by A. C. Arthur
“It’s called ‘Awake,’” she informed him about the painting she thought she’d purchased from Leandro.
He nodded. “Because of the sun rising,” he stated blandly.
“No,” she touched the picture, tracing her finger along the line where the ocean met the simmering rays of the mounting sun. “Because it awakens the senses. It pulls you in from the moment you look at it. Whether you think of the coolness of the water against your skin or the scent of the tropical air blowing in the distance, you instantly become a part of the painting.”
His fingers moved from the intense orange-and-crimson tone of the sun to stop just beside hers. Where she traced the water line, he did the same, until the tips of their fingers touched.
Karena felt a jolt to her system. A quick piercing sensation started at the exact point where he’d touched her and moved quickly throughout her body. Frowning, she moved her hand and picked up another sheet of paper.
“Two weeks ago I went to Brazil to meet an artist,” she said, then recounted a brief history of Leandro. “He does oil paintings and has been on the scene for about two years now. His work is in high demand but extremely hard to come by. He doesn’t do shows, no appearances, no interviews. All pieces are purchased directly from his agent and he usually remains anonymous.”
“But you met him?” Sam inquired.
“He called me,” she said, looking up at him.
He lifted a brow in question. “The reclusive artist called you? Why?”
A woman would kill for thick, even eyebrows such as his. His complexion was the color of honey fresh out of the jar. Eyes that were dark, yet warm, held her gaze steadily. He wore brown slacks and a lighter-shade short-sleeved shirt that fit his muscled chest precisely. It was still reasonably warm outside so a jacket wasn’t really necessary. This fact afforded her the opportunity to see even more of his toned arms, ribboned with veins that showed his sheer strength.
Was her mouth watering?
Now it was her turn to clear her throat. “I…I don’t know, really. And to tell the truth I was too excited to ask. It was the day we flew back from Maryland. He called before I left the airport. I booked another flight out the next evening and met with him on a Wednesday morning.”
“He picked you up at the airport?”
He was staring at her intently, as though he could see into her mind and therefore really didn’t need to ask her questions. Her pulse quickened and she flattened her palms on the table.
“No. I took a cab to the address he’d given me.”
“To his house?”
“Yes.” She blinked then attempted to focus more on her trip to Brazil than on the man sitting—now that she thought about it—too damned close to her. “No. Well, I guess it was his house. I didn’t really ask.”
“Did you stay with him? In this house, I mean. Did you stay there during your trip?”
Karena was sure these questions had something to do with the stolen pictures, but her mind kept wrapping around the slight edge in his voice, the intensity of his gaze as he waited for her answers.
“I stayed, yes. There was a cottage on the property and he said I could stay there.”
Sam sat back in the chair, his tall, built form moving so that it swiveled to the side. Her view of him increased, as now she could see muscled thighs even through the loose-fitting pants he wore. He rested his elbows on the arms of the chair, then lifted one hand to rub his fingers along his chin. Except for a thin mustache his face was clean-shaven, giving him a neat, quiet allure.
“The house was big. Did it look like he had money or did he truly give the impression of a starving artist?”
What she saw looked too good. Sam was too attractive. Had he looked like this when she’d met him in Maryland? Or had the weeks since she’d seen him simply added to the days of her self-imposed celibacy, coloring her present perception of him?
“It was like a mansion or something. There was a lot of property.”
“And just the one cottage where you stayed?”
“No, there were several cottages.” Then shaking her head, she held up a hand and said, “Wait a minute. You’re asking me about where I slept and how I got to his house. But none of this has anything to do with the fact that the appraiser’s report says the painting was stolen. My question is how does an artist steal his own painting?”
He wanted to know where she’d slept. Had she been in this artist’s—this man’s—house, in a bedroom next to his or, heaven forbid, in his bed. It was insane, Sam knew without having to mentally kick himself with the thought. Karena wasn’t his, and thinking of her with another man should not have his fists itching to punch someone. Looking at her should not be tugging on something primal, hungry, inside of him. And yet…
“I’m trying to paint my own picture of sorts,” he said, giving her the best part of a smile he had to force. “This is a recluse, an up-until-now private person, who calls you out of the blue. He wants to what, sell you a portrait? Or does he want to meet you personally? Were you targeted for some reason?”
She was shaking her head, the diamond-stud earrings sparkling in her ears. Her short, sophisticated hairdo was neat and precise and sexy as hell. Sam usually enjoyed women with hair that he could run his fingers through, but on her that look would be too much, overwhelming the delicate beauty of her small facial features.
“This isn’t about me. It’s about the fact that I purchased a portrait that was obviously stolen.”
“Nothing is obvious, Karena,” he said honestly.
“So what are you saying?”
“I’m saying that you have a history of this guy. He doesn’t talk to anyone, doesn’t do showings, doesn’t seem to want anyone to know who he is or where he is. His work is good and is in high demand. So why all the secrecy? Then he calls you. Of all the art galleries in all the world he picks you and the Lakefield Galleries. Why?”
“Because we’re good,” she said, apparently ruffled by his words.
