“Here I am. Do you have it?”
“I certainly do.”
He held a small green glass bottle. It was about the size of an antique perfume bottle with a glass stopper.
“It’s beautiful,” she said.
“I acquired it in London a few months ago.” He looked at it sourly. “I’m disappointed in it.”
It was half filled with liquid. “What sort of potion is it supposed to be?”
“It is called Desidero.” He peered at it through the opening in his mask. “It’s supposed to be a mood enhancer, but it doesn’t seem to work at all. I’ve tested it several times to no avail, which leads me to believe I was either duped when I bought it or its properties are no longer viable. I spent a great deal of money on this and if PARA determines that it is not what it is meant to be, then those who sold it to me will be held accountable. At the very least, I’ll expect my money back.”
“Is it dangerous?”
“Not at all. Like I said, it doesn’t work. It’s no more dangerous than water.”
Emma took the bottle from him and inspected it, turning it around in her hand. The stopper didn’t look particularly snug. She’d brought a sealed case to keep it in for the trip back so no contents would spill. “We’re happy to assess it for you and let you know what we find. It’ll probably take about a week before someone gives you the report. Anyway, it was very nice to meet you, Xavier.”
She was about to move past him to grab her bags when he blocked her path. “Leaving so soon?” he asked.
“I appreciate you letting me attend the party, but I think it’s time I headed home. My bus leaves at eleven and it’s already ten o’clock.”
“I understand,” he said, nodding. “But if you’re tired, I have plenty of room here at my mansion. I could have a bed made up for you.”
“That’s really not necessary.”
He drew closer to her. “I’d love the chance to get to know you better.”
Emma stiffened as she felt his bony hand press against her. “Are you aware that you’re now cupping my right breast?”
He smiled. “Such a lovely right breast it is. The left one is equally alluring.”
Oh, boy. “I need to go now.”
“I’m a very rich man, Emma. And I enjoy collecting beautiful things. I have three mistresses set up in Manhattan, two in Toronto, and one in London. Have you ever given any thought to letting someone take care of you so you can live a life of leisure rather than having to pursue a full-time career to support yourself?”
She eyed him. “Are you asking me to be one of your mistresses?”
He swept his gaze over her, stopping at her cleavage. “I don’t have a redhead in my collection yet.”
She couldn’t say she was overly surprised by this turn of events. Xavier Franklin’s reputation for chasing much younger women by the baker’s dozen did precede him, after all. She was surprised he only had six mistresses.
“Look, Xavier, I’m flattered, of course, but I wouldn’t say I’m in the market for—”
He aimed a kiss toward her mouth, but she dodged out of the way just in time. He grinned wickedly at her. “I like a little spunk in my ladies. The chase only makes it more fun!”
This wasn’t happening to her. “I really need to leave.”
His pale eyes swept over her body. “You, me, hot tub. Now. You can leave the mask on but everything else comes off. I enjoy a bit of mystery.”
She grimaced. “No, thanks.”
“Your beautiful lips say no, but your sexy green eyes say yes.”
“My sexy green eyes are also saying no. Trust me on that.”
He grabbed her wrist and she had to jostle to keep a hold of the potion bottle so it wouldn’t spill. “I’ve desired you since the moment we met. I want to make love to you.”
She gritted her teeth. “That wasn’t part of the agreement with PARA.”
“I don’t care.” He waved a hand flippantly. “You know, Emma, I have a difficult time taking no for an answer.”
“I can see that.” She didn’t want to resort to kneeing the old man in his privates, but it was a distinct possibility she’d have to go there. He was rich and powerful. PARA considered him a VIP, so he could make her life very difficult, but she’d be damned if she was going to let him to fondle her like one of his shiny glass bowls.
“Excuse me,” a familiar voice said from behind them. “Emma, I was wondering where you’d gotten to. Is everything okay?”
She turned with shock to see Ryan standing by the open door to the library.
“Who are you?” Xavier demanded, without letting go of her wrist.
“I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced. I’m Ryan. Emma’s fiancé.” He smiled thinly. “Is there a problem here?”
Xavier let go of her so abruptly she nearly stumbled backward. She pressed her hand over the top of the bottle to keep the stopper in place.
“Emma, I wasn’t aware that you were engaged,” he said.
Her first inclination was to deny it, but she bit her tongue long enough to come to her senses. “Oh, yes. Very engaged. Ryan came along with me tonight. It was a long drive and I wanted the company.”
“Yes,” Ryan agreed. “I couldn’t let my angel come all this way by herself. The city can be very dangerous. Predators are everywhere. Present company excluded, of course.”
Xavier pursed his lips. “I thought you said you were taking the bus back tonight.”
“I…uh, yes, of course,” she said. “We both took the bus.”
The billionaire eyed each of them in turn and Emma was certain he didn’t believe a word they spoke.
“Yes, well,” he finally relented. “I really must get back to my party. Everyone will be wondering where I’ve gotten to.”
“Good idea,” Ryan said. “Bye now.”
“Lovely to meet you. Both of you.” Without another word, Xavier Franklin left the library and closed the heavy, ornately carved door behind him, leaving Emma and Ryan alone. She finally released the breath she’d been holding.
“You don’t have to thank me—” Ryan offered.
She looked at him, trying her best to repress the gratitude she felt. “I wasn’t going to.”
“—but you’re welcome.”
Emma put her
