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His eyes moved to study her lips and Natalie could feel the tension pouring fro too closely over the console "Say the word, baby," he intoned slowly, in a voice that both dared and begged her at the same time

Her eyes flared at his tense stateht in her sto? Or had her fevered iination only conjured those words up? She couldn't deal with this--not yet, not now She pulled on her wrist, atte to retrieve it fro around the enclosed space "I was lost, Marco--that's all"

His eyes narrowed on her, but finally, he released her wrist, while his expression re I found you then"

She let out a breath, thankful the subject had gotten back on track, away froerous course it had taken moments before "Yes, thank you" Her words were polite, but way too stiff She tried to loosen up the knot of tension in her throat so she could ?"

A cloud settled over his features and he answered her shortly, "Yes"

"Do you think it would be okay if I use it once in awhile?"

His eyes were co like dark volcanic rock while he studied her within the confines of the car "I don't see why not," he said slowly

His answer rang false; it seeh for why she couldn't use the gym Curious and alarmed at once, Natalie pasted a fake sh "Thanks again I'll get back to work Are you co across town, I'm late as it is"

Liar She didn't believe him for a second; she'd bet her last dollar he'd only left the bank to track her down "Okay I'll see you later" Natalie reached down and pulled the handle to release the door but it was locked Still uneasy under his scrutiny, she shot hi look He held her eyes for the beat of five seconds and then he released the locking mechanism The second it clicked open, she pulled the handle and jumped from the vehicle

Chapter Four

Two hours later, Natalie had showered and fixed her make-up and hair She'd slipped into her favorite pair of jeans and a loose t-shirt She was absent a dust cloth over the furniture, herdevice in her phone and wandering what else he ht have been capable of Had he screith the computer he'd lent her? Were there nanny ca around, trying to do it inconspicuously, in case she was being watched, the interco

She pressed the button "Yes?"

"I'm sorry to intrude on your day Miss La up May I send her up?" the concierge asked

Natalie had no clue who Miss Wallace was, but whoever she was, she didn't sound threatening "Sure And thank you"

"You're very welcome, Miss"

Twenty seconds later, the elevator doors opened and a tall, blonde female dressed to the nines strolled in as if she owned the place She glanced once at Natalie, and then dropped a box on the entry table before turning her penetrating stare on her completely "That's for Marco Who the hell are you?"

"Natalie Lah-pitched venom laced the word