by Mia Caldwell
“What do you think?” he asked, reaching to reclaim the upper hand. He paused and gave her his best, most charming smile. “I want what any man would want from a beautiful woman who owed him …” He let his voice trail away.
She frowned, her plump, kissable lips turning downward at the corners. “So you do want me to sleep with you.”
Was that what she thought of men? Colin hitched an eyebrow as he looked her over. A woman who looked like her probably would think like that. And wasn’t she right? His cock was hard as steel, and he could only hope his jacket was covering the evidence of how her presence affected him.
“That answer might say more about you than it does about me, don’t you think?” he asked.
“I don’t know what to think,” Sabela replied, voice flat. “All I know is that you took me from my home without warning and brought me across the world for reasons I don’t understand. So tell me, why am I here?”
“I expect you to stay with me here for a while. I have some business to attend to, and I need you to play hostess. You’ll chat and laugh and hang off of my arm and dote on me in front of my associates. Whatever activities I ask you to involve yourself with, you’ll involve yourself with.”
Colin looked Sabela over to see how she was taking it. So far she hadn’t interrupted.
“In short,” he said, “you’ll be my lovely arm candy. And when all is said and done, I’ll send you home and your life will go back to normal. That’s why you’re here.”
And should she fall in love along the way, all the better, Colin thought. He didn’t tell her that he would be sending her back home broken, that the pieces of her heart would be too small to dream of putting them back together.
“Activities you ask me to involve myself with?” Sabela asked, wide-set eyes narrowing. “I’m not sleeping with you, and I’m not going to do anything … perverted.”
Colin laughed. “We’ll talk details a little later. For now, you can go to your room and settle in, get some rest. I’m sure you’re exhausted.”
He let his gaze sweep over her one last time, not caring if she saw him linger over certain parts of her lovely person. If she knew he found her attractive it was all the better.
“I could use some rest,” she snapped. “It was a long trip.”
“Take a nap, but be aware that you’re expected to attend dinner. We’ll talk through all of the potential activities then.”
Colin paged Marie from the wall intercom while Sabela took her first sips of the hot chocolate. She made a small moaning sound of appreciation, and Colin wondered what else might cause her to make that sexy sound. He had a few ideas he’d like to try.
Marie arrived within moments.
“Please show Ms. Vaughn to her room,” he said. “If she needs anything, make sure that she gets it.”
“Of course, Mr. Morgan.” Marie ducked her head. “Ms. Vaughn, if you’ll follow me, please. Just leave your cup. I’ve got another pot waiting in your room, all piping hot.”
Sabela set her cup on the carved stand. She gave Colin a critical once-over, as though she were trying to figure him out. Let her try, he thought. She’d never get the advantage. He’d taken on far tougher opponents than a poor waitress from a small town nobody ever heard of.
He’d always be one step ahead.
Sabela nodded at him, then followed Marie out of the room.
Colin stepped into the wake of Sabela’s departure, letting the scent of her sweet and spicy perfume waft around him. His entire body was on alert.
Having sex with this lovely pawn had always been an optional part of his plan. It was no longer an option.
He would bed Sabela Vaughn before she left the chalet.
He would make sure of it.
Chapter Ten
HABERLIN CHALET WAS A CONFUSING series of endless corridors and corners. Sabela followed the housekeeper, Marie, noting the traditional style of her dress. Fashion was always in Sabela’s thoughts, and part of her wondered if she could give the housekeeper’s outfit a modern twist and take the idea back across the ocean.
But not even fashion, no matter how hard she tried, could keep her mind off of what had just happened. Sabela couldn’t shake it.
Mr. Morgan – no, Colin – wasn’t what she’d been expecting. Tall, well built, sophisticated and masculine, blond-haired perfection, tanned and gorgeous. Stunning. Handsome and sexy as hell.
But dark. She felt it, couldn’t miss it. For all his outer appeal, there was something twisted inside, lurking behind that perfect exterior.