He nodded. “I’m not disputing that fact. I’m just pointing out a few things. How did he know you’d come if he called? Had you been trying to find him?”
“No. Actually, I hadn’t. I knew his history. Once, earlier last year I contacted his agent about a showing, but I assured her that he wasn’t required to show up.”
“Didn’t his phone call strike you as weird?”
“Yes.” Now that she thought about it, it had.
“He called your cell phone. How many people have that number? Do you have a separate cell phone for business and personal use?”
“No. I have one phone, but I have two numbers. Kind of like an extension within the phone.”
“So he called which extension? Business or personal?”
She thought for a minute, remembered the distinctive ringtones she’d programmed to tell her which type of call was incoming. And she sighed. “He called the personal number.”
“You think this man targeted my company for some reason?” Paul Lakefield asked Sam fifteen minutes later when he and Monica Lakefield had joined him and Karena in the conference room.
Paul Lakefield was tall, brooding and stern, all characteristics Sam could respect. He was also judgmental. The tone of his voice, the way in which he’d looked at Sam the moment he’d entered the conference room, said he was neither impressed nor thrilled that Sam was here. Even when Karena had introduced him as being a business partner of Trent Donovan’s, one of the Donovans renowned for their own success in business as well as their philanthropy.
Not that Sam cared. His business was steadily building its own credibility and reputation, and he didn’t need Paul Lakefield’s approval. He was here only because Karena had called him.
“I’m saying that I don’t believe it was coincidence that he called Karena offering not only to sell her a painting but to also meet her in person.”
“Maybe he’s making a move on behalf of his career. Coming out of hiding to further build on his name,” Karena said, hope t
inting her voice.
“Or maybe it was a setup all along.”
This was from Monica, Karena’s sister. Her older sister, he surmised from the impatient look she gave Karena.
Monica was the polar opposite of Karena in the looks department. She was taller for one, probably around five feet eight or nine inches, her frame svelte and sophisticated. Her clothes matched her personality, designer business suit with starched white blouse and heels that put her directly at eye level with him. She was cool, professional and determined to prove she was as good as any man. Sam had seen her type before.
She was a beautiful woman, there was no doubt about that. Her complexion was a few shades lighter than Karena’s, her features stronger, more defined. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun that probably only added to her uptight attitude. All in all, if Sam had his choice of whom he’d like to be trapped on a deserted island with, Karena won, hands down.
Sam was a detail man. He paid attention to everything around him, even the things that people themselves didn’t realize they were doing.
Karena was sitting in the exact spot she’d been in before her father and sister arrived, only now she wasn’t as talkative or as assertive in her position. Monica had taken a seat beside her, but it was clear she was on her father’s side. Or was she playing the mediator between Karena and Paul?
“This should never have happened. You should have checked things out before going down there.”
“Checked things out how, Daddy? Should I have had the number he called from traced? Asked him to send me his photo identification and Social Security card?” She sighed heavily and began gathering the papers from the table. “I’ve hired Sam to look into this. Until then, the picture stays in our warehouse. I mean, Jacques hasn’t even produced a name of the alleged true owners of the portrait. And I haven’t seen an insurance claim for the stolen property.”
Standing, she lifted the folder in her hands, took a deep breath and looked at her father once more. “I got us into this and I’ll make sure we get out of it. Just like I told you earlier this morning.”
In that moment Sam saw her strength, her dedication not only to her job but to her family. And when her father hadn’t responded but only looked at her solemnly, Sam saw something else. Hurt.
“This is my company, Karena. I’m just trying to make sure we all keep our dealings aboveboard,” Paul offered as if he’d seen that flash of pain in his daughter’s eyes, as well.
“With all due respect, Daddy, the gallery is my domain,” Monica offered. “I’m the manager and Jacques reports directly to me. So I’ll keep a close eye on this and fill you in as the need arises.”
Paul’s gaze moved from one daughter to the other. “The need has already arisen. I want to know every development in this matter. If you’re going to investigate, know that we’ll pay top dollar for priority as well as privacy,” he said to Sam.
“That’s not required. I know how to do my job.” That was something Paul hadn’t expected him to say, Sam was sure. But he’d been more than a little concerned with the way Paul Lakefield handled his daughters. It was as if they had positions within his company but he was still in control, no matter what. His trust in them was nonexistent, and Sam was willing to bet the sisters knew this and detested their father for it.
“Then do it quickly,” he stated before leaving the room.
Monica stood, moved to Sam, extended her hand and waited. When he grasped it, she said, “I want daily reports on your findings.”
Dominance, or should he say bossiness, definitely ran in the Lakefield family. “I’ll keep Karena updated,” he replied.
She lifted an elegantly arched brow then looked over her shoulder as she slipped her hand from his grasp. “Karena, I need to speak to you privately. I’ll meet you in your office.”
Turning back to Sam, she said, “Nice meeting you.”
Monica walked away, and Sam felt the chill of air leaving behind her. This one was all business, no-nonsense and no softness. He remembered on the plane when Karena had told him about Monica being committed only to her job. She obviously hadn’t lied, and he wondered briefly if his initial thought of introducing her to Alex Bennett was a smart move.
