his hands between his knees.

Kate turned. “But the driver…”

“He can wait.” Matt stared at his hands. “I really should have told you this earlier.”

She drew in a breath. “What is it?”

Matt’s cell phone chimed. Annoyance flared through him as he pulled it from his pocket.

“What is it?” he asked sharply.

“Sir,” the driver said over the phone, “city workers came by and informed me they’re closing the road for repairs on some downed hydro lines. They said if we don’t go now we’ll be stuck here for a couple of hours.”

“Fine. We’ll be right down.” Now he’d have to tell Kate in the car.

“What is it?” Kate asked.

“They’re closing the road so we have to go right now. Ready?”

She nodded, quickly got her things, and followed him down the stairs. A few moments later, with full outerwear on to greet the cold morning, they went out the door. Matt took her arm as they walked down the steps, which were still icy, though the driver had scattered sand over the slick surface.

He met them at the bottom of the stairs and took Matt’s suitcase, then opened the limo door for them. Matt helped Kate into the backseat.

Moments later, they were settled in the leather seats and the car was driving along the icy path she’d tried so hard to walk last night when all she’d wanted to do was escape from him. That all seemed so far away now. When she’d still believed he was a ruthless, terrifying man. Now, as she gazed at him, he saw trust in her eyes. And trepidation as she awaited his revelation.

When he revealed his secret, what would he see in her eyes then?

He pressed the button to close the smoked-glass barrier between them and the driver, giving them privacy. As soon as it closed, he drew in a deep breath and turned to her.

“Kate—”

Apprehension clouded her eyes and she rested her hand on his arm, her delicate touch stirring his heart.

“Wait, Matt. Let me say something first.”

“Go ahead.”

“About what happened this morning … and last night.”

Now that they were leaving their quiet retreat, did she regret what they’d done?

“I think the fact that we wound up in bed twice in the space of twelve hours says something. I was wondering if you think…”—she gazed up at him, her wide eyes showing her deep vulnerability—“that maybe we have a chance. That we could try again.”

He frowned. “You mean, a romantic relationship?” Damn it, there was nothing he would love more, but … he couldn’t. It would never work.

But how could he tell her that? Especially with hope shining so brightly in her eyes?