brooding and stern, all characteristics Sam could respect. He was also judgmental. The tone of his voice, the way in which he’d looked at Sam the moment he’d entered the conference room, said he was neither impressed nor thrilled that Sam was here. Even when Karena had introduced him as being a business partner of Trent Donovan’s, one of the Donovans renowned for their own success in business as well as their philanthropy.
Not that Sam cared. His business was steadily building its own credibility and reputation, and he didn’t need Paul Lakefield’s approval. He was here only because Karena had called him.
“I’m saying that I don’t believe it was coincidence that he called Karena offering not only to sell her a painting but to also meet her in person.”
“Maybe he’s making a move on behalf of his career. Coming out of hiding to further build on his name,” Karena said, hope tinting her voice.
“Or maybe it was a setup all along.”
This was from Monica, Karena’s sister. Her older sister, he surmised from the impatient look she gave Karena.
Monica was the polar opposite of Karena in the looks department. She was taller for one, probably around five feet eight or nine inches, her frame svelte and sophisticated. Her clothes matched her personality, designer business suit with starched white blouse and heels that put her directly at eye level with him. She was cool, professional and determined to prove she was as good as any man. Sam had seen her type before.
She was a beautiful woman, there was no doubt about that. Her complexion was a few shades lighter than Karena’s, her features stronger, more defined. Her hair was pulled back into a tight bun that probably only added to her uptight attitude. All in all, if Sam had his choice of whom he’d like to be trapped on a deserted island with, Karena won, hands down.
Sam was a detail man. He paid attention to everything around him, even the things that people themselves didn’t realize they were doing.
Karena was sitting in the exact spot she’d been in before her father and sister arrived, only now she wasn’t as talkative or as assertive in her position. Monica had taken a seat beside her, but it was clear she was on her father’s side. Or was she playing the mediator between Karena and Paul?
“This should never have happened. You should have checked things out before going down there.”
“Checked things out how, Daddy? Should I have had the number he called from traced? Asked him to send me his photo identification and Social Security card?” She sighed heavily and began gathering the papers from the table. “I’ve hired Sam to look into this. Until then, the picture stays in our warehouse. I mean, Jacques hasn’t even produced a name of the alleged true owners of the portrait. And I haven’t seen an insurance claim for the stolen property.”
Standing, she lifted the folder in her hands, took a deep breath and looked at her father once more. “I got us into this and I’ll make sure we get out of it. Just like I told you earlier this morning.”
In that moment Sam saw her strength, her dedication not only to her job but to her family. And when her father hadn’t responded but only looked at her solemnly, Sam saw something else. Hurt.
“This is my company, Karena. I’m just trying to make sure we all keep our dealings aboveboard,” Paul offered as if he’d seen that flash of pain in his daughter’s eyes, as well.
“With all due respect, Daddy, the gallery is my domain,” Monica offered. “I’m the manager and Jacques reports directly to me. So I’ll keep a close eye on this and fill you in as the need arises.”
Paul’s gaze moved from one daughter to the other. “The need has already arisen. I want to know every development in this matter. If you’re going to investigate, know that we’ll pay top dollar for priority as well as privacy,” he said to Sam.
“That’s not required. I know how to do my job.” That was something Paul hadn’t expected him to say, Sam was sure. But he’d been more than a little concerned with the way Paul Lakefield handled his daughters. It was as if they had positions within his company but he was still in control, no matter what. His trust in them was nonexistent, and Sam was willing to bet the sisters knew this and detested their father for it.
“Then do it quickly,” he stated before leaving the room.
Monica stood, moved to Sam, extended her hand and waited. When he grasped it, she said, “I want daily reports on your findings.”
Dominance, or should he say bossiness, definitely ran in the Lakefield family. “I’ll keep Karena updated,” he replied.
She lifted an elegantly arched brow then looked over her shoulder as she slipped her hand from his grasp. “Karena, I need to speak to you privately. I’ll meet you in your office.”
Turning back to Sam, she said, “Nice meeting you.”
Monica walked away, and Sam felt the chill of air leaving behind her. This one was all business, no-nonsense and no softness. He remembered on the plane when Karena had told him about Monica being committed only to her job. She obviously hadn’t lied, and he wondered briefly if his initial thought of introducing her to Alex Bennett was a smart move.
Alex was the oldest son of Marvin and Beatriz Bennett, the family he’d worked the stalking case for earlier this year. He was also the CEO of Bennett Industries and a bona fide workaholic. Still, Alex was Sam’s brother-in-law since Bree had married his brother, Renny. Sam wasn’t sure he’d wish the cold wrath of Monica Lakefield on a family member.
“For the record, I don’t think tracing Leandro’s call would have done you any good,” he said when they were finally alone.
She was rubbing her temples, and she looked up at him as if she’d forgotten he was there. “I just don’t know what else they expect me to do.”
Her voice sounded so desolate, but then as if she’d released a deep, dark family secret, she straightened and walked toward him. “If you can just call me with your developments, that would be great. I just need to know for sure whom I met with and where that painting came from. As my father so eloquently stated, we’ll pay you whatever is necessary for a speedy turnaround.”
Was she dismissing him? Yes, she definitely was. Sam would have taken the hint if she hadn’t looked so sad and so sexy at the same time. So instead of turning to leave the office, he reached out and took her free hand.
“I’ll call you every day to let you know what I uncover.” She looked up at him, confusion and something just a little darker in her eyes. Sam moved closer until his chest pushed the folder she was clutching against her breasts. “In fact, I’ll call you twice a day, and you don’t have to pay extra for that service.”
Her nipples tingled and she stifled a groan. There was clothing between them and even that dammed folder, and still the heat from his body had mingled with hers, creating a fiery sphere around them. She inhaled deeply but the breath was ragged coming out, hitching on the huge swirl of sexual frustration mounting in the pit of her stomach.
God, she needed either a vibrator or a quickie right away. Before she did something clearly out of character and jumped Sam Desdune’s bones.
Chapter Four
“So how long have you known him and are you sleeping with him?”
Monica
