by V. A. Dold
“Well, if you’re interested, she’d be an easy yes. She definitely wants you.”
He shook his head, all the while holding her gaze. “There’s only one woman I’m interested in, and Kathy isn’t her.”
Cassidy’s heart sank. “So, you have a girlfriend then?”
“Not yet, but I plan on rectifying that situation soon.”
There was truth in his voice, as well as desire. Whoever the woman was, she was damn lucky. That is unless he proved to be a murderer. Her gaze slid away from his, her heart aching, which was ridiculous.
“Miss Ryan?”
She didn’t lift her head. If she looked at him, he’d see the hurt in her eyes.
“Cassidy?” he prompted. “Look at me.”
Given no option, she schooled her expression as well as she could and looked him in the eye. Big mistake. The breath slammed out of her lungs. As hard as she tried, his piercing eyes saw right through her.
“I think you misunderstood me. The woman I’m interested in is you.” He lifted a hand to stop her from responding before he finished. “I know it’s wrong for an employer to pursue an employee. This isn’t sexual harassment in any way. If you aren’t interested, it will in no way affect your position with Le Beau Corp. But I hope you will give me a chance.”
Before she could respond, Kathy returned with their order. Based on the dirty looks, the waitress was giving her, Cassidy was surprised the woman didn’t dump the coffee over her head.
She felt his eyes boring into her as she took her first sip. There was no way she was touching his declaration if she could help it. “Mmm, this is really good.”
Sighing, he picked up his cup and took a sip, still studying her. “I thought you’d like it.”
She changed the subject before he insisted on an answer about a relationship. “So how do you take your coffee when you aren’t at the coffee shop. Please tell me you don’t have one of those fancy pants, coffee bars in your office.”
“No, ma’am, when I can’t get my café au lait, I take it black. Plain and uncomplicated. Which in no way implies the way I want my life to be. And I have the feeling that when you’re around, things are anything but uncomplicated.”
She wasn’t about to comment on that either. It was time to get down to business. “Can you tell me about the job? Do you have many security issues?”
“Occasionally. I’ve found if I maintain a strong security presence on-site, we have few issues.”
She set her cup aside and looked him in the eye again. “Have you ever had to shoot anyone?” She purposely didn’t specify on the job.
Marcus hesitated. His eyes narrowed. Something flickered in his eyes. Annoyance? Maybe. The emotion vanished so fast she didn’t quite catch it. “Why don’t you ask me what you really want to know, Cassidy? Beating around the bush is beneath you.”
His expression might be serene, but his voice dripped with displeasure. So, Marcus didn’t care for games. Fine, she’d just ask him outright. “Before accepting the job at Le Beau Corp, I did a little investigating. I always check out a company before I work for them. I heard that there was a little skirmish between you and the casino management.”
Now his eyes darkened, and his lips flattened into a hard line. “Where did you hear that?”
Cassidy shrugged. “I read everything I could find online about the company and your family. I must have read it somewhere. So, is it true? Did you shoot Jerome Mitchell?” That was the make it or break it question.
Marcus searched her face for a long minute. “No. I didn’t.”
She let out a relieved breath. She nodded. “I didn’t think so, but I had to be sure.”
His eyes narrowed. “How can you be so sure? I could have lied.”
She shook her head. A small grin tugging at her lips. “No, you couldn’t. I can hear a lie.”
His brows rose. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“Is that why you’re here, Cassidy? Were you sent to find out if I killed that man?”
She decided it was best to stay close to the truth. “I have to admit I was curious. But I’m here for the job.”
She could tell by his expression he didn’t believe that was the whole truth. Thankfully, he let the subject drop. Shrugging to make light of the subject matter, she lied through her teeth. “You’re the security chief, I assumed there must have been a time when you had to use your gun.”
