“Mark? What are you doing here?”
Mark slipped easily into the persona of concerned friend. “You disappeared the other night. I tried to call you, but —”
“Yeah, my phone … well, it’s broken. I haven’t had a chance to replace it yet. How’d you know I was here?”
Her suspicious tone grated on his nerves. “Didn’t,” he answered easily. “I saw you through the window as I was walking by.”
She hesitated and Mark knew she was trying to figure out if he was telling her the truth or not. Much to his regret, things between them hadn’t advanced as much as he’d have liked, since she obviously didn’t trust him. Not that it mattered.
He held his palms up and took a step back. “Hey, it’s cool. I didn’t mean to freak you out or anything. I just wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something bad had happened to you while you were out with me. I’ve been worried.”
Her expression softened and she ran her fingers through her hair. “No. You’re right. I’m sorry. As you can see, I’m fine, but I’m just getting ready to leave.”
He inched closer as she stood. “I see you’re in one piece, but are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine, really.”
Her eyes told a different story, but Mark didn’t push. He didn’t care if she was fine or not. She had information he needed.
“Can I walk you somewhere?”
“No, that’s okay, but thank you. It really was nice of you to come in and check on me.”
She started off toward the entrance, where a security guard appeared to be waiting. Mark stepped in beside her. He forced a grin and lightly bumped her with his elbow. “Of course. Who was that guy who dragged you away the other night, anyway?”
She stopped. “I really am sorry about that. He can be rather, shall we say, persuasive. I hope I didn’t worry you too much.” She reached out and squeezed his forearm.
The warmth of her hand seeped into his skin and he placed his hand over hers, trapping her against him for a brief second before he released her. She’d never been skittish around him before, but her unease was as plain as the nose on her face. “He your boyfriend or something?” He kept his tone light, teasing.
“He’s a friend. My best friend’s brother. Family.” She laughed. “I don’t know what to call him. But I do know if I don’t get back soon, he’ll come looking for me.”
Mark suspected she’d added that last bit for his benefit. A warning of sorts. It didn’t matter. He’d learned what he’d come here to learn. Her nipples had hardened at the first mention of her male friend. Her pupils had changed and tiny bumps erupted across her skin. The man was obviously more than just a friend.
“Gotcha. I didn’t mean to startle you. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
“Thanks.”
He chose his next words carefully. “I’m really am glad to know you’re okay. I heard there was a shooting in the parking lot after you left.”
Samantha diverted her gaze and acknowledged the guard as they stepped into the lobby. “I heard about that. Crazy, right?”
He nodded, fully aware of rent-a-cop on their heels. “Makes you wonder if anywhere is safe, doesn’t it?”
And wonder was exactly what he wanted her to do.
At first, she’d been his way in. After what he’d just learned, it seemed she was much more than that. The saucy redhead was the key to his success. Unexpected, but he knew how to adapt. It was the only reason he was alive.
Samantha said a quick goodbye and moved toward the bank of elevators. Her tight little ass, held snug by jeans that rode low on her hips, tempted him. He’d bet she was a screamer. It made him wish he had the time to play with her before he snapped her pretty little neck.
Fishing the cell phone from his pocket, Mark dialed a familiar number as he stepped out into the sunshine.
“What is it?”
“Aw, come on now, Vinnie,” Mark drawled. “Is that any way to greet an old friend?”
“Unless you have something useful to discuss, this conversation is over.”
Mark tsked his disappointment. “Such impatience. I’ve warned you that your impatience would be the death of you one day. But, in this case, I’ll make an exception. I assume you’re set for tomorrow night?”
Vincent’s sigh was loud in his ear. “I’ve already told you. A public announcement of my attendance at the fundraiser went out. Anyone who’s anyone will know I’m attending.”
“Excellent. But there’s a slight change in plans.”