crossing the room and retrieving the dagger. “That’s better.”
He loomed over Kat until he was content she was sufficiently cowed, then took a seat beside her. “Now then…what to do with you?”
By now, Kat’s hands were trembling. “I’ve heard about a shipment of copper coming in this week. I can…”
He pressed a finger to her lips. “Hush, my dear. Now that you’re a woman, your stealing days are over. But you knew that before you came here, didn’t you?”
She nodded weakly.
Jared brushed a stray hair away from her face and smiled. “Don’t be frightened. You’ll like it here. I can protect you…keep you safe.” He shifted closer. “You just don’t know how upset it used to make me, knowing that you were on the streets all by yourself. There’s no telling what could have happened to you out there.”
A single tear fell down her cheek. “But I don’t…I mean…I’ve never…” Her voice trailed off.
“Don’t worry about that,” he reassured her. “I’ll show you everything you need to know.” He leaned in to kiss her, but Kat jumped up from the couch and backed away.
Jared’s face flashed with anger, but quickly softened. “I understand. I’ve seen this before.” He got up and went to his desk. “I have just the thing.” Reaching into the drawer, he produced a small tin box.
Kat’s eyes shot wide. “Please. I don’t want daiva.”
“All the girls use it,” he replied. “A little bit won’t hurt you, I promise. It will just make things…easier.”
Kat moved behind the couch and picked up a small bundle. “Can’t we drink this instead? I got it for you just before I came.”
Jared frowned. “Did you now?”
She approached the desk and set down the bundle. Jared stared at it for a moment before unwrapping it.
He picked up the bottle inside and held it at eye level. “Harbor Fields,” he remarked. “Twenty years old. Very nice.” He studied the cork and seal carefully before removing them.
Kat laughed. “Do you think I’m trying to poison you?”
Jared took two cups from the cabinet. “Perhaps. We’ll see soon enough.” He poured the wine and handed her a cup.
Without hesitation, she drained it dry and let out an appreciative sigh. Her tongue ran over her lips seductively. “Mmmm! More please.”
Smirking, Jared poured her another. He watched with eager anticipation as she drank half of the second cup, her eyes staring into his the entire time.
“You’re going to be quite popular,” he said. Sitting down at the desk again, he patted his leg.
After another gulp of wine, she settled onto his lap.
“By the way. How did you get in here?” he asked.
“Don’t worry,” she replied. “Soon you’ll know all of my little secrets.”
Jared tried to kiss her again, but she put the cup to her lips to prevent him.
“Men don’t like being teased, my dear,” he scolded, kissing her exposed neck gently.
Kat giggled and hopped up from his lap. “That tickles.”
Jared reached out, but she danced away and jumped playfully onto the couch. He stood up and took the bottle. After pouring himself a cup, he ambled across the room and stood over her.
“You know, Kat, some men don’t like girls who aren’t…how should I put it?” He pointed to her shirt. “Endowed with womanly attributes. Not me, mind you. I like it that way.”
She lowered her eyes, her face flushing with embarrassment. It was true that her body had only just begun to develop. Since it had, she had made a habit of wearing loose fitting shirts and blouses to hide the fact.
Jared slipped down beside her. “You can’t be this shy when you’re working. You know that, don’t you?”
Kat met his eyes. “Don’t worry. I won’t be.”
He drained the cup and tossed it carelessly on the floor. “Of course, if you please me, I may just keep you all to myself. Would you like that?”
She smiled sheepishly. “I might. What would I have to do?”
He placed his hand on her leg. “That’s what I’m about to…to…”
His words faltered. Suddenly, his brow creased and his mouth twisted into a pained frown.
Kat’s smile never faded. “Is something wrong? Don’t you think I’m pretty?”
Jared leaned back. His hands were shaking and his face was turning deathly pale. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came.
She stood up. This time, she was looming over him. “I’m sorry, Jared. I don’t think I’ll be letting you put your grimy little hands on me ever again.”
With eyes now wide with fear, he struggled to move but only managed to topple