He stared at her, unblinking before finally glancing away. “Of course, I’ve had to pull my gun. But I didn’t shoot Jerome Mitchell.” He was following her thoughts in her mind and knew she was verifying if he was guilty. He wasn’t. When he felt she was satisfied, he changed the subject. “Tell me about you. Do you have any brothers or sisters?”
A sincere smile lit her face. “I have one brother, Colin. He’s such a great kid.” The smile faded. “We lost our parents when we were very young. I was adopted, but he grew up in foster care. I’ve always stayed in touch with him and watched over him. Not all foster parents are good people. I made sure he was never mistreated, and when I turned eighteen, I claimed guardianship and got him out of the system,” she stated in a voice that held a lot of controlled anger.
“How old is he?” he asked as he made a mental note to have his cousin Quin investigate Cassidy’s brother and the homes he’d been in.
“Oh, he’s an adult now, but we still share an apartment.”
“He moved here with you?”
“No, he’s still back home. The lease isn’t up for a few more months, so he stayed there.”
He noticed she wasn’t referring to New Orleans as her home. Was that just a habit or a slip of the tongue? “What do you like to do outside of work?”
Cassidy cocked her head. “I like to read and make things. DIY is my favorite channel. It gives me ideas. Last month I built a bookshelf for the apartment. It turned out just like the one on the show. I’d also like to learn how to cook. That’s probably why I love watching the food network. How about you?”
“A bookshelf? I’d love to see it. I hang out with friends, listen to live music, and sit on my back deck watching the river go by.”
Cassidy perked up at that and glanced in the direction of the Mississippi. “You live on the river?”
“I live out of town on the bayou. Most people who aren’t from around here don’t realize that there are rivers and streams running throughout. That’s what makes it a bayou and not just a swamp. Swamps are a soggy wetland without the waterways.”
“Really? I would have guessed that you were a city boy.”
Marcus grinned at her and poured on a thick Cajun accent. “No, cher. I’m a born and bred bayou boy.”
Cassidy chuckled. “I guess you are. So, how many brothers and sisters do you have?”
“I have six brothers. A few of them are married, and a couple of them have started families. We’re a large crew, but we like it that way.” He glanced outside, checking for signs of the swamper in case he returned with a few friends. When he turned his attention back to Cassidy, he asked, “Have you had the chance to check out the local music and restaurants?”
She shook her head. “No, I only got to town a couple of days ago. I was thinking of checking out the local nightlife this weekend.”
Marcus pulled out his phone and scrolled through his calendar. “I have a lunch meeting today, but how about I take you to lunch tomorrow? I can show you one of my favorite places to eat.”
She hesitated for all of a few seconds before shaking her head. “I have a rule about consorting with coworkers, especially bosses.”
A long sigh escaped his lips. “Cassidy, I’m not a lecherous boss sexually harassing you. I would be interested in you no matter where I’d met you. It just so happens, I met you at work. If spending time with me because I employ you is a problem, I could fire you, take you to lunch, and then rehire you.”
She chewed her lower lip for what felt like an eternity. “All right, as long as we go dutch.”
&
nbsp; Marcus tsked at her. “Never gonna happen, cher. I was raised to pay for a lady’s meal when I ask her out on a date.”
Cassidy’s eyes widened. “A d-d-date?” she stuttered.
Damn, she was cute when she stuttered. “Yes, ma’am. I told you I’m interested in you. Dating is expected.” He saw her throat work as she swallowed hard.
She scowled at her coffee and muttered, “I’ll think about it.”
Walking back to the office, Marcus checked the street, the sidewalks, alleyways, hell the rooftops. His gaze was in constant motion. He felt the swamper’s eyes on them, but he couldn’t locate the man. Cassidy’s hand brushed his, destroying his concentration. He couldn’t keep his mind on the business of protecting her when she touched him. The erotic images racing through his mind would not only get him slapped, they might get him killed.
