If he had shown some emotion, even a twinge of regret, she might have found a touch of forgiveness in her soul, but he just sat there. Sat and watched, waiting.

“No. I was never the perfect son. I never claimed to be.” The bitter tone in his voice increased. “I gave up trying to please the old man when I turned seventeen.” His mouth curled with distaste. “When your mother married my father and you both came into our lives, I could see it was hopeless. He doted on you, a sweet, innocent little girl who wasn’t even his flesh and blood. He turned away from his own son.”

They glared at each other, too angry to speak, too hurt to continue as the seconds ticked away.

Cole sighed and wiped a hand across his mouth. “Look, I didn’t come here to fight. And I sure as hell don’t want to relive the past. I’ll buy out your shares, give you more than market price. You’ll be sitting pretty for the rest of your life. You can be a lady of leisure or whatever you want.”

“This is my company, and you’re not just going to take it away from me.” She was proud of the steely ring in her voice. Fear and anger threatened to overwhelm her, to snatch away her vocal cords. But if she showed any weakness now, he’d strike—and he’d strike hard, without a trace of mercy.

He stood and leaned his hands on the desk, his face just inches from hers. She wanted to pull back, to escape from his magnetic aura, but it was too late. He’d already ensnared her in his web.

When he spoke again, his voice was soft, coaxing, the same voice she’d heard him use to calm a nervous horse. “Join me for dinner and we’ll talk. I’m sure we can work something out.”

His warm breath brushed across her face, stirring an old but never forgotten longing. “I’ve already eaten, thank you.”

She’d never admit her dinner had consisted of a candy bar she’d dug out of her purse. Wanting time to shore up her armor, she needed some distance from the potent force Cole had become. Now that she knew he was back in town, she’d be ready for him. He’d caught her unaware tonight, when she was tired, hungry and in desperate need of a supporting shoulder. If he didn’t leave soon, she’d use his and damn the consequences.

“Well, I haven’t. Come with me and just have a cup of coffee if you want. But I need to talk with you.” He paused for a long heartbeat. “Please.”

That quiet entreaty was her downfall. Cole Blackmore never said please, never asked. Ever since she’d met him he’d given orders and expected them to be obeyed. Immediately.