Under Pressure

Following behind the two of them, he lost track of the penthouse layout because his attention zeroed in on Cat’s small but perfect ass. As they stepped into one room, he managed to concentrate.

“This is the master suite.”

The enormous room boasted more floor-to-ceiling windows, a sitting area, a flat screen TV and an oversize bed with decadent bedding. Leese barely resisted the urge to whistle.

“There’s a bathroom through that door.” Enoch opened another door to show off a walk-in closet big enough to be a room of its own. “Clothes are still in the closet, including some things for a female. As Sahara said, help yourself, although there are more things in the guest bedroom.”

“If this was her brother’s room,” Cat whispered, “maybe we shouldn’t use it.”

“Sahara isn’t shy. If that had been her preference, she’d have said so.” Enoch lifted a remote from the nightstand and closed the drapes, then opened them again. “Mr. Silver worked hard at making this space exactly as he liked it. It has all the bells and whistles you could imagine. I think in some ways, Sahara enjoys the idea of it being used again. She just can’t bear to be the one doing so.” He turned and headed out, so Cat and Leese followed.

“This room is a library-slash-television-slash-gaming room. The Wi-Fi is secure, so feel free. Every television in every room is connected to the satellite for the building, so you’ll have plenty of choices on what to watch. This television, of course, is set up for theater-style viewing. And if you open the cabinet under the TV in here, you’ll find some gaming systems and the most popular games.” Again walking, he led them to another room. “This is the guest suite.”

Leese peeked inside. This bedroom had more padded furniture instead of the heavy wood. No seating area, but a cushioned window seat.

Enoch smiled gently at Cat. “There’s another connecting bathroom, and inside you’ll find makeup, nail polish...a plethora of toiletries preferred by ladies. Again, please help yourself.”

“I couldn’t,” Catalina said. “If they belonged to her brother’s girlfriend—”

“No one special,” Enoch assured her. “Mr. Silver had many girlfriends, and he was far from ready to settle down. Sahara would have thrown everything away, except she seldom comes in here because of the memories.”

Ill at ease, Cat nodded. “Thank you.” She sat on the edge of the full-size bed, stroking one hand over the plush comforter. “It’s very nice.”

So she’d be choosing the guest room? Looked like. Leese didn’t like it, but he wouldn’t protest. More than anything, he wanted her to be comfortable. She’d earned herself a break from worry.

“Please,” Enoch said, “use whatever you like. Sahara will like it if you do.”

Catalina bit her lip, then reluctantly agreed. “All right then. I’d actually love to.”

“Wonderful.” Enoch looked genuinely pleased. “Any questions, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“I have a few.” Leese glanced at Cat. “Why don’t you get settled while Enoch and I talk? I’ll be back in a minute.”

“You’re leaving?”

The pitch of her voice gave her away—and broke his heart. To reassure her, he stared into her eyes. “Just going into the other room with Enoch.”

“Oh.” She let out a nervous breath and nodded. “Okay.”

“Cat? I won’t make any plans without telling you. If I do have to step out, it won’t be for long, and you’ll know beforehand.”

“Sounds good.” Trying to appear unconcerned, she smiled. “Thanks.”

Giving up, Leese stepped out and closed the door. Sooner or later she’d stop doubting him.

“Something private?” Enoch asked.

“A favor, really. Can you find out for me the nearest place to get a couple of burner phones?”

Enoch lifted his brows. “Your company phone isn’t working?”

“It is, but I’d like some prepaids,” Leese explained. “Disposable phones.”

With no further questions, Enoch explained, “Actually a phone store right across the street offers them. Would you like me to run the errand for you?”

He shook his head. Leese preferred to do some things himself. “I’ll take care of it, but could you come back in about an hour? Maybe keep Cat company while I’m gone?”

He flashed a grin. “You mean you want me to ensure she doesn’t budge?”

“That too.” If need be, Enoch could reinforce Cat’s cooperation by alerting the guards. Or calling Sahara.

Leese wanted to trust Cat, but she’d already made so many references to booking it, to thinking her best option was to run, that he—

Peering around the hall, Cat said, “I wouldn’t sneak off.”

After a roll of his eyes, Leese turned to fully face her. “Eavesdropping?”

“Yes.” She came out the rest of the way. “And good thing. Enoch doesn’t need more duties piled on him. Seems to me he already has a full plate.”

Protesting that, Enoch said, “Believe me, Sahara makes it more than worth my while.”

“I hope so. The scope of your job seems to cover...everything. I don’t want to add to it.”

“Sahara is the very best boss I’ve ever had. Always polite and caring. She gives me requests, but if I said no, she’d be okay with it. She wouldn’t fire me. So far, though, I’ve never even considered saying no to her. I love this job too much.”

With fresh curiosity, Leese asked, “Was her brother the same?” Of course he’d known about Scott Silver. The man wasn’t a secret. But Sahara had never really discussed him much.

“Scott was very similar. They were close and shared a lot of personality traits. Smart, motivated, considerate... Sahara, though, is far more driven, personally and in business. Around her, there’s never a dull moment.” He opened the main door, but hesitated. “She normally doesn’t talk about him at all. She keeps everything inside—she’s super private that way. If you don’t mind, it’d be better if you don’t ask her anything about him.”