Stormy Vows - Iris Johansen [22]
“Impossible,” she said shortly. “I couldn't do it now.”
“You'll do it,” he said grimly. “The two things have nothing to do with each other. If you think I gave you the role to apply some sort of sexual harassment, you're wrong. I'll get you into my bed because you want to occupy it, and not for any other reason.”
“Then you're going to be very disappointed,” she said defiantly. “I'll never want you or any other man like that, Michael Donovan.”
“I think you will,” he said with narrowed eyes. “I have no small amount of experience with women, and I'd judge you to be highly combustible material indeed, Brenna Sloan.”
“Then you'd be wrong,” she said hotly, her denial all the more adamant for the furtive memory of that momentary weakness in the wings of the Rialto.
He shook his head, his face mocking. “I don't think so. It's natural that you should be bitter and afraid of initiating any new relationships. You've obviously been hurt by your affair with Randy's father. Seventeen is an extremely sensitive age for something as traumatic as that to happen to a young girl. It's no wonder you've been rejecting other men since then.”
“How did you know I've been rejecting men?” Brenna asked. Then her eyes widened incredulously. “My God, you've had me investigated!” she whispered.
“Nothing so dramatic,” he scoffed lightly. “I sent a man around to ask a few questions of the right people, that's all. I knew after I spoke to you at the theater last night that you had some sort of grudge against men. It's my experience that a thorough knowledge of one's adversary is the only basis for success.”
“And what did you learn about me?” she asked proudly. “Was it worth your employee's time?”
“Not much,” he said laconically. “You grew up in a children's home. You have a secretarial job with Edwards Temporary Agency. You're a devoted mother, pay your bills promptly, and are distinctly cool to any amorous young men who try to approach you.”
“Doesn't that discourage you?” she asked caustically.
“Not in the least,” he said calmly. “It gives me a good deal of satisfaction to know that you haven't been involved with any other man since Randy's father let you down. I told you I was very possessive about you, and I know damn well I can melt that ice around you, Brenna.”
“You wouldn't say you're the least bit egotistical?” she asked sardonically.
“I believe in myself,” he said simply. “I wouldn't have gotten as far as I have in life, if I didn't.” His sensual lips curved mischievously. “I also believe in chemistry, and we have an abundance of that, believe me.”
“So you expect me to go on with the picture as if this interview had never happened?” she asked wonderingly.
“Why not?” he asked coolly. “Now that everything is out in the open, we go back to square one. You need the work and I need an actress. The fact that I also need you as a woman shouldn't concern you unduly. After all, before we had this conversation, I was prepared to wait until you said you wanted me. I still am. I won't promise not to do my damnedest to make you want me, but I'm not about to drag you, kicking and screaming, into the nearest cave.”
“Do I have your promise on that?” Brenna asked skeptically.
Donovan's mouth tightened with anger, and his blue eyes flashed. “I'm not accustomed to having my word questioned.” He drew a deep breath, and his tension eased fractionally. “What a suspicious little girl you are, Brenna,” he said mockingly. “You have my promise that I won't pounce until the picture is finished. After that, if I haven't persuaded you to my way of thinking, all promises are null and void. I'll get you any way I can.”
She shivered at the implacable ruthlessness in the lean face. “Can't you see it's no use?” she asked pleadingly.
“No, I can't,” he said with determination. “And before I leave here tonight, I'm going to make you realize just what we could have together.”
Her gaze flew to his, her brown eyes reflecting the panic of a startled doe. “No,” she protested breathlessly, struggling to free herself from his restraining