Leopard 03 - Burning Wild

Stavros was? It couldn’t be coincidence that two people who worked together had strong natural barriers, and yet Sid’s barrier was as strong as or stronger than Stavros’s, although it felt different.
    Elle flashed him a quick, forgiving smile, very much in keeping with Sheena’s sweet personality. “I certainly wouldn’t want to fall into the sea with this dress on.”
    He stepped back and indicated for her to make her way through the small knot of guests. Elle hesitated.
    “Sid, this is the last boat for shore and they’re already boarding. I have to get off.” Deliberately she glanced at her slim, diamond watch. “I have an appointment this afternoon.”
    “Mr. Gratsos will get you to your appointment in time,” Sid assured.
    That was a lie. He didn’t like lying to her. Whatever protection he had built on or had been provided with, his more intense emotions slipped through—unless he’d allowed it, which was possible. She could do that. Sid was worried about her, and if he was worried, she needed to be worried too. She stayed very still, measuring the distance to the boat. She was fast, but she doubted the boat would take her against Stavros’s orders.
    Sid shook his head. “Don’t try it, Ms. MacKenzie. If Mr. Gratsos wants you here, you’ll stay.”
    It was a warning. A clear warning. And had he read her mind? She didn’t think she’d given away her thoughts on her face. He looked at her directly, his dark eyes meeting hers. Her heart jumped at the caution, her mouth going dry. “Let me go now.”
    For a moment regret showed in his eyes, but she knew he wasn’t going to cross his boss. “You’ll have to take that up with him.”
    Elle nodded and made her way back toward the shipping magnate, very aware of Sid following directly behind her.
    Stavros held out his hand to her, closing his fingers around hers to draw her to his side. “I thought you were trying to leave me.”
    “I told you I couldn’t stay,” Elle reminded him. “I want to, Stavros, but I’ve already been gone long enough.” She was careful to keep her tone light and regretful even as she deliberately opened her senses and tried to psychically read him.
    Stavros was very used to getting his way, and trying to force her to comply with his will would be something he might do without thinking it was wrong. It was her first real reprimand, gentle as she could make it when she really wanted to spit fire at him. He seemed to have a natural barrier in place that prevented her from sliding into his mind the way she did everyone else.
    His eyes darkened to a stormy color. “I asked you to stay with me. To go to my home with me. I told you, Sheena, I’ve never brought a woman there.”
    She took a deep breath. He was taking her to his island and she would be cut off from all aid. Did he suspect her? And if he did, did that mean he had something to hide? Already the engines were starting to rumble and she could feel the deck vibrating beneath her feet. “Stavros, maybe I should meet you there later, tomorrow or the day after.”
    Stavros patted her hand and led her across the deck to seat her in a plush chair. “We need time together, Sheena. I want to spend a week together, just the two of us, and perhaps you’ll change your mind about me.”
    “I don’t have enough clothes for a week,” Elle said, trying to be practical.
    “I’ll send for them.”
    “I’m not sleeping with you, Stavros. I told you I can’t be in a relationship right now, I’m not ready.”
    “You told me this man broke your heart, Sheena. Who is he?”
    She shrugged, suddenly concerned by the steel in his eyes. She had the uneasy feeling that if she named anyone, he might turn up dead. Which was silly, since up until now she’d been very certain that Stavros was no criminal. But then why were all her internal radars screaming at her?
    “He’s of no consequence.”
    “He must be, if you won’t consider another relationship.” Stavros drummed his fingers on the table.
    She’d seen him do that when he was deep in thought or very agitated. “Did you live with him? How long were you with him?”

    “That isn’t your business,” Elle said firmly.
    His eyes narrowed. “I can hire someone to find out these answers for me.”
    Her heart jumped. He’d had her investigated. Dane had told her to be prepared for that. They had meticulously built her life and provided everything down to college pictures and records as well as a detailed past,