The hurt that scythed through her was deep and jagged. She wasn’t aware she’d moved until she stood over him, glaring down at the arrogant face that wore that oh, so self-assured smile.
‘I’ve never wanted to be this…this person you think I am. I was merely trying to help my family. I misjudged the situation and—’
‘You mean you fell in love with your mark.’
She swallowed. ‘I don’t know what you’re getting at.’ But deep down she suspected.
‘I mean you were set a target and you fell in love with your target. Isn’t that what happened with Blanco?’
Light-headedness assailed her as he confirmed her suspicion. ‘You know about Constantine?’
‘I know everything I need to know about your family, anjo. But by all means enlighten me as to why you’ve been so misjudged.’
His cynicism raked her nerves raw. ‘I made a mistake, one that I freely admit to.’
‘What mistake do you mean, querida? I want to hear it.’
‘I misjudged a man I thought I could trust.’
‘You mean you meant to use him but found out he intended to use you too?’ he mocked. ‘Some would call that poetic justice.’
Recalling Constantine’s public humiliation of her, the names he’d called her in the press, her stomach turned over. ‘You’re despicable.’ She raised her chin. ‘And assuming you’re even close to being right, won’t I be a fool to repeat that mistake again?’
‘No.’
‘No?’
His eyes fixed on hers. Serious and intense. ‘Because this time you know exactly what you’re getting. There will be no delusions of love on either of our parts. No pretence. Just a task, executed with smooth efficiency.’
‘But you intend to parade me about as your…lover? What will everyone think?’
He shrugged. ‘I don’t care what everyone thinks. And I don’t much think that bothers you either.’
She shivered. ‘Of course it bothers me. What makes you think it won’t?’
‘You’re the ultimate young Rio socialite. You have a dedicated following and young impressionable girls can’t wait to grow up and be you.’ His mockery was unmistakable.
Heat crept up her cheeks. ‘That’s just the media spinning itself out of control.’
‘Carefully fuelled by you to help your father’s status. You’re always seen with the right offspring of the right ministers and CEOs. You’re the attraction to draw the young voters, are you not?’
She couldn’t deny the allegation because it was true. Nor did she want to waste time straying away from the more serious subject of the demand he was making of her.
The demand she wouldn’t—couldn’t—consent to.
But there was something about him…a reassurance…and expectation of acquiescence that made the hairs on her nape stand on end.
‘What happens if I refuse this…this sleazy proposal?’
‘I sign the agreement then use the company as I wish. I could dismantle it piece by piece and sell it off for a neat profit. Or I could just drive down the share price and watch the company implode from the inside out. But that’s all boring business. What do you care?’
Her fists clenched. ‘I care because my grandfather built that company from nothing.’
‘And now your father’s willing to hand it over to a complete stranger just so he can further his political career.’
She pursed her lips and fought not to react. She’d been deeply concerned when she’d first heard how her father planned to raise funds for his campaign. Concerns that had been airily brushed away with reassurances of airtight clauses.
Clauses which Theo had apparently easily loopholed.
Maybe it wasn’t too late. She could tell him to go to hell and warn her father and brother about the danger their proposed business partner presented and advise them to walk away. Surely that would be better than admitting the lion into their midst and letting him wreak havoc at whim?
Light hazel eyes watched her with a predatory gleam. ‘If you’re thinking of warning your family, I’d think twice. Remember how easily I dispatched Delgado?’