“Oh, there’s nothing casual about you,” Matt said. “But don’t worry that pretty little head of yours—you’re not my type.”
She raised her eyebrows in disbelief as she took a sip of her wine.
***
Staring at Matt, Brianna realized she was sitting across from her male counterpart. He seemed to know all the tricks—what to say, how to say it, what facial expressions to use—everything. She’d never had this kind of power unleashed on her before. Suddenly she felt bad for using these techniques on Dominic, realizing how potent they could be.
Brianna intended to keep their conversation strictly professional. The last thing she needed was to find Matt, or any man, interesting. But Matt was easy to talk to and when he smiled, he had a little dimple on his right cheek. And he had tan muscular arms, dark blonde hair, and penetrating blue eyes that seemed to look deep inside her soul. Brianna reached for her wine glass, finishing it.
“Here’s the file on Hector.” She slid the folder across the table, hoping to shift their conversation.
Opening it, Matt said, “Well, it certainly doesn’t look good.” He flipped through the papers. “You were at his initial appearance?”
“Yes.” Brianna glanced back at Ben who was sitting near the front door, intently watching her.
“Is he willing to cut a deal? He’s limited in his options here—he won’t stand a chance before a jury.”
“Hector won’t deal. He insists on walking free and clear.” Because that was the deal her father had made with Hector. They get an acquittal and in exchange, he tells them the location of Juan Chavez.
“Do you mind if I take this file home to look over in more detail? I’ll bring it to work with me tomorrow.”
“Of course.”
Matt closed the folder. “When did you graduate from law school?” he asked while pouring her another glass of wine.
Was he questioning her ability to handle the case? Or did he want to get to know her better? “A little over a year ago,” Brianna said. “I’ve been working at Eric Smith and Associates since then. Although I don’t have any legal experience handling drug cases, I’m a quick study.” Brianna took a sip of wine, feeling slightly uncomfortable. She didn’t want to talk about herself.
Matt leaned forward on the table. “Why did you decide to practice in San Diego?”
“I’ve lived here my entire life and my family is here.” Brianna sat back in her chair, trying to put some distance between them. “What about you? Where are you from?”
“I grew up in L.A. Most of my family is still there. In fact, my brother just went out on his own—opened up his own law practice. He’s been pressuring me to join him. We’ll see.”
Brianna didn’t respond. There was something with Matt’s tone of voice—she couldn’t put her finger on it, but something was off.
Matt continued, “It’s hard when family members put that type of pressure on you. I mean, he’s my brother. I can’t tell him no, can I?”
Was it a mere coincidence about Matt’s family? Brianna wasn’t sure. Pretending to adjust her shirt, she glanced back at Ben. He nodded his head once, indicating everything was okay. Turning back to Matt, Brianna decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. “Yeah, I know what you mean. My dad owns his own company. He wants me to work for him.”
“Working for family can be tough. What type of business is it?”
Luckily she’d practiced this lie enough times that it flowed out of her mouth naturally. “My father owns a biotech company.”
***
Matt’s heart skipped a beat. It could only mean one thing—she was Salazar’s own flesh and blood. But how was that possible? No one mentioned a daughter—none of their informants, surveillance, nothing. And she was as white as could be. There wasn’t a hint of Hispanic blood in her. In fact, Matt was willing to put money on it.
“Which biotech company?” he asked.
“Austogen Pharmaceutical,” Brianna replied as she finished her second glass of wine.
That was all the confirmation Matt needed. His mind raced with the implications of this revelation. He hadn’t planned on voluntarily walking into the lion’s den, yet, that’s what he’d done. Nothing could be more deadly than sitting next to Salazar’s daughter. He bit the inside of his cheek, drawing blood, forcing himself to remain calm, in control, and focused.
Trying to appear unfazed Matt said, “I’ve heard of it. It’s located in Sorrento Valley, I believe.” He poured her anther glass, hoping to keep her talking.
