Absolute Trust - Jeana E. Mann Page 0,7
way to my house.”
“Yeah, about that—I just need to make a quick stop first.” His shrewd, sideways glance at my bare legs sends a spasm of need into my core. How does he manage to be sexy and intimidating at the same time? I resist the urge to tug down the hem of my dress and let it ride higher on my thighs. Deep down, I like knowing he finds me attractive. I crave the adrenalin rush of being scared and horny at the same time—a thrill only Cash can provide.
We turn off Main Street. Leafy elms spread their branches over the manicured lawns and sidewalks. He parks the car behind a mid-century residential home off Main Street and comes around the front of the Jag to open my door. We enter through the back of the building. Cash taps a security code into the alarm system then flips on the lights.
“What’s this?” I suck in an awed breath. “Why haven’t I heard of it?”
Nothing about the exterior provides clues to the treasure trove inside. There are no signs or logos or indications of a business. The interior is open and clean with white walls, restored pine floors, and exposed overhead beams. Elegant antique furnishings are upholstered in sumptuous purple velvet. Along the walls and in the center of each room are glass display cases filled with jewelry. Expensive, unique, to-die-for jewelry.
“Welcome to Dark Desires. My very exclusive, very secret showcase of the world’s most expensive jewels. The clients come strictly from referrals. This is the place where world leaders bring their mistresses, and the mega wealthy can shop in complete anonymity. Visits are by appointment only.” The quiet smoothness of his voice holds a seductive quality—or maybe, it’s the sight of so many priceless jewels that dampens my panties. “No website. No ads. No receipts. Cash only. The money goes into a vault in the basement. Once a month, Gage transfers it out to be laundered.”
“Nice.” I pause to examine a diamond tennis bracelet on its bed of black velvet. Then a darker, more sinister thought takes precedence over my excitement. A place like this invites danger. “And all this is yours?”
“I own it—or one of my shell companies does.” He folds his arms over his chest, leans back against the door casing, and watches as I flit from one display to the next. The pieces are stunning. High quality. Exquisite. More than likely, they’re also stolen.
“Where do you get this stuff?” My fingers curl with the need to examine each stone more closely. If only I’d brought along my loupe.
He shrugs. “Here. There. You know.” The spark in his eyes suggests he’s aware of my warring emotions. “I’ve got too much on my plate right now. I’ve got one of my soldiers taking appointments, but she’s not really suited for the job. I was hoping you’d take it over.”
“Seriously?” Running a place like this is beyond my wildest dreams. The danger, the clientele, the jewels—they beckon to my darkest desires.
“Yeah, but you’re not interested, so—” He jerks his chin toward the exit. “It’s getting late. I should probably get you home.”
“Wait.” A blue diamond pendant catches my eye. It rests in a clear glass box beneath a spotlight, illuminated like a museum piece. I’ve never seen a stone with so many flawless facets. “Can I look at this one?”
He glances at his watch. “Sure. You’re the one with the busy schedule.” Despite his reluctant words, triumph glitters in his eyes. I’m too swept up in the stones to care about the way he manipulates me. I’ve come to expect it. Using the keys in his pocket, he unlocks the case, removes the pendant, and drapes it around my neck. The tips of his fingers sweep over my nape as he brushes my hair aside and fastens the clasp. He tugs down the shoulder of my dress to press a kiss on the revealed skin. I let him because I’m too enamored with the priceless piece to protest.
“It’s beautiful.” The pitch of my voice is higher than normal. Together, we stare at my reflection in the oval mirror on the counter, his face hovering next to mine over my shoulder. His chest presses against my back. We look good together—me, Cash, and the blue diamond. I drag my fingertips over the cold stone.
“What else do you like?” His hot breath sears the outer shell of my ear.
“This one.” I point toward a princess cut diamond ring with a platinum