Wicked Steps Read Free Page B

kept our relationship strictly professional at work. But we’d been seeing each other for almost two years. I was ready for whatever obstructions we had to endure in order to become physical.
    Even though we never labeled what we had, I hadn’t been with anyone since the night we met. I’d always wondered if he had somebody on the side in those years. The women he had carnal relations with instead of me. I never questioned him about it. Because what we had was on a different level than physical. Ours was more of a deep mutual affection and companionship than anything else.
    His secretary told me to go in. Hartman sat behind an enormous desk. The size of the desk didn’t overwhelm him. He was a large man, almost six feet five inches tall. He fit the description of a successful industrialist. The walls of his office not only displayed evidence of his wealth, but all he’d achieved. Frame after frame of newspaper clippings depicting his infamous takeovers and buyouts. Photographs of him with celebrities, politicians, and other wealthy entrepreneurs.
    When he rose to greet me, he looked odd. At first glance, he appeared his normal self, dressed to perfection as usual in a dark Armani suit, looking regal and immaculate. It was a picture of refinement I’d witnessed for the past two years. But today, the suit was wrinkled and he looked out of sorts. I knew him too well. His hair was disheveled and those mesmerizing green eyes lacked the luster of the night before. I suddenly became nervous with anticipation. Patience had never been an attribute of mine.
    “Can I get you a drink, Ellery?” he asked, standing, then walking over to the luxury bar in the corner.
    “Hartman, it isn’t even eleven thirty yet.”
    “It’s five o’clock somewhere, or so I’ve been told,” he murmured as he poured himself a whiskey.
    I padded over to him and placed my hand on his arm. “What is it, Hartman? What’s going on?”
    “I wanted you to be the first to know,” he said, taking a small sip of his drink. “I’ve been told I have a limited lifespan.”
    My heart squeezed inside my chest as my body began to shake. “What? What are you talking about? Please,” I pleaded, my voice quivering.
    “They tell me it’s some degenerative disease. I expected it. But I never thought it would actually happen. I kept praying for divine intervention. I guess we all suffer from mortality syndrome,” he replied nonchalantly.
    My hand squeezed his arm. I held back tears that threatened my composure. “How can you be sick? You’re healthy and virile? I don’t understand.”
    He shrugged, then took a large gulp, emptying his glass. “This has been going on for a few years, before we even met. The doctors have kept it at bay with drugs, but the medications have run their course. I’ve been told possibly five years. Which brings me to why I asked to see you. I have a proposition.”
    My mind whirled frantically. He was a dear friend. I wanted possibly more. I cared for him deeply, and there was chemistry between us. I thought we had time to consummate our relationship. “I’m not ready to lose you,” I whispered, choking back a sob.
    “Ellery, don’t cry. I didn’t tell you this for pity. I wanted you to know because, eventually, things might get ugly. There are things about me you don’t know. Things… I don’t want you to know. Your friendship has become my most valued possession. Intelligence is a remarkable weapon, especially when a beautiful and sexy woman wields it. I have cherished these last two years, and I want to take care of you—always. Allow me to give you the life you deserve.”
    “I don’t understand. What are you saying?” I asked as I reached for a glass, because now a drink sounded necessary. Drink in hand, I dropped into the closest chair.
    He was there in an instant, kneeling. “Marry me.”
    My eyes widened as I looked at him in disbelief. “Okay, now you’re scaring the hell out of me. You went from a