Marcus flicked a glance at her to assure himself she hadn’t caught his thoughts, only to see her little pink tongue moisten her lip. Did she know how enticing her mouth was? How that innocent swipe of her tongue sent a jolt through his body? He doubted it. When he looked into her mind, he’d seen her inexperience. A groan escaped his lips, bringing her eyes up to his.
A little frown creased her brow. “Are you okay?”
He ripped his gaze from hers, and mumbled, “Not by a long shot.” How could he be when she was there to kill him? Besides that minor hurdle, Cassidy was more than likely a virgin. I’ve always wondered if Luperca hated me. Now I know she does.
If he’d been looking at her, he would have seen her eyes narrow. “I’m not a slut. Not that it’s any of your business. And who is Luperca?”
Ah hell, she’d heard him. At least part of his thoughts. He stopped them right there in the middle of the sidewalk. “Everything about you is my business. And never mind about Luperca. She isn’t important right now.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Really? You think an awful lot of yourself, don’t you? Just because I’m your employee doesn’t mean you get to invade my personal life.”
Before he could stop himself, he pulled her to him and kissed her. Cassidy gasped into his mouth, parting her lips for his invasion. She tasted like she smelled, tangy and sweet. Wrapping his arms around her, he devoured her mouth until she was kissing him back. His body responded the way any red-blooded man would. But he ignored his hardening groin. He’d scared her enough already.
Gentling the kiss, he pulled back. “I want to know about your personal life because you’re my personal life. No one else, just you.”
Cassidy gulped for air, the rise and fall of her breasts an erotic glide against his chest. Stepping back, she wiped at her mouth. She opened her mouth. Closed it. And opened it again but said nothing.
He’d rendered her speechless. Good, because if he survived her attempts to kill him, he was keeping her. “Let’s head to my office. I have new employee paperwork for you to fill out.”
He opened the lobby door for her and put his hand at the small of her back, directing her to the elevator.
Marcus punched the button for the fifth floor. The doors started to close when a large group of employees crowded in. The crush of body’s forced Cassidy to step into him, pressing her against his side. Every breath he took, he inhaled her. He clenched his fist to keep from putting his arm around her. He knew she wouldn’t welcome the proprietary gesture after the kiss.
* * * * *
Cassidy sighed and turned yet another page. Marcus had all but thrown the employee packet at her before running into his office and closing the door. Had she said or done something wrong? No, that wasn’t it. So, what was his problem?
Shaking her head, she got back to the task at hand. Reading the employee manual was dry, to say the least. Losing interest in the rules and regulations, she glanced around the little office Marcus had given her. It was on the small side with doors to the hallway and his office. The space was stark and in desperate need of a decorator. To avoid reading more of the manual, she imagined how she would spruce the place up. A floor plant beside the window and a painting on the opposite wall would go a long way in making it feel less like a prison cell.
Suddenly the door between their offices opened. “I’m off to my meeting, Cassidy. If anyone calls, please take a message.”
“Okay.” She glanced at the manual and scowled. She had to get back to investigating Marcus and on with her life. “Mr. Le Beau?”
“Marcus. Call me, Marcus,” he called from his office.
Cassidy rolled her eyes. “Marcus. Why is everyone avoiding you? The employees act like they want to be friendly and then pull back. To be completely frank, they seem a little afraid of you.”
Marcus walked to the doorway but came no closer. His blue eyes held hers for an eternity. “Because I’m not a man people bother with idle chit-chat when I’m working, and they know that. I’ll be gone for an hour or so. My father will make sure you get a security badge and passkey. He’ll give you a tour of the building and its layout. We’ll discuss your duties when I return.”
She blinked up at him, a little stunned if she were honest. She had to dig deeper if she was going to suss out the truth about Marcus Le Beau.
Fifteen minutes later, there was a light rap on her door. Isaac Le Beau stuck his head inside waggling a badge on a lanyard and a passkey like peace offerings. “Cassidy? Are you ready for a tour?”
Cassidy smiled and tossed the manual aside. “Sure. I could use a break.”