“It’s actually closer to Torrey Pines. My father lives in La Jolla Farms—that’s where I grew up.”
“If that’s where your dad lives, then his company must be doing pretty well. Why wouldn’t you want to work for him?” Matt had never been to La Jolla Farms, but he was well aware that it was one of the most exclusive places to live in the world. La Jolla in and of itself was a very expensive beach city. However, La Jolla Farms was in a league of its own. It was a two hundred acre oceanfront community with only a hundred or so homes with an average price tag well over five million dollars. Some of the homes in that neighborhood were worth well over twenty-million dollars.
“The company’s doing okay. They aren’t generating any revenue yet. They’re finally going to clinical trial for their lupus drug. It has the potential to make a lot of money though.”
“If you don’t mind my asking, if the company isn’t making any money, then how can your father afford to live where he does?” The guy by the front door, the one Brianna had come in with, was watching her like a hawk. He had to be her bodyguard.
“Family money. My grandparents died when my father was a young boy and left him a large sum of money as well as a family business down in Colombia—I mean El Salvador.” There was a slight look of horror that flashed across her face when she said Colombia. However, she recovered quickly and continued, “After his parents died, he came to the States and was raised by his uncle. My father is a very intelligent man, and he has excellent business sense. He didn’t even use his money to start up Austogen—he was able to get enough investors for that. I’m almost afraid to work for him. He expects and demands so much that it’s impossible to live up to his standards. Now that I’m an adult, I want to stand on my own two feet instead of living in his shadow.”
“Does he still own the business in Colombia?” Matt asked, topping off her glass.
Brianna shook her head. “El Salvador, not Colombia. And yes, he still owns it.”
Matt needed to tell Chris to move their investigation team from El Salvador to Colombia. That’s why they’d been coming up empty handed. “What kind of business is it?”
“Beverages. Mostly juice I think. Nothing too exciting.” She picked up her glass of wine, then set it back down without drinking anything. “Anyway, enough about me.” She pushed the wine glass away.
Against his better judgment, Matt found Brianna fascinating, and he wanted to know more about her. Matt thought she was somewhat naïve, given the fact he could get her talking about her family, but she did just down two glasses of wine. Her cheeks were flushed. So often he came in contact with either junkies or rich snobs. She didn’t fit in with either category. There was something about her that pulled him in.
Brianna did seem rather young to be an attorney. Perhaps Salazar was forcing her to work for him. Even though she was Salazar’s daughter, she must have been sucked into Salazar’s world against her will. Maybe Matt could help her.
“What do you do in your spare time?” he asked, wanting to shift the focus of their conversation.
“Spare time? That’s funny. I work ninety to a hundred hour work weeks. Before I worked, I was in law school. Before law school, I was in college. I’ve never had a break. I’ve never had spare time.”
“Surely you must have something you do to relax and have fun.” He smiled.
Her face finally softened.
“I try to surf when I can, and I also sail. I love being out on the water
with the wind blowing in my face. There is something so peaceful, yet exhilarating, about being on the ocean. What about you? What do you do in your spare time?” She glanced at her bodyguard.
Matt laughed, “Like you, I have no spare time. It seems I’m always working. But, when I get a chance, I love to catch a baseball game.”
“I’ve never been to a baseball game,” she confessed.
“We should go sometime.”
There was a faint blush on her cheeks. She grinned and looked down.
Her bodyguard approached their table. He went right up to Brianna, placing his hand on the back of her chair. Glancing up at the man, Brianna asked, “Yes, Ben?”
Ben’s eyes sliced over to Matt. Then Ben leaned down and whispered in Brianna’s ear.
“I haven’t received word,” Brianna said. “If I’m wanted, he can call and tell me himself.”
“I’m sorry,” Ben whispered. “I have instructions to take you home.” Matt pretended he wasn’t listening to the conversation. He considered introducing himself, but decided against it.