There was no denying that there was something wrong about him, though she wasn’t sure exactly what it was.
Like the chalet, he was confusing, hard to follow. He’d pushed her a few times, and she knew it. Once he was done testing her and the introductions were over, would he show his true face?
Undoubtedly, it would be the face that had scared those who worked for him, those afraid to defy his orders and answer Sabela’s questions.
Not Marie, though. She didn’t seem afraid. Sabela thought that the woman was far too cheery to be intimidated by an enigmatic, possibly sinister Greek God.
Or maybe, Sabela thought with comforting cheek, Marie was just too old to put up with Colin’s crap.
But as terrified and cautious as Sabela knew she should have been, she couldn’t shake the thought of him. His broad shoulders tapered to a trim waist, and it was clear that he was athletic by the sure and manly way he moved.
The first glance she’d gotten of him nearly took her breath away. Parts of her sensuality that had long lay dormant immediately sprung to life.
When she stood close enough to catch the rich, woodsy and musky scent of his cologne, she wanted to dissolve into a puddle of desire at his feet.
But she didn’t. She was stronger than that. No matter what, she had to remember that she was here for a purpose — her debt, and the sooner it got repaid, the sooner she could get back home to her responsibilities.
So he wanted her to act as his escort during his business meetings as a form of payment towards her bill. How much would it repay? All of it? Unlikely. That would be too good to be true, and she wouldn’t make the mistake of forgetting that again.
“It’s quite impressive, isn’t it?”
Sabela started. Marie glanced over her shoulder and smiled, as sweet as any old lady could be.
“Uh, yeah,” Sabela answered. “I’ve never been in a house like this. It’s more like a fancy hotel.”
“Yes, we’re all very proud of it, especially Mr. Morgan. I believe he loves the place even more than I do, and that’s saying something.”
“I can’t imagine anyone not loving this place,” Sabela said.
“Yes. It’s only fifty years old, you know, but built to last hundreds. Long after we’re gone, Haberlin Chalet will still be here.”
Sabela nodded and took in the paneled walls and expensive-looking, thick runners that reached down the halls seemingly endlessly. Of course, everything was expensive in the place. It was a mansion, basically.
Marie shifted the topic abruptly. “Mr. Morgan’s a good man beneath his cold exterior. But I don’t need to tell you that, do I? It’s so nice to see he’s finally met a young lady who can see who he really is. We’re so excited to have you here, dear.”
Sabela flushed and wrapped her arms around herself. What had Marie been told about why Sabela was there? Apparently, not the truth. “It’s um, well, it’s –”
“It’s okay, dear. Mr. Morgan has been shy about it, as well. Don’t worry. We won’t pry.”
Sabela wasn’t sure what to think. If Colin had his way, it would appear that she was his girlfriend. A big, fat lie.
But if she didn’t want to play along nicely, he had all kinds of leverage over her to force her into doing as he pleased. Sabela was caught up in his web and she wasn’t sure if there was a way to break out of it.
Marie finally paused in front of a door and pushed it open. “Here’s your rooms, Ms. V
aughn. Mr. Morgan’s suite is right next door at the end of the hall.”
Marie pointed to the set of heavy double doors at the end of the hallway. Their rooms were so close that they might as well have been connected. Heat rose on Sabela’s face.
“You can page me on the intercom in your suite,” Marie said. “Or, if you prefer, you can text me. I left my number on the lady’s desk. It’s Venetian, you know. The desk, I mean. Absolutely exquisite from the 18th century. Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be there to take care of whatever you need before you know it.”
“Thank you.”
“Have you ever been in the mountains before?”
“No.”
Marie looked stern for the first time. “Then the first thing you need to do is read the pamphlet on the desk about the warning signs of altitude sickness. Promise me you will and that you’ll contact me right away if you have any questions or have any of the warning symptoms.”
Sabela appreciated her concern. “I will. I promise.”