He handed her the peace offering. “That pass key will both lock and unlock doors.”
Stepping back, he waited for her to lock her office. When he cleared his throat, she glanced his way. “So, how did coffee go this morning?”
“Fine. I really liked the café au lait.”
She saw him frown and wondered what that was all about.
The tour was entertaining. She loved old buildings, and this one had incredible architecture. She was surprised by how much she liked Isaac. He was charming, funny, and generally up to no good. He reminded her of Colin when he was a boy.
As soon as Isaac left her at her office and disappeared down the hall, she made a beeline for Marcus’s desk. She wasn’t sure what she expected to find, but there might be something she could use there.
The ping of the elevator warned her that someone was coming. She’d just managed to close the desk drawer when a man walked in. Her heart thundered. Another Le Beau, she was sure of it.
“Oh, Hello. I’m Cade, Marcus’s brother.”
She crossed her arms and eased away from the desk. “Hi, I’m Cassidy.”
His sharp gaze moved from her to the desk and back again. His eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second before he schooled his expression. Crap, he knew she was ruffling through Marcus’s things. She gave him an airy smile and moved to the coffee pot that Marcus had told her was for office personnel use. She raised a cup. “Would you like one?”
“No, thank you. I was looking for Marcus, do you know where he’s at?” he asked, watching her like a hawk.
“He left for a meeting about forty-five minutes ago.”
“I see.” He glanced at the desk again. “Is there anything you need?”
Cassidy’s tension rose a notch. This was no longer a casual conversation. He knew very well she was snooping around. He probably thought she was looking for company secrets.
Digging deep into her acting skills, she glanced at the desk with a baffled expression and then chuckled softly. “I could use a pen or pencil. I’m reading through the employee manual and wanted to make a few notes.”
Cade gave her a pointed stare that told her she wouldn’t win a Grammy award. Without a word he crossed to the desk and pulled a pen out of the pen holder. As he handed it to her, he looked her in the eye. “I don’t know what you’re looking for, but Marcus isn’t stupid enough to keep anything important in his desk.” With that, he turned on his heel and stalked out.
Five
Marcus stared unseeing into the mirrored walls of the elevator as he
headed back to his office. What was he going to do about Cassidy? The entire situation was one massive F.U.B.A.R. Only he would find his mate just to have her there to kill him. How was he going to claim her all while avoiding death?
Crack, crack, crack. His knuckles protested the pressure of his balled fists. Slowly he uncurled his fingers one by one. As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t hold her to him by force. He would have to romance her until he was her choice.
His wolf rose, protesting loudly. The beast wanted to grab her and drag her off to his den. Then hold her hostage until she changed her mind about ending him and agreed to stay. The need to claim what was his was primal, but he controlled the urge. Snarling at his wolf, he growled, Calm the fuck down.
Marcus rubbed at his chest, right over his aching heart. His mate was the only woman who could complete him. The one and only woman who could fill the gaping hole in his soul. When protecting his brothers and parents, he was a force to be reckoned with. He was the one who protected everyone. But how did he protect himself?
He shook his head and sighed in resignation. He was going to have to go to Cade for advice. Embarrassment wasn’t something he experienced often, as in never. But he’d endure it for Cassidy.
The elevator doors opened, and he found himself face to face with just the person he needed. “Cade. Just the person I was looking for.”
Cade glanced down the hall at Marcus’s closed office door. “Good, because I was about to track you down.”
Marcus’s brows rose. “Really? What’s up?”
When Cade glanced back at him, he wore a dark scowl. “Your new hire is a problem.”
Marcus stepped from the elevator and crossed his arms. “How so?”
“I caught her going through your desk.” Then he snorted disdainfully. “She claimed she was looking for a pen.”
“I’m not surprised. Look, there are things I need to talk to you about. Cassidy being the subject of all of them.”
Cade shook his head. “She needs to go. Today. We can’t afford a spy in our security department.”