He Claims Me by Cynthia Sax Page B

The gruff officer’s face reddens. His partner grins. He has a dimple in his right cheek.
    â€œDon’t just stand there, officers,” the heavyset man barks, his thick mane of gray hair framing a regal face. “Release Miss Sampson at once. This has all been an unfortunate misunderstanding.”
    â€œHas this been a misunderstanding?” I look to Blaine for the answer, not trusting anyone other than him.
    â€œYes,” Blaine confirms. “Why is she still restrained?” he fumes.
    The arresting officer removes my handcuffs, muttering under his breath.
    â€œI’m free?” I shake my arms, half expecting the officer to change his mind. “Did they find the thief who broke into the Leighs’ house?”
    â€œNo one broke into the Leighs’ house.” Blaine takes my hands and raises them closer to his face, examining my wrists thoroughly. “Suzanna remembered she’d sent her art to be catalogued.” He rubs the pink marks on my pale skin.
    I narrow my eyes, his explanation not making any sense. “But—­”
    â€œNo buts.” Blaine presses his lips to my skin, his mouth warm. “She won’t be bothering us again.” He flicks his tongue over my right wrist and I tremble, relishing his touch. “I always watch you, Anna.” His green eyes glint.

 
    Chapter Seven
    â€œ M EDIA IS O N their way, Mr. Blaine.” Yen waves her phone. “Unless you want to be part of that circus, the two of you should leave now.”
    â€œWe’re leaving.” Blaine wraps one of his arms around my waist. “Chief.” He shakes the heavyset man’s hand. “Officers.” The officers stand straighter. “Thank you for taking care of my fiancée.”
    â€œYour fiancée?” I whisper as we walk outside.
    â€œYou’re mine, nymph.” Blaine squeezes my hip. “Forever. I want everyone to know that.”
    Ted opens the back door of the limousine and I climb in. Blaine follows, sitting beside me, and the door closes, the lights in the vehicle dimming.
    Blaine wants to marry me, to link his name permanently with mine, with my father’s deeds, with my past and with my newly acquired reputation. This will hurt Blaine. “The charges might have been dropped but society won’t ever forget my arrest,” I warn him. “I’ll always be known as a thief.”
    â€œI’ll always be known as an ex-­con.” Blaine slides me onto his lap, his body hard and enticingly warm. “Some doors are closed to me. Now, they’ll be closed to both of us.” He brushes back my hair. “Does that bother you?” He searches my face.
    â€œWhy would I want to go somewhere you’re not welcome?” I frown. “I suspect I’m also unemployed.”
    â€œAnd how do you feel about that?” Blaine rubs his palms along my outer thighs, his touch distracting me.
    I edge closer to him. “Since I’m homeless, I feel scared,” I confess. “I need the money.” He opens his mouth and I press my finger against his lips, stopping his offer. “Don’t. I pay my own way.”
    Blaine nips at my finger and I pull my hand away. “Pay me whatever you want, whenever you want, that is your decision, but you’re living with me. This is non-­negotiable.” His stern voice makes my nipples tighten. “And while you’re deciding upon your next career step, you can work for me. Fran has been talking about taking a vacation for years. She didn’t trust anyone previously to take her place but she does trust you.”
    Fran trusts me. Warmth spreads over my chest. “I don’t know anything about being an assistant,” I caution, not wanting to disappoint them.
    â€œShe’ll train you . . . starting now.” Blaine sighs. “We’re returning to the office, nymph.” He explores the dimples in my knees with his