“Lady Hannah.” The cabin was lit with a dozen candles. It was a Beethoven sonata this time that poured gently through the speakers. He wore a burgundy jacket and rubies. Blood colors. A magnum of champagne sat nestled in a silver bucket. “How prompt you are. You may leave us, Ricardo.”

Hannah heard the door shut behind her. She didn’t have to be told Ricardo would be stationed outside it.

“A pleasant ambience,” she stated. “Most business isn’t transacted in candlelight.”

“There’s no need for formalities between us now, Hannah.” He was smiling as he moved to the champagne. “The announcements from Cordina are a bit hysterical and tragic.” The cork rushed out. Wine bubbled to the lip. “I felt a small, tasteful celebration was in order.”

“I rarely refuse champagne, monsieur, but its taste goes down so much more smoothly when I have money in my hand.”

“Patience, my dear.” He filled two tulip glasses and offered one. His face was marble pale in the dim light, his eyes almost black and full of pleasure. “To a job well done and a rich, rich future.”

She touched her glass to his then sipped. “An excellent vintage.”

“I’ve come to understand you prefer the excellent, and the expensive.”

“Precisely. Monsieur, I hope you won’t be offended if I say while I appreciate the wine and soft light, I would appreciate them more after our business is completed.”

“So mercenary.” He ran his fingers down her cheek. The candlelight flattered her, he thought. In time she would bloom under his hands. A pity he couldn’t take the risk and keep her with him for a few months. He had only an hour for her. But much could be accomplished in an hour. “You’ll forgive me, but my mood is very light. I find myself wanting to celebrate your success, our success.”

His hand roamed down her throat, within inches of the microphone. She caught it at the wrist and smiled. “You set the mood, monsieur, first by taking my weapons. Do you prefer defenseless women?”

“I prefer amenable women.” He lifted his hand to her hair, digging his fingers into its richness. Hannah steeled herself for the kiss. She could show resistance, but not revulsion. “You’re strong,” he murmured and brought his mouth to hers again. “I prefer that as well. When I take you to bed, you’ll give me a fight.”

“I’ll give you more than that. After I’ve seen the money.”

He tightened his fingers, bringing pain quickly enough so that she gasped. Then they relaxed with his laugh. “Very well, mon amie cupide. You will see your money, and then you’ll give me something in return.”

When he turned his back to reveal a hidden safe, Hannah scrubbed her lips with the back of her hand. “I’ve already given payment for payment.”