True Colours (The You Don't Know Me Trilogy Book 2) by Mandy Lee Read Free Book Online

all, over the last few years, it’s been his way of getting exactly what he wants.
    ‘Number one.’  Holding up an index finger, he takes another step.  ‘I didn’t mean to deceive you.’  Another step, and now there are two fingers in the air.  ‘Number two.  I’m not going to accept that it’s over. Ever.’  Another step.  A third finger.  I flinch again, sense another twinge.  ‘And number three, locking us in here is going to achieve everything.’
    He’s close now, so close I could reach out and touch him.  Instead, I stare at his face, flabbergasted.  The corners of his lips curl up a little further, setting off a thousand tiny electrical charges in my groin.  I close my eyes and shut him out.  There’s only one way to go about this.
    ‘Coffee,’ I mutter.  My eyes flip open.
    He stares at me blankly for a second or two, processing the words, obviously deciding on the next move.
    ‘Fair enough.’
    With a shrug, he strolls over to the coffee machine and begins to fiddle with the jug.  At first, I’m relieved.  He’s backed off and I’ve been given a few precious moments to gather my senses.  But then again, why the hell is he making me a cup of coffee?  Does he actually think this is funny?  If he does, I’m determined to put him in his place.
    ‘I don’t want a fucking cup of coffee, Dan.  I’m using my safe word.’
    ‘Why?’  I watch as he takes the jug out of its holder and makes his way over to the sink.  And yes, bugger it, the way he moves is still causing my lady parts to do a special dance.  Just the sight of his pert backside threatens to have me slavering within the next few seconds.
    ‘Because I want out of here.’
    ‘Oh.’  He turns on the tap.
    ‘Coffee,’ I repeat.  ‘Let me out.’
    ‘Didn’t you hear me, cloth ears?  Clive’s got the keys.’
    When the jug’s filled, he saunters back to the coffee machine, pouring the water into the top.  Taking his time, looking all cool, calm and collected, he sets about making me a cup of coffee that I don’t even want.  I sense a knot of anger in my gut.
    ‘Right,’ I growl, realising that there must be some sort of intercom.  ‘I’ll call the concierge.’
    I find it almost immediately, right next to the door.  But the small silver box has clearly been tampered with.  Dangling at an angle, it’s attached with a single loose screw.  I pull it away from the wall and hold it in my hand.  The wires have been cut.
    ‘What have you done?’ I demand.  ‘You’ve ripped it out.’
    He opens a cupboard and produces a couple of mugs.
    ‘I had a little accident.’
    ‘An accident?’  I let go of the ruined intercom and leave it to bash against the wall.  ‘You’re a conniving shit.’
    He smiles at that and I’m fuming and panicking and, yes, bloody turned on.  ‘Fine, I’ll just call Lucy.’  But seeing as she’s the one who lured me here, she’s hardly likely to let me out.  ‘Or the Steves,’ I add, knowing that I’m sounding ridiculous now.  Stomping over to the counter, I rummage through the contents of my bag:  tissues, receipts, my purse, more receipts.  ‘Where’s my mobile?’
    ‘Downstairs.’  He pauses, leaning back against the counter.  ‘In my car.’  He pauses again.  ‘Along with my mobile, and my iPad.  I’m afraid you’re non-contactable.  There’s no escape.’
    My brain struggles to process this new piece of information.  Every single time he’s ever trapped me before, he’s always offered me a way out.  But not this time.  This time, I’m a prisoner.
    ‘So, all of this …’
    ‘I think it’s called an elaborate ruse.’
    ‘You were behind all of it?  Everything?’
    ‘Pretty much.  I sent Lily over to soften you up.  Did it work?’
    ‘Did it work?’  Suddenly, my fingernails seem to be digging into my palms.  ‘Did you tell her what to say?’
    ‘No, but she was more than willing to help.  And as for Lucy and Clive, I