“Good. Then I’ll leave you to it.”
None of it seemed real. Sabela stepped through the open door, and Marie closed it gently behind her. Sabela hardly noticed. She was too caught up in the wonderland she’d just walked into.
Like every other room in the chalet, this one had a stunning view of the mountains all around them. The wide, clear panes let in plenty of light, or at least she assumed they would once the storm cleared out. Right then the sky was dark and foreboding, as if even nature was warning her that there was something secret happening in this isolated place.
But the windows weren’t what held her attention.
The room was almost as big as her entire apartment. Sleek wood floors peppered with plush carpets were without imperfection. The exposed wooden beams in the soaring ceiling set off the decorative moldings of the walls. The furniture was sturdy and decorated with expert carving.
Much of that furniture, she presumed from the look of it, was antique, probably priceless like the desk Marie mentioned, which Sabela admired from a distance, afraid to touch it for fear of damaging it. Only someone rich would dare actually use such an irreplaceable thing.
So this was what it was like not to have to worry about money.
Step by step she explored her rooms. The living area had several doors opening off it. One went to a huge bedroom with a bed so big she thought she might get lost in it. The linens were soft, finer than any she’d ever felt.
There was another doorway that led into a luxurious bathroom. It matched the wooden underpinnings of the rest of the chalet, while adding in modern conveniences like a huge, multi-headed shower, a lovely soaking tub, and a sunken jacuzzi that would have easily seated six.
Lengthy countertops were lined with all kinds of lotions and soaps and oils. Everything was suited for her skin and hair type.
Just outside the bathroom was a walk-in closet. Sabela slid the doors back and gasped at all of the clothes on the hangers and the shoes lining the walls. Had someone else lived here and left all their clothes behind?
As she explored the clothing, she noted that the bright colors were suited to her taste, and the further in she went, the more colors she discovered.
Purples, oranges, deep blues, creamy whites, ivories, solid blacks.
Sabela didn’t need to look at the label to know that they were all designer made, and that some of them were couture.
They were to her measurements. There must have been enough clothes in there to last months without repeating a combination twice. Sabela wasn’t sure what to make of it.
Were these beautiful clothes for her? She hoped so, and for more reason than the desirability of the clothes themselves — she’d come to Switzerland with nothing to wear, not having been allowed to pack anything before leaving home.
Next to the vast closet was a room with a large vanity and plush, cushioned furniture. She knew right away this was a dressing room. She ran her fingertips over the carefully arranged cosmetics and perfumes, and more lotions and oils. There were enough toiletries in the place to meet the needs of ten spoiled princesses.
Was all this for her? She was no princess. She was nothing but an ordinary waitress. She couldn’t imagine why so much trouble had been gone to for someone like her.
With so much to see and explore, Sabela wasn’t tired anymore. Not even a long day of travel could derail her excitement. Like a kid in a toy store, she’d been let loose into a fantasy.
This suite was her personal retreat within a retreat. If Sabela weren’t so concerned by Colin’s motives, she would have laughed with joy.
Why was Colin doing this for her? She’d been so sure that he’d brought her here for failure to repay the money he’d sent, but these rooms, all the stuff in it — this was more reward than punishment.
As long as she pretended to be his girlfriend.
She warned herself not to forget that part. She had to repay her obligation, but pretending to be a girlfriend couldn’t be all he wanted.
After fulfilling her promise by glancing through the pamphlet about altitude sickness, she tried to take a nap. Not long afterward, unable to sleep and knowing that she was expected for dinner, Sabela decided to run a bath.
Just to make sure, she sent a quick text to Marie asking if it was okay to use all the toiletries. Marie had quickly texted back that it all was Sabela’s, to do with as she pleased.
Sabela didn’t much care if it made her look like a stupid rube to ask these questions. She had to know, and so she sent another text, asking if she could borrow some of the clothes.
Once again, Marie had answered that the clothes and shoes had been purchased specially for Sabela, and she should use them as she pleased. Sabela could hardly believe it.