“I’m in the middle of dinner,” she hissed. “A work dinner I might add. It’ll have to wait. Now, leave me alone.” Ben slid his hand to her shoulder and she shrugged it off. Matt wanted to punch the guy.
“Bri—come on. Don’t make me do this,” Ben said.
“Likewise. I’m not going to repeat myself.” There was a harshness to her voice Matt didn’t realize she was capable of. Ben stood up straight, then walked outside.
“Sorry about that,” Brianna said.
“Friend of yours?” Matt asked, playing dumb.
“More like a pesky brother only we’re not related. Now, what were we talking about?” She was looking everywhere but at Matt.
“I don’t even remember,” he said. “Oh, our non-existent spare time.”
“Yes, and baseball. Like I was saying, I’ve never even been to a baseball game—how sad is that?” Brianna laughed, but it sounded fake.
“My dad used to take me to baseball games growing up until . . . well, until he passed away a few years ago. I can’t believe I just told you that. I never talk about my father. Let’s change the subject.” Matt was surprised he’d revealed personal information. He needed to be more careful so he didn’t blow his cover.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I know how painful a parent’s death can be. My mother passed away shortly after I was born. My father was forced to raise me by himself. I guess that’s why I never went to a baseball game—he was always too busy working or taking care of me. We never did anything fun like that. At least you knew your father. I would love to have known my mom—even if it was only for a short time.”
Before Matt could respond, Ben and another bodyguard entered and came straight to Brianna. Ben knelt down beside her. “There’s a situation. Get up now.”
“Unless you tell me what it is,” Brianna said, “I’m not going anywhere. I’m sick and tired of this Ben. I wish you would leave me alone.”
“Is there a problem?” Matt asked the bodyguards. Turning to Brianna, he said, “Is everything okay?” Under normal circumstances, Matt would’ve physically intervened. However, he had to play the part of an attorney. And since he knew these two men were bodyguards, they were probably armed. The last thing Matt wanted was to bring attention to himself.
“Everything’s fine,” Brianna said.
Ben grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up. “We’re leaving out the back door,” Ben said. “There’s a security breach out front. Let’s go.”
Brianna turned toward Matt and said, “I’m sorry I have to leave before our food gets here. I can’t explain right now. Will you take a rain check?”
“Of course. Is there anything I can do to help your situation?” Matt offered.
“No. I’ll see you tomorrow at work.” She was escorted out the back. Matt wondered if the bodyguards suspected him. He didn’t think so. They must have spotted the government vehicle stationed across the street doing surveillance.
The DEA would have to be more careful next time.
Brianna turned off her computer. Thankfully it was Friday and she’d have the weekend to work on Hector’s case, especially since a hearing was scheduled for the following Monday.
There was a soft knock on her door. Matt popped his head in, making her flush. As much as she fought against it, Brianna had to admit, Matt was hot. She hadn’t seen him since their dinner the other night. There was something different about him from other men she’d known. She liked that Matt was intelligent and highly sought after in the law field. Even though he was confident, he wasn’t cocky, and there was something gentle about him. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she liked that he seemed interested in getting to know her. It was a refreshing change. Of course, it was also nice that Matt was untouched by her father.
“Do you have any plans for the weekend?” he asked, giving her a half smile.
“Nothing too exciting. I have a lot to do before we meet with the judge on Monday.”
“Well, you can’t work all weekend, so I have a proposition for you.” Matt walked in and sat on the edge of Brianna’s desk, pulling two tickets from his shirt pocket. “I’m taking you to a baseball game Saturday night.”
Did he just ask her out? Was Matt interested in her? This wasn’t good. Why couldn’t Matt be married or unattractive? Why did she have to meet him now? “I don’t know,” she managed to say.
“You owe me a dinner,” Matt reminded her, the dimple in his cheek showing.
“I can’t.” She really wanted to, but her father would never approve.
