Page 13 of Weeping Roses
He sounds so reassuring it causes me to relax a little and I cough nervously. “Um, I’m at the house in Lower Slaughter and it occurred to me that there is only one set of keys.”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Isn’t that unusual?”
I say quickly, “I mean, were there any staff who may own a set, or a keyholder, perhaps?”
There’s a brief silence and then he says guardedly, “It’s a possibility, I suppose. It was all rather sudden, and the keys were handed to us when the police instructed us of Veronica’s sad accident.”
“The police?”
“Yes. There were no other friends or relatives who came forward and so they went to her residences and checked. The keys to them all were discovered within her personal possessions, and I suppose the other sets were in the house where she died. It would explain why only the spare sets were handed in.”
“I see.”
I’m filled with sadness that my aunt had no one close to her except for the staff and Valentin’s late father.
It stirs up the detective in me and chases away my fear far more effectively than any strong words from Valentin and I say curiously, “Donald, would it be too much trouble to provide me with a list of any known associates of my aunt and a copy of the will? I would also like access to the deeds of the houses and any paperwork on the matter.”
I take a deep breath and say firmly, “I inherited an empire that I need to gain control of and understand what it involves.”
“An empire.”
He sounds amused and I say firmly, “Yes, Donald. An empire because from the short time I’ve been at this house, I have understood that my aunt was heavily involved in charity work, and I want to make certain that is continued in her memory.”
“Of course.”
His voice softens. “I will do everything I can to help and, of course, as a valued client of ours, we hope to continue that relationship going forward.”
“Of course.”
I say with a deep breath. “If I may receive the information I need by the close of business today, I would be most appreciative.”
“The close of business?”
He hesitates and I say with determination, “Yes, Donald. It is imperative I have that information as soon as possible. I hope I can count on your support.”
He responds with a quick, “I’ll see what I can do. Good afternoon, Polly, once again I am sorry for your loss.”
As I cut the call, my fingers shake as I rest the phone on the desk and a low laugh alerts me that I’m not alone.
Valentin is leaning against the door with an amused twinkle in his eye.
“That was impressive, Polly. I like how you handled that.”
My face blushes as I clench my thighs together because, for Christ’s sake, why is he so hot?
Somewhere between him leaving me and now, he has discarded his coat and jacket, and my mouth is actually watering at the sight of his chest peering out from a black silk shirt. His chest felt good when it was against me, but staring at it is doing mad things to my libido. He has rolled up the sleeves and the ink on his muscled forearms causes my mouth to drop and my eyes drop to his waist where the brown leather belt contains a bulge that doesn’t escape my attention.
“Do you like what you see?” He drawls with amusement and my face heats as I snap, “No! To be honest, I’m growing tied of this situation and would ask if you could all leave me to my grief.”
“Not happening, malyshka.”
He shrugs off from the door jamb and advances like a predator and my breath hitches as he perches on the edge of the desk and I hate that I can’t tear my eyes away from his crotch.
He diverts my attention by tucking his finger under my chin, forcing me to stare up at him and his eyes flash as he whispers huskily, “I am your new best friend. Where you go, I go. If you have anything to say, you say it to me. We eat together, breathe together and it’s your choice if we sleep together but understand one thing, all the time I am searching for answers that only you can provide, I am glued to your side whether you agree or not.”
“But.” I stutter as his rough thumb caresses my face and his eyes glitter as he stares deep into my soul.