She soon had a bath drawn, liberally doused with a bubble bath scented with jasmine and ylang ylang. The aroma quickly spread through the bathroom as warm water filled the big tub. Before settling in, she poured herself a cup of Marie’s perfect hot chocolate, lit a few candles that were placed around the tub, and smiled at the set stage. She stripped down and slipped into bliss.
Sipping the hot chocolate slowly, savoring every delightful drop, Sabela began to relax a little. She closed her eyes.
It felt like she hadn’t slept in days, but she was still too wired to do anything about it.
At least tucked away in her own room and showered in luxury, she didn’t feel threatened. She thought about Colin, about who he really was.
Colin certainly was handsome, and he could be charming despite his edge. She’d never known a man like him. How old was he? Older than her brother, she guessed. He was crazy successful, that much was certain.
And he was sexy, in a dangerous way that made her insides tingle. From the looks he’d given her, she was pretty sure he wanted her. Would it be so wrong to let herself enjoy Colin’s company a little more intimately, if the chance presented itself?
Sabela blinked her eyes open. What the hell was she thinking? Was she really thinking of giving herself to some rich man just because he was handsome and had paid her bills?
It was wrong on too many levels. She was just tired, not thinking straight.
She decided that she wasn’t going to over-analyze the situation. She’d find out at dinner what more Colin wanted from her, and she’d have more information about the intriguing man.
But sex was definitely off the table, no matter how gorgeous he was.
Why was she thinking about sex again? She glared at her hot chocolate. What was in this stuff? An aphrodisiac?
Nah. She was just wound tight, that was all. She needed to put all the questions and worries aside for now. Wait for everything to reveal itself, which it would, she knew, in due time.
Until then, she’d enjoy the princess treatment. It would likely be the only time in her life she’d have an experience like this, and she needed to milk it for all it was worth. Sabela stretched out in the tub so her toes peeped out from beneath the bubbles.
Pr
incess.
She could get used to that. Especially when right about now she should have been well into her second shift at the diner, feet aching and thoroughly drenched in eau de meatloaf-special. Instead, she was soaking in a tub of luxury and smelling like sweet, sweet indulgence.
Using the gels and soaps at her disposal, she washed herself and soaked a little longer in clean water. All of the stress melted away, leaving her more relaxed than she’d been since the suited man showed up at her doorstep.
Then she thought of Trevor.
What was her brother doing, she wondered. Her fingers swirled in the bubbles and toyed with the suds absentmindedly. Had he even realized she was gone?
Once upon a time, he’d been a great brother. Then the accident had changed him. Trevor said he was suffering because he’d lost the love of his life when he crashed his car, but Sabela had never heard him speak of her before the accident. Why was she so important if he’d never mentioned her before?
She couldn’t help but wonder if his concussion hadn’t done more damage than they thought. No matter the reason, he wasn’t the same man he’d once been. And after years of being Trevor’s sole support, financial and otherwise, Sabela wasn’t who she’d once been either. Most days she was twenty-four going on fifty, burdened with stress and worry.
Bath over, she wandered into the closet and took out the undergarments she found in a drawer. They were silky and hugged her hips, yet were still more comfortable and sexy than anything she’d ever owned. The panties alone probably cost more than everything combined in her beat-up chest of drawers back home.
The slinky lingerie made her all alive and sexy. Tonight, she was saying goodbye to feeling fifty. Tonight, she was twenty-four going on twenty-five, precisely as she should be.
She wandered the rows of clothes to take stock and decide what would be most appropriate for dinner tonight.
Ball gowns. Jeans. Silk dresses. Cashmere sweaters. Short skirts. Long skirts. The variety was more than a little mind blowing.
Should she go conservative? Colin’s gaze had wandered, and he hadn’t made any attempt to hide it. It would be wrong to give him reason to think she was interested when she knew that nothing could happen between them.