WICKED INTENTIONS { Completed}

Chapter 13

I will believe him. I will believe him.

She did not believe him.

"Oh. Well, they're right there on the bedside table," she said flatly. Pointing to the very obvious pack whose label she could read even while standing by the door, she repeated, "Right there."

"Didn't see them." His face took on a sheepish expression. "Sorry."

She merely arched an eyebrow.

Shakira was not a naturally suspicious person but she'd lived with Eve long enough not to ignore signs that were right in front of her face. Nathan had been snooping in her bag. What for? She didn't know, and maybe later she'd care, but for now the only emotion she felt was acute disappointment. First he didn't believe that she hadn't killed Charlie and now he was spying on her?

She supposed she should've expected the suspicion sooner or later, considering the nature of their meeting, but for some reason she'd felt like they'd gotten over the mistrust. Obviously she was wrong. Then why had he even invited her into his house when he didn't trust her? Was what she thought of as genuine concern and feeling, merely a mirage shadowing more sinister intentions?

Nathan took two long strides to reach her. Normally his proximity and his masculine scent would've sent her senses a'singing, but right now she was busy studying his face for signs of subterfuge. He'd managed to erase all of them but to Shakira, 'LIES' was slapped in bold letters across his forehead. Cupping her face in his palm, he leant forward and pressed a fast peck on her lips before asking, "Were you looking for me?"

It took her time to answer, but when she did it was with a curt nod. "Yeah, London just told me that you sent the Xin Monsters a VIP invite to your auditions. Thanks."

"You're welcome." His mouth widened in a smile as he snaked an arm around her waist and drew her closer to his heat. "You know I'd do anything for you, right?"

"Right." She nodded mechanically.

"Good."His mouth covered her own, his tongue teasing the seam of her lips. She opened her mouth, her actions more automatic than willing, and allowed him to push in. His kiss was a soft and tender teasing of her lips and by extension of her senses, almost like some sort of apology. While one palm gently cupped her face, the other flirted over her nape, shoulders and spine.

Though she was upset, Shakira found herself propping her palms on his waist and massaging the firm flesh there in tune to the play of their mouths. Finally he parted their lips, allowing her a deep breath. She raised her gaze to meet his, taking in the deep intensity in their oceanic depths.

How she wished she could read the emotions there.

How she wished she could voice her desperate need for him to trust her.

She couldn't. Sighing deeply, she untangled herself from his arms. "I have to go check on dinner."

"I can't wait. I love your cooking."The compliments fell easily from his lips but to her they translated into the empty words of a guilty man.

"Don't forget your Aspirins," she threw over her shoulders as she exited the room, leaving him in there. As far as she was concerned he could search it if he wanted. She had nothing to hide.

Dinner was uncomfortable to say the least.

* * * * *

NATHAN'S EYES FLICKERED between the seven-instrument orchestra playing on stage and the back entrance of the auditorium. Every push of the double doors caused an anticipatory lurch of his heart, but sent it plunging right back into the deep dark abyss of disappointment when someone other than Shakira walked in.