Blackmailing the Billionaire(7)

Stepping once more into the kitchen, her look challenged him to say one word, his head lifting as a slow sensual smile spread over his features. “Well... So much better... You look... Good” Giving him a shriveling glare, she opened a cupboard, grabbing a glass before filling it with water, not prepared to let him see how the compliment sent the strangest sensation of pleasure running through her, the anger washed away.

Taking a long drink, she pulled herself back together before once more turning to face him, her small chin lifted defiantly, “Well... Wouldn’t want to embarrass you in front of all of your judging shallow-minded friends” His lips twitched again, real humour deep in his eyes, “That would be the ‘judging, shallow-minded friends’ you seem so desperate to meet”, the soft words making her curl her fingers around the glass. “Yes... well. Like I said I have my reasons” Still drinking his coffee, his eyes fixed on her, his whole stance relaxed, while she felt her insides trembling. “Care to tell me what those ‘reasons’ are?”

Turning to rinse her glass, she shook her head fervently, “Nope” His long sigh made her turn, his look now serious. “I should tell you Joy, that I will be keeping a close eye on you. I do not like this deal, not one little bit. But if I find out you are up to something, anything that might harm my friends... I will come down so hard on you, you will not know what day of the week it is”

Joy pursed her lips, her head nodding softly, “Understood” The two regarded each other before he placed his cup on the table. “OK. I had thought to ask you to pack a bag... But after what I just saw we will just make our first stop somewhere to get you new clothes. Oh, and do you have a passport?” Joy snapped to attention as she frowned. “Why would I need to pack?” His finger trailed around the rim of the cup, a predatory smile on his mouth. “Because Miss Reid, I have a hectic life which involves my travelling around a great deal. Now you could either accompany me... or I could just hook up with you when I am in town” Her eyes widened, lips opening in surprise, “When are you going?... Where are you going?” His arm came up in an exaggerated movement, checking his watch, “Hmmm, in about five hours... Enough time to get lunch and then my flight... And the ‘where’ depends on the particular day”

Joy glared at the man before her. Was this his attempt to shake her off, to pay lip service to the deal they made? He was a busy man she knew, but it was vital that she stick with him, did what had to be done. Taking a shuddering breath, she fixed him with eyes full of determination. Time to pull up her big girl pants and show him she was not going to be side-lined.

Pulling her phone out, she could see his eyes narrowing as silently she dialed a number. “Hi Jan... I need to go out of town, not sure for how long... Could you watch the farm for me?” After a few seconds and the promise to tell Jan more later she rang off, her look turned once more to his. “OK Mr Calle... Ready when you are. And yes I have a passport”, Joy satisfied to see the way his eyes hardened and his jaw tightened.

Standing, he moved towards the door. “In that case Miss Reid, let’s go”, his arm outstretched for her to lead the way. With one final glance around, she moved out of the home she had grown up in, stopping only long enough to pick up the small passport tucked neatly in the living room sideboard, the sinking feeling hitting her that the next time she would see her home, it would most likely be to pack up her belongings.

In the car the two were silent, both lost in their own thoughts. Jan had been surprised when she called, her worried voice once more questioning if she was sure, telling Joy that they could find another way, Joy knowing that they never would. Finally on the other end of the line her aunt had sighed, she knowing that the woman was smiling as she promised to move into the farm with Ricco. Joy knew that the farm would be in safe hands. It had once been her aunt’s home, she and her father having grown up on it. An image of little Ricco, his small hand reaching out to the horses as he gurgled happily filled her mind, the importance of her mission making her throat contract, Joy suddenly finding it hard to breath, not aware as her face filled with pain.

“You OK?” Carig’s concerned voice returned her thoughts to where she was, Joy pulling a shaky smile to her mouth. “Sure... I’m fine”, looking once more back out of the window as she surreptitiously brushed away the tear which rolled down her cheek.

The car pulling abruptly onto the grass at the side of the road pulled her shocked face around to stare at him, his mouth set in a solemn line. “W... What are you doing?” Carig remained tight-lipped until the car pulled to a full stop. Then, releasing his seatbelt he twisted to face her, his stony expression making her eyes widen in confusion. “It is no secret that I find this whole situation unacceptable. I am a busy man Joy, and do not have time to accompany some needy woman with social aspirations, but you backed me into a corner” His look was full of anger, his eyes steely, “But... one thing I will absolutely NOT put up with is lies. I asked you if you are OK, and already you are lying to me”