Alex was the oldest son of Marvin and Beatriz Bennett, the family he’d worked the stalking case for earlier this year. He was also the CEO of Bennett Industries and a bona fide workaholic. Still, Alex was Sam’s brother-in-law since Bree had married his brother, Renny. Sam wasn’t sure he’d wish the cold wrath of Monica Lakefield on a family member.
“For the record, I don’t think tracing Leandro’s call would have done you any good,” he said when they were finally alone.
She was rubbing her temples, and she looked up at him as if she’d forgotten he was there. “I just don’t know what else they expect me to do.”
Her voice sounded so desolate, but then as if she’d released a deep, dark family secret, she straightened and walked toward him. “If you can just call me with your developments, that would be great. I just need to know for sure whom I met with and where that painting came from. As my father so eloquently stated, we’ll pay you whatever is necessary for a speedy turnaround.”
Was she dismissing him? Yes, she definitely was. Sam would have taken the hint if she hadn’t looked so sad and so sexy at the same time. So instead of turning to leave the office, he reached out and took her free hand.
“I’ll call you every day to let you know what I uncover.” She looked up at him, confusion and something just a little darker in her eyes. Sam moved closer until his chest pushed the folder she was clutching against her breasts. “In fact, I’ll call you twice a day, and you don’t have to pay extra for that service.”
Her nipples tingled and she stifled a groan. There was clothing between them and even that dammed folder, and still the heat from his body had mingled with hers, creating a fiery sphere around them. She inhaled deeply but the breath was ragged coming out, hitching on the huge swirl of sexual frustration mounting in the pit of her stomach.
God, she needed either a vibrator or a quickie right away. Before she did something clearly out of character and jumped Sam Desdune’s bones.
Chapter 4
“So how long have you known him and are you sleeping with him?”
Monica was never one to beat around the bush, Karena thought the moment she stepped into her office and into Monica’s barrage of questions.
“What are you talking about?” she asked, closing her office door behind her and praying none of the staff had been walking by and overheard.
“The P.I., Karena. How long have you known him?”
Monica sat in one of the guest chairs, her long legs crossed, arms resting on the sides.
Karena rounded her desk, dropped the folder then plopped down into her chair. “It’s been a really long day, Monica. I’m not in the mood for your interrogations.”
“Then you’d better get in the mood,” Monica said, glaring at Karena. “Because if Daddy finds out you hired him because you’re sleeping with him, he’s going to go ballistic. And if this man doesn’t figure out what the hell is going on with Leandro and that painting, we’re both going to be out of a job.”
“We’re heirs to the company, Monica. How can we be out of a job?”
“That’s a name on a piece of paper that rides on the fact that our father is still breathing.”
Karena groaned, letting her head rest on the back of her chair. “It is not that serious, Monica, really.”
“So you are sleeping with him,” she accused.
Don’t I wish. “No. I’m not sleeping with him. I met him a few months ago when I went to Maryland to visit a friend.”
“What friend? Oh, that girl who’s always getting herself into trouble.”
“Noelle’s not like that anymore. And this trouble she was in was serious, life-threatening serious. Sam and his partner helped her out.”
“Sounds like you need to get better friends.”
; Karena was about to say something else when Monica held up a hand. “Don’t get all uptight. I’m just trying to keep a handle on all this.”
“D&D Investigations has a good reputation. I trust Sam to get to the bottom of this.” And she did. From what she knew of him so far, he was a good investigator and a good friend. She only hoped her traitorous body could keep it together long enough for him to do the job.
“Well, you know how men are, so just be careful working with him,” Monica quipped.
“What’s that supposed to mean? I work with men all the time and I don’t get this type of warning from you.”
“The other men you work with all the time don’t look at you like he was.”
Karena flicked her wrist in Monica’s direction as a way of dismissing her remark. “You’re starting to sound melodramatic, like Deena.”
“Oh, please, nobody is as melodramatic as Deena. I swear that girl lives in a world of her own.”
“Well, she is a writer,” Karena said in defense of their younger sister. Deena Lakefield was the free spirit of the family. Being cooped up behind a desk all day would have the same effect on her as kryptonite would on Superman, she thought with a smile.
“Deena doesn’t know what she is from one day to the next.” Monica stood. “Be that as it may, she’s our lost cause of a sister no matter what. You, on the other hand, are salvageable and I don’t want you getting your head all twisted over some man just because he looks good, smells good and watches you like you’re the only woman on earth.”
Her words had Karena sitting straight up in her chair. “He’s all that, huh?”
Monica was not amused, although the corner of her mouth did lift in a smile. “He’s not bad to look at, but you know my philosophy on men—especially good-looking men.”
Yeah, Karena knew, and it was a damned shame. How a woman as strong as Monica could let one man tear her down and destroy her faith in the entire species was beyond her. “He’s working for the company, Monica. That’s all.”
“Mmm-hmm,” was her response as she walked out of the office.