"Stop by my office the second you arrive," Gage said firmly to his security officer. "This case has taken a decidedly nasty turn. I need you to check out something immediately."

His meeting with Elise had been interesting to say the least. He had anticipated her bringing up some insignificant issue regarding Matt and NST Technology. He could not count the times she had initiated such arguments with him. Imagine his surprise when Elise confided she had discovered documents in Matt’s home office connecting him to Synosis Technologies. Elise was well aware that Synosis was a fierce competitor. Despite her narcissistic tendencies, her mind was razor sharp.

Gage listened patiently as John Adams gave him a brief summary of his trip to Dallas. He was annoyed that the woman only a few feet away could so easily distract his attention. Gage pondered how every male protective instinct had shot to the surface when he had received Lena’s voicemail. He had immediately sent one of his men to her home and had been incensed to discover Lena was gone. It was at that moment he recognized need.

For some unmistakable reason, he wanted to know more about Lena Hanson, the woman. He knew all the facts about her – where she went to school, about her business, where she lived. Now he wanted to share her inner most desires. Gage supposed that was why he had discarded the pretense of a business association and snatched her into his arms earlier that day.

"I’ll expect to hear from you in a few hours," Gage said in closing and disconnected the call.

He dialed his assistant to finish one last detail.

"Maggie," Gage began. He leaned up against the desk and caught Lena’s gaze. "Contact my housekeeper. Ask her to prepare the guestroom. Ms. Hanson will be staying at the house for a few days."

A flicker of inquiry spread across Lena’s lovely face. The sudden narrowing of her eyes and the stubborn tilt of her chin was telling. He was going to need to employ his best negotiating skills with this particular woman.

"Hold the rest of my calls," Gage said firmly. He slowly replaced the phone on the cradle.

Lena moved forward, the tension in her shoulders increasing with every step. "I have no intention of staying at your home." Her voice was steady, but held a surprising tone of determination.

Gage couldn’t help but admire her tenacity. She just didn’t realize she was pitted against the master of negotiation. He would get his way in the end.

"Lena," Gage said soothingly. "Despite your opinion on the matter, I feel it’s my responsibility to…"

"Your responsibility," she shot back. "I don’t see why matters need to be taken this far. It’s ridiculous for me even to contemplate staying as a guest in your home. It’s…it’s…absolutely out of the question."

Gage was taken aback by her vehemence. He stood and moved from behind his desk. "I’m certain we can come to an understanding." He crossed his arms and settled into a stubborn stance. "Some disturbing information has come to my attention on this case. I need to be assured of your safety."

Foreign Affair - 28 >>>