Read Online Black Kat by Kirsten DeMuzio - Free Book Online Page B

you know about me?  About what happened to me?”  Wrapping her arms around her waist, she continued to stare out the window as she waited for his answer.
    Alexander rose and crossed the room to his desk.  He thought she might want to see the information he had received as well as the few things his investigator had been able to dig up over the last two days.  Carrying a copy of the thick file, he set it on the table and sat back down.
    Kat slowly turned and warily eyed the file.  After a full two minutes she slowly sat back down and tentatively brushed her fingers over the smooth manila.
    “How much do you remember, Katya?” Alexander asked quietly.
    No one ever called her Katya, and it sounded right coming from him.  With his accent, he said the name as it should be.  Kat flipped open the file and saw the newspaper article of her disappearance.  She suddenly realized this was not the place to take a trip down memory lane, and she swiftly closed the file.
    “I don’t remember much at all.  The police said I was heavily drugged.  Fortunately for me I was left with some physical reminders and a permeating sense of fear that stays with me always,” she said bitterly.
    Alexander watched as she rubbed her fingers over her wrist.  He could see there were scars on her wrists from the restraints used to bind her.
    “How can you help me?” Kat asked, her tone back to business.
    “In a matter of two days, my investigator was able to compile your entire life.  Things you don’t even know about yourself are in that file.  I know that you are investigating on your own, but I doubt you are having much luck.  My resources are far reaching and go beyond what the authorities can do.”
    “So, am I correct in assuming your methods of gathering information are not always legal?”
    Alexander smirked.  “You are correct, Miss Rossi.”
    Kat eyed the file again.  She was running into brick walls on her own.  And the police had dropped the ball from day one.  She didn’t know it at the time, but she knew it now.  Even Colin hadn’t been able to find out anything on the notes she had been receiving.  The bottom line was she needed help.  The kind of help Alexander Petrovsky could give her.  But at what price?
    “I’ll make a deal with you, but I have a few conditions.”
    Alexander seemed amused.  “Are you really in a position to negotiate, Miss Rossi?”
    Kat’s eyes glinted, the green color taking over.  “These are deal breakers for me, Mr. Petrovsky.”
    “Very well.   Go on.”
    “First, I’m taking this file with me.  Second, I want to know the minute you get new information.  And, finally…this business arrangement is just that…strictly business.”
    “That is your copy to do with as you please.  I will update you immediately in the case of new information.”  Alexander paused, considering how to address her last stipulation.  He had expected as much.  “As for our relationship becoming personal, you have my word, Miss Rossi, that I will not lay a finger on you until you beg me to.”
    Kat snorted even as she felt relieved that he wasn’t expecting repayment in the form of sex.  “I wouldn’t hold your breath, Mr. Petrovsky.”
    “I accept your conditions, but I have one of my own.  You will allow me to call you Katya.  Miss Rossi is too formal, and Kat…well, Kat, is not nearly reflective of the beauty of its owner.”
    He was smooth.  Kat had to give him that.  His words washed over her, causing warmth to flow through her even as it made her uncomfo rtable to be called beautiful.  “Fine.”
    “And, please call me Alexander.  I don’t think I can stand Alex, and Al is simply out of the question.”  He grimaced just speaking the horrid name.
    Now that they had the important details ironed out, Kat stood to leave.  She picked up the file and held it against her chest as she walked toward the door.  Alexander walked alongside her and lightly placed his hand under