FORBIDDEN LOVE Read Online Free Page B

either of us. Although, I wonder. Why did you agree to meet Julian’s man on the Pier and on his terms? Such an unsavory location.” She gave a little shudder.
    “Not just Julian’s man, Evelyn. Julian’s son, Hawk, newly arrived from the oil fields of Houston–or was it London? It doesn’t matter. Julian wanted the position of power, I gave it to him,” Constantine said, releasing her arm and walking to the sideboard to pour a drink. “Sometimes appearing weak in an enemy’s eyes gives you the position of greater strength. Letting Julian believe he has the upper hand is giving him nothing but an illusion of control.
    “I agreed to the terms as soon as I heard Hawk was in town and would be representing Julian. His children are his greatest weakness. It’s time to exploit that knowledge.”
    ****
    As Danielle started her work in his room at his father’s mansion, Hawk tried to imagine it through her eyes. Heavy wood, rich chocolate and red wine hues, as luxurious as any five-star hotel. It felt ostentatious to him suddenly, and he longed for a place of his own to bring her.
    Not that she was interested in him like that. He could tell from the way her eyes moved restlessly over everything, the way she watched him. He knew telling her his story only increased his likelihood as a suspect. What choice had he? He could have covered up, hidden the evidence, but then the real killer would be able to exert control over him.
    Danielle worked quickly, coating each flat surface with fingerprint powder, taking photographs, making notes. There was no need for small talk to cover any awkward moments for this woman. She was completely focused on her work.
    Danielle had stopped off at her apartment on the way to his father’s house. She’d put a portable crime scene kit into a large satchel-type purse and shifted out of her work clothes. Now she looked more casual, wearing blue jeans and a deep blue sweater that skimmed her breasts and hinted at the lush body underneath. She’d pulled her glossy blonde hair into a ponytail at the nape of her neck, and he wanted to taste all that exposed flesh. Instead, he shoved his hands in his pockets, careful not to touch anything, and watched her work.
    When she finished with the surfaces, she snapped off the soiled gloves and put on a fresh pair. “May I?” she asked, hands poised above the dresser.
    Hawk nodded and then kept his face impassive while she ran her fingers lightly over a stack of his silk boxers. She quickly went through the drawers and the rest of the room. Finally, she removed her gloves and asked to use his bathroom to clean up. “Turn on some music while I’m gone, will you?”
    Danielle left the water running in the bathroom when she returned with two damp washcloths and tossed one to him. “Let’s clean up any sign I was here in an official capacity. Just in case someone saw me come in,” she said, speaking softly.
    “Did you find anything?” he asked, as he wiped the fingerprint dust from his night table and lamp.
    She was quiet for such a long time that he thought maybe she wasn’t going to answer him. Finally, with a sigh, she said, “I didn’t find anything.”
    Confused by her answer and tone, he asked, “Nothing? That’s good, isn’t it?”
    “I’m not exaggerating, Hawk. I didn’t find one thing. And I should have.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “There isn’t anything. Not one fingerprint on any surface in your room. I should have at least found yours. Unless your staff is remarkably efficient and dusted your room after you changed clothes and went out tonight.”
    “And the music and water? You suspect my room may be under electronic surveillance?” he whispered.
    “I think it’s a possibility. I’d get that checked by some electronics sweepers tomorrow if I were you.”
    “So you believe me, then. Someone is setting me up?”
    “I believe you want me to think that. However, bringing me supposed evidence that someone set you up and