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he snarled, and it sounded like his teeth were clenched. “I don’t think I even want to know what you’re up to, but I want you to come home. Right now.”
    “I’m not a child, Jeffrey. I know what I’m doing. It may not make sense to you or anyone else right now, but you have to trust me. It will all make sense soon.”
    “Ava, please,” he pleaded. “It’ll take some time, but we’ll get back on our feet without you having to sell yourself to Jonas Marks. That’s what he’s asking of you, isn’t it?”
    “I thought you said you didn’t want to know,” she replied wearily. “Jeff, I’m fine. Really. I’ll be back in a week and then we can talk about it. I have to go. I love you.” She quickly hung up and was thankful when he didn’t call back.
    ****
    Ava was surprised to receive a call from Carly later in the day. “Jonas is held up in a meeting, but he wanted me to let you know that he’s sent the limo to pick you up and take you shopping. His Amex is at your disposal.”
    “His what?” Ava asked quizzically.
    “It’s in an envelope in the top drawer of the office,” was Carly’s mild reply, and Ava made her way there from the living room area of the suite. Sure enough, there was an envelope, and she looked inside.
    “It’s a credit card,” Carly supplied.
    “I see.” Ava replied. “So, what am I supposed to do with it? I don’t need anything beyond what he…”
    “Ava, there’s no need to get upset, I promise. He just wants to make your stay as comfortable as possible. You’re his guest, so enjoy.”
    “Fine,” Ava murmured before hanging up the phone. She wasn’t even sure why she was angry, but she was.
    ****
    The chauffeur arrived shortly after the call and she climbed in, settling on the plush leather seat, sulking. Even with the many lovely sights she visited, she couldn’t help feeling that steady inner anger, at herself mostly. She had to keep reminding herself the main reason she was here, not to have any sort of meaningful relationship with Jonas, but to recover her father’s company and return him, heart intact. But then when, at a few minutes past three, her cell rang, she knew at once that it was Jonas and her irritation rose up from the surface in a flash.
    “How’s your day going? Carly mentioned something about you being a little offended earlier and I just wanted you to know that was not my intention.”
    “Offended?” Her heart seemed to strum at hearing his voice. She knew Jonas could at least detect the steel in her voice. “I don’t need you sending me out with your credit card like that prostitute in Pretty Woman . That’s not what I’m here for.”
    “I’m sorry you feel that way,” he replied, and the coolness in his tone pricked her. “It was not my intention to insult you, Ava.”
    “No, it wasn’t, was it? Yet it comes so naturally to you.”
    There was a pause, and Ava felt a surge of panic wash over her. What was her problem? Getting emotional where he was concerned was not part of the agreement. The sex had been incredible, yes, but she knew better than to be fooled into thinking that sex and love were one and the same. She had to keep things straight. This was nothing to him beyond a business arrangement and here she was, acting like an angry lover.
    Was that why she was so upset? Was she developing feelings for Jonas?
    “I’m sorry, Ava.”
    Ava wasn’t sure how to respond, though something in his tone tugged at her heart, making her regret her harsh words.
    “Is that all, Jonas?”
    Silence.
    “I was calling to tell you that we’ll be having dinner tonight with a few very important business associates of mine. It’s a black-tie affair, so you may need to purchase something appropriate to wear.”
    “Not a problem,” she said stiffly. “I’m certain I can find something.”
    “Oh, but I insist,” he replied, his tone suddenly chilly. “You’re a very beautiful woman, Ava. Use the card to buy anything you need. Oh, and