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Maria. Seriously. Honestly. First chance she had her parents were being cut down to one daughter in truth instead of just in wishes.
    Would he believe she wasn’t Maria? Melina clenched her teeth in fury, weighing her options carefully. He didn’t seem determined to kill her at this point. He was lazily amused, perhaps a little sarcastic and mocking, but he didn’t appear murderous.
    “Look,” she finally said, fighting to keep her voice steady as she heard the betraying quiver in the words. “You’ve made a terrible mistake here. Really. I’m sure you’ll find it quite funny…”
    He frowned. The look sent fear rioting through her system. Thick black brows and stormy gray eyes darkened, his lips flattened, the high cheekbones standing out prominently. The look was a warning and sent Melina’s heart pounding in her chest.
    “Really?” he drawled. “I never imagined for a moment that there wouldn’t be a good explanation.” He crossed his arms over his chest and watched her through narrowed eyes. “I think I should tell you right up front, Catarina, that there’s no getting out of what I have planned for you. You may as well forget any excuses, lies or tricks. This is hell, baby, and I’m your warden. So get used to it now.”
    Melina’s eyes widened. “What do you mean, you’re my warden?”
    He smiled. The hard curve of his lips sent a pulse of warning through her nervous system.
    “Exactly what I said, sugar. You’re here to finish drying out and clean your act up. And I know just how to ensure that. You, sweet thing, are getting ready to learn how the other half lives. No drugs, no servants, no booze, no pampering. Now get showered. I’ll be up to get you in half an hour. Be dressed and ready or face the consequences.” He watched her intently, his eyes dark and steady, frightening. “And I promise, the consequences won’t be pleasant.”

Chapter Five
     
    Melina gaped at her captor in shock as she blinked just to be certain she was awake and not having some horrible nightmare. He was actually threatening her. Had set himself up as judge, jury and executioner and thought she would go along with it. She would laugh if he didn’t look so damned serious about it.
    “You’re joking.” She couldn’t stem the horror that she knew reflected in her voice.
    “Nope.” He crossed his arms over his chest arrogantly, staring back at her with cold, mocking eyes. “No joke, sugarplum. You play, you pay. If the courts can’t do anything with you, then I can sure as hell try. Consider it punishment for the little crimes you’ve escaped in the past years. All rolled into one.” His smile wasn’t comforting.
    Melina drew a hard, deep breath. Patience was a virtue, she reminded herself. Only cool, calm heads solved extreme problems. She had faced the wrath of her parents, been disowned and turned down for the last three jobs she interviewed for. She could handle this. She hadn’t killed anyone yet. She really didn’t have to start with this ignorant cowboy.
    “What in the hell makes you think I’m going to go along with this?” she asked him incredulously. “Do I have ‘stupid’ written across my forehead? ‘Wimp’? ‘Go ahead and step on me because I’m too stupid to live and I enjoy abuse’?” She threw her hands up in frustration as she faced him in disbelief.
    He looked at her closely. “Hmm. Not that one could see. But I’ll reserve judgment. You never know what may show up after a good hot shower.”
    She was going to lose her mind. Right there, in a strange bedroom, facing the sexiest most aggravating, arrogant man she had ever laid her eyes on. She was going to commit murder. Namely, on him.
    “Look, Mr. Jardin.” She tried for a smile that held none of the fury she was beginning to feel build up within her. “I’m sure you think what you’re doing is right. I’m certain you’re even convinced you have the right person to punish. But you’re not and you don’t, and