Matt raised his eyebrows. “I’m not asking you out on a date, so don’t get all defensive. I’m simply asking you to a baseball game, and it’s work related if that makes you feel any better.” He leaned in close, smiling like they shared a secret.
Why did he have to keep looking at her like that? “Work related how?” she asked. Perhaps there was a way to get her father’s approval.
“The firm has a box. So, technically it’s a work function.”
“Is anyone else going?”
“No,” he whispered.
Brianna wanted to be alone with Matt, but she wasn’t sure she could control herself around him. Salazar’s plan was very direct and specific, and Matt was definitely not a part of the plan. She couldn’t afford to lose focus now. But the way Matt sat on the desk, his smile, those eyes—she was drawn to him. She closed her eyes, smelling his musky scent. Not once in Brianna’s life had Salazar ever asked her what she wanted. Everything was planned and she was expected to go along with it. Against her better judgment, she agreed to go to the game.
“I’ll pick you up at six.” Matt smiled. He slid from her desk and strolled to the door.
“No, I’ll meet you there.”
After glancing back at her, Matt responded, “Suit yourself,” and left.
Brianna was grinning so big, her cheeks hurt. A baseball game sounded like fun. She just needed to make sure her father knew it was a work function so he wouldn’t jump to the wrong conclusion. A little voice in the back of her mind screamed at the stupidity of getting involved with Matt, but Brianna chose to ignore the voice of reason.
She hurried home to get ready for Dominic. It was Friday—the deadline for his answer—and he was coming over to see her. Perhaps he wanted to tell her in person, giving him the opportunity to explain himself if need be. If it was no, and she was pretty sure that it was, then this was her last chance to change his mind. She had to convince Dominic to accept the job, otherwise her father would blame her. She didn’t dare think about what he’d do as punishment. There was no one she feared more than her father.
There was a knock on the door, and Brianna went to answer it. Adam, the butler, was standing there. “Ms. Brianna, Mr. Dominic Bennett is here to see you. Shall I show him up?”
After Brianna consented, she heard the butler on his phone talking about her appearance. She figured her father sent him to check on he
r before he allowed Dominic to see her. Salazar took control to a whole new level.
Looking around her room, Brianna felt like an actress checking over the stage before a performance. Everything was in place. Her room was more like a small house than an actual bedroom. There were two couches and a set of chairs with a fireplace off to the side. To the right was a small kitchen along with a table. Straight ahead was a walkway leading into another room with a large sleigh bed. In the bedroom, an entire wall consisted of windows overlooking the ocean with a door leading outside to a balcony. Beyond her bed was the bathroom.
There was a knock on the door. She took a deep breath, readied herself for her performance, and opened it up.
***
Dominic stood before Brianna’s door holding white lilies in his sweaty hands. The door swung open. “These are for you.” He handed her the flowers and his mouth dropped open. What was she wearing? He assumed it was supposed to be a dress—if you could call it that. It was more like a form-fitted silk shirt that barely covered her bottom. Dominic couldn’t resist a quick glance down to see if it actually concealed everything. Then he noticed her beautiful legs, the length enhanced by the pair of stilettos she had donned. He tried to focus on her face so she wouldn’t be offended by his blatant staring, but he couldn’t keep his eyes from wandering. The neckline was so low that he could practically see her breasts. Maybe this was some sort of nightgown? But she had those shoes on. The thing looked like it was tailor-made for her body. It was beyond sexy. Dominic tried to remember what he had come there for.
“Thank you for the flowers, they’re beautiful. Please come in.”
“Wow, what a view,” he attempted to speak without stuttering. “Is this your bedroom?” Dominic couldn’t believe he was in her room with her dressed like that. What was she doing to him?
“Yes, I hope you’re comfortable being here.” She put the flowers in a vase and filled it with water. “This is the best place for us to talk in private. I don’t like having the bodyguards and staff walking around when I’m trying to have a serious conversation.”
The Power to See Page 8
