Read Online If Looks Could Kill by Elizabeth Cage - Free Book Online

been the problem. Now you’re here. Take the step.”
    She smiled shyly. “This is a little weird for me. I mean, no one ever told me I was ever good enough to accomplish anything.” As she said the words, she thought about how sad they sounded and was suddenly glad she hadn’t led the type of life that would actually force her to come here for help.
    Lucien stared deep into her eyes, his expression both passionate and sympathetic. “It’s time to leave all that behind, Caylin. Here you can accomplish anything you desire. You just have to let yourself.”
    They stared at each other for a few intense moments. Caylin felt the hypnotic trance creeping in again, and she fought it off. She blinked and looked away.
    Lucien smiled and sipped his tea. “I hope you decide tostay for a while, Caylin. Things are only going to get more exciting. I have many plans.”
    Caylin’s ears perked up at this. “Really?”
    He nodded. “ Big plans. I hope to help beautify this whole country. I’ve been dealing closely with the prime minister himself. He’s seen what I’ve done with this site. In fact, he sat exactly where you’re sitting and told me how impressed he is.”
    â€œThat’s amazing, Lucien.”
    â€œYes, it is pretty impressive. It wasn’t something I expected. But we’ve struck up a spiritual partnership, so to speak.”
    â€œA partnership?” Caylin prodded.
    â€œAbsolutely,” Lucien replied earnestly. “I want to expand and help beautify the country the way I have this place. I want to help the children of Kinh-Sanh as well. I have plans for a large recreational center in the capital city.”
    â€œReally?” Caylin asked, faking breathlessness.
    Lucien nodded, smiling. “Yes, it’s really going to be wonderful. Eventually I want to build a spiritual retreat in the capital city that is even larger than this one. Sortof a playground for the enlightened. After that, I’m even thinking about franchises.”
    Caylin’s eyes widened. “Wow. Franchises?” Kentucky Fried Enlightenment? she thought.
    â€œWhy not? Why should this kind of paradise be restricted to Kinh-Sanh? There are so many places that would benefit from what we have here. It’s definitely—”
    He paused, looking over Caylin’s shoulder. She turned.
    A grim-looking shaved head was motioning for Lucien.
    â€œExcuse me, Caylin,” Lucien said calmly. “I won’t be but a moment.”
    He stood and trotted over to the bald man. They conferred briefly, and then Lucien followed the man to one of the curtains in the corner.
    Then they disappeared behind it.
    Adrenaline surged through Caylin. She needed to find out what was back there. From how Lucien was talking, he was a spiritual emperor waiting to happen. That wasn’t necessarily evil, but the ambition in this man was not to be taken lightly. Franchises?
    She looked around. No other guards, as far as she could see. She quickly and gracefully covered the distance to the curtain. She smiled, so happy that she was able to move again. She paused, listening.
    No sound.
    Wait—
    She heard low talking.
    Between the curtains Caylin could see a sliver of light. Did she dare peek through? What if she was caught?
    Well, she could just say she was looking for the bathroom. That always seemed to work. She was new here, after all. An innocent. At least, she was trying to put up that front. She assumed Lucien believed her. The little naive girl from the Midwest.
    She could plead innocence. Sorry, Lucien. I just didn’t know any better.
    That was the ticket.
    Excitement boiled within her. She reached up to the curtain. Pinched it gently. Pulled it slightly. The sliver of light grew larger.
    Caylin took a deep breath . . . and peeked through.
    â€¢Â Â â€¢Â Â â€¢
    â€œMaybe that silk sleeve meant something,” Theresa wondered aloud.