The Devil To Pay by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Six

“Don’t tease her, boss.“ It was Cardellini who responded first to Julian’s outrageous words. “There’s no need to go

upsetting her like that. You’ll just make her nervous.“ His serious gaze moved sympathetically over Emelina’s taut

face.

“She’s been nervous around me from the start,“ Julian said dryly. “Don’t worry about her, Joe. She knows what

she’s getting into. And so do I. Why don’t you run along and take a look at the Leighton place.“

“Yes, sir.“ Properly rebuked and sent about his business, Joe Cardellini quietly let himself outside.

Emelina’s eyes narrowed. “He was only trying to be polite. You didn’t have to dismiss him like a…a servant!“

“He works for me. For the salary that young man receives he can take a few orders. How I treat him isn’t his real

problem, anyway.“

“What is?“ she demanded suspiciously.

“How you treat him is what will determine whether or not he gets to keep his cushy job.“

Emelina’s mouth fell open in astonishment. “How I treat him! I’ve only just met the man!“

“Ummm. And already he’s leaping to your defense. Steer clear of him, Emmy, or I’ll fire him.“ Julian calmly reached

for two cups and saucers.

“That’s utterly ridiculous and you know it! It’s insane! What in the world is the matter with you?“

“I have this little problem with possessiveness. Want some good coffee?“

“No, thank you!“ she flung back. “As Mr. Cardellini has observed, I’m already a little nervous. Getting more so by

the minute, too!“ She stalked to the window, giving him her back.

She didn’t hear him cross the room, but suddenly he was standing very quietly behind her. When he reached

around her to push a steaming mug into her fingers Emelina knew it was a peace offering, and she couldn’t quite stifle

the small smile that tugged at her expressive mouth.

“Are you laughing at me?“ he asked, his lips against her hair.

She shook her head. “It’s just that you remind me so much of Xerxes on occasion. When you put that coffee cup in

my hand it reminded me of the way Xerxes shoves his head under my palm when he wants to be petted.“ She shook

her head ruefully. “What am I going to do with the two of you?“

“Pet us.“ His fingers lifted to stroke the nape of her neck under the fall of chestnut hair and Emelina shivered.

“Are you trying to apologize for accusing me of seducing poor Joe?“ she demanded, refusing to be placated.

“Maybe,“ he sighed. “I’m not used to apologizing, Emmy.“

“Try it,“ she ordered succinctly.

She heard him draw in his breath before saying levelly, “I’m sorry, Emmy. I shouldn’t have jumped down your

throat like that for no reason.“

“No, you shouldn’t have,“ she agreed caustically.

“It’s just that I’m a bit sensitive on the subject.“

“You have no right to be!“ she gasped, still staring out the window.

“You can say that? After last night?“ The fingers at the nape of her neck moved caressingly. Emelina shifted

restlessly, stepping just out of reach.

“What happened last night doesn’t give you any rights, Julian,“ she whispered. Her fingers clenched into a small

fist at her side as she realized mat she was lying.

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