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He shot her a menacing glare. “Don’t try anything, Ms. Genevieve. You know the boss’s terms.”
She cocked her head, zeroing in on the green dragon tattoo that climbed up the side of the man’s neck before meeting his dark, brooding eyes. “I recognize you. You’re one of Marshal’s top guys, aren’t you?”
The man’s mouth quirked up at the compliment. “I am.”
Hmm…this man likes to feel important. Perhaps I can use that. “Remind me of your name.”
“Roman,” he grunted, letting go of her.
Genevieve flung open the driver’s door, pocketing her key. “Roman,” she said sweetly, “I’ll see you in a few.”
Feigning confidence, she waltzed through the front doors of BC King Enterprises and nodded politely at the security guards. “I know I don’t normally park out front,”—she motioned a finger behind her head—“but I just need to dash into my office and back out.”
“No problem, Ms. Green,” one of the muscular guards said with a single nod. “Mr. King granted you full security access to the grounds when he hired you. Leave it there all day if you want.”
Her mouth dropped open before she quickly slammed it shut. That’s something she didn’t know. She masked her expression and smiled warmly at the guard, followed by several employees along the halls, as she pondered the new information. If that was the case, there was no need to check in with Mr. King’s executive assistant. She always cleared her meetings with Chris, even though Mr. King was typically so deep in thought he didn’t notice if she’d been buzzed in or not. But what the hell? Her goals had changed.
She brushed past Chris without a word, watching him blink in surprise as she boldly walked into Mr. King’s office. Mr. King scoured his computer, his brows arched in deep concentration while his black Brioni suit sheathed his toned, lithe frame. Gosh, he was…so…dang…cute! She nibbled her lip, hesitating. Should she leave this innocent, adorable man alone? No, Genevieve. You can do this! You need help. She forced herself toward Mr. King, letting her mom’s passionate voice urge her forward in combination with her own. Find an ally, Gen. Right away! And don’t feel guilty about it.
“Mr. King?”
His head popped up, his dark brown locks and stylish glasses bouncing with the movement. In his signature gesture, he pushed the rim of his glasses up the bridge of his nose and swallowed, forcing those sweet cocoa-brown eyes up to meet her gaze. “Um…yes, Gigi? How can I help you?”
“I was thinking—” Genevieve sashayed over to his sizable mahogany desk and sat on the edge, twisting her body so her cream-colored silk blouse parted open. She was using her femininity, but when the occasion called for it… “—that this Goddess event you mentioned isn’t our best option.”
“I agree.” He nodded with too much intensity.
Liar! But so was she.
“We should research events that would be a better fit for the company,” he continued, tugging on his crisp white business shirt collar. His eyes widened when the top buttons popped open involuntarily. “My friend is pretty new to the business.”
Yeah, right! Your friend isn’t putting on an event at all. She beamed a seductive smile at him while he drew in a sharp breath. His hand shot up to cover the front of his upper chest, concealing his shaved skin, his cheeks ablaze. Hot! What else did he have hidden under that fancy suit? She really needed to back off, but suddenly, the effects she had on Mr. King turned her on. She’d never let herself go there before with him because she’d needed her job, but now…
Mr. King leaned back in his swiveling office chair, rolling away a few paces while clearing his throat. “Could you handle researching some options for us?”
“Well, it’s funny you should mention it,” Genevieve purred, inching closer. “Perfect timing.” He swallowed even harder, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down while she continued, “There’s a conference in Reno that would be a good fit for your company—at The Outlaw Resort and Casino. I wondered if you might attend with me? I think having the CEO there is a must.” She waved her palm out dramatically. “These clients need to know we’re serious.”
“Sure,” Mr. King croaked out, “yeah.” He held her eyes without faltering. At least he had guts even if she had his nerves on edge—and she needed him to. No one could take on Jed Marshall otherwise. Mr. King motioned in the general direction of his executive assistant’s desk. “Just let Chris know when it is, and I’ll have him book plane tickets for both of?—"
“Oh, no.” Genevieve shook her head. “No need, Mr. King. I want to drive. It’s best if we leave today…like right now. I’ve already booked rooms at The Outlaw for tomorrow night. Two single king suites across the hall from one another.”
“Uh…” Mr. King picked up his black-and-gold marble rollerball pen, twirling it between his fingers at such a fast pace his skill was as keen as a juggler. So damn cute! “Leave today? That’s…well…I’m sure Chris can adjust my schedule.” He nodded as if convincing himself that changing plans at the last minute was an acceptable action. “Quill can cover.” Still spinning the ornate pen, he rubbed a finger from his free hand under his lip, crinkling his brow. “You said you want to drive? I can if you’d prefer?”
“Oh, so nice of you to offer.” He was playing right into her palm. Genevieve should feel guilty, but the closer she got to Mr. King, the less guilt and the more admiration she felt. Releasing a tense breath, she stood and backed toward his office door before he could change his mind. “Yes, actually, that would be nice.”
He bobbed his head, holding his glasses in place with the tip of his thumb. “Of course. I’ll pack my work laptop and meet you in the back parking lot by the east fence. I have a private space on the side of the building.” He put up a finger. “Oh, and we’ll need to swing by my place so I can pack a suitcase.”
“Great, I’ll grab my things from my cubicle and meet you outside. We’ll probably need to stay a night in a roadside motel along the way. It’s about a fourteen-hour drive.”
Mr. King flashed her a curious gaze, tipping his head to the side. “Sure, whatever you’d like to do, Gigi.”
Genevieve forced a bright smile, hoping Mr. King would settle things quickly with Chris and Quill. It wouldn’t take long for Roman to act in some manner, and she wanted to be on the road before he did. She rushed to her cubicle, grabbed her black office bag, and shoved her MacBook into the padded slot before wrenching her already-packed emergency duffel bag out from under her desk. She’d been ready to cut and run again at the slightest hint Jed might be on to her.
Glancing back for what surely would be the last time at her cozy cubicle dotted with blooming plants and knick-knacks, she flung her heavy black duffel over her shoulder. The bag was jampacked with necessities—a huge wad of cash, an extra purse, several outfits, a couple pairs of shoes, two wigs for disguise, and all kinds of toiletries and concealing makeup.
Genevieve had left her favorite purse and purple suitcase in the Camry. Roman would notice if she’d taken them into the office with her, and he’d more than likely already slipped a tracker into one or both bags. She had to resume life on the run, just like when she and her mom bolted almost three years ago. That meant nothing traceable—no phone, no credit cards, and especially no objects touched by Jed Marshall or one of his men.
She glared at the clock on the wall—only thirty-six hours left before Jed expected her to be obediently standing by his side, and that meant only thirty-six hours left to convince Mr. King to become her ally.
