“Only, fine?” Felipe seemed incredulous.
Caleb’s face warmed with a building anger. “Felipe, I realize you’re a friend of Rafiq’s, but I fail to see how the girl is any of your business. As you’ve said, we’ve been here for a while, why the sudden interest?”
“Kitten,” Felipe said through an obnoxiously saccharine smile, “The girl’s name is ‘Kitten’ is it not?”
“Yes,” Caleb said through gritted teeth.
“Well, Caleb,” Felipe’s expression suddenly turned sinister, “Kitten is your business, but Celia is mine and seeing as you’ve involved yourself in my business, I don’t see my questions as an intrusion in yours.”
Caleb had expected this sooner. “What do you want, Felipe?”
“Well, to be quite honest Caleb, you’ve overstepped yourself and done my house a great dishonor. My purpose here is to let you make it right.” Fire spread through Caleb’s body and anger flashed in his eyes.
“To what dishonor, are you referring?”
“You know the one,” Felipe said. Malice edged his tone.
“I did nothing out of the ordinary, and I had no idea you were so enamored with your property. You obviously don’t feel as strongly about your horses. I believe I rode one of them once as well.” Caleb was purposely smug.
Felipe’s entire body tensed with rage, but he smiled nonetheless, “You should be careful, Caleb,” Felipe said calmly, “I’m a very dangerous man in some circles and I happen to know a great many things about a great many people. Including you.”
“Watch yourself,” Caleb said through clenched teeth.
“I’ve been watching, Caleb. I’ve been watching you. And, Kitten,” Felipe said. Suddenly, he was the smug one. “I wonder what Rafiq would think if he saw what you’ve been up to.”
“What the hell are you talking about,” Caleb growled.
“Cameras, Caleb. A man like me, in the business I’m in, I can trust no one. And so, I watch. Everyone,” Felipe said and smiled.
Caleb’s heart hammered fiercely in his chest, but he did his best to remain calm. He thought about what had happened between him and Kitten since they had arrived. He thought of all the things he’d confessed to her, believing they were alone. It was enough to have him seething with rage and thrumming with anxiety. “What do you want, Felipe?”
Felipe shook his head, “I really didn’t want it to go this way, Caleb. Truthfully, I wish you no ill will. I only wanted to talk. You’re the one who made this nasty.”
Caleb tried his hand at feigning remorse, “My apologies. I’ve had a bad morning.”
Felipe smiled, “Yes, I know. However, I plan to keep what I know to myself. I only wish for you to grant me a favor.”
Caleb’s jaw hurt from how hard he was grinding his teeth, “What favor?”
“I’m having a party tomorrow night. I would love it if you and Kitten would attend,” Felipe said cordially.
“That’s it? You want us to attend?” Caleb didn’t buy it.
Felipe quirked an eyebrow. “Well…seeing as you’ve made use of my Celia, I was hoping I could borrow yours for the evening.”
“She isn’t mine and you know she’s a virgin,” Caleb said.
“Yes, but I also know she has other talents that don’t require her to be…” he pretended to struggle for a word, “compromised.”
Caleb wanted nothing more than to grab Felipe by the throat and choke the life out of him in a slow and satisfying fashion, but he knew it would only make matters worse. “I want whatever you have and your assurances Rafiq will hear nothing on the matter.”
Felipe smiled and nodded. “Of course, Caleb. I know you care for the girl. Rafiq won’t like it, but I understand. She’s quite…intriguing.”
“Yes,” Caleb ground out.
“She loves you,” Felipe said.
Caleb side swept those words. “Will Rafiq be at the party? He’s been difficult to get in touch with lately,” he said instead.
“Hmm,” Felipe said, “these things are always so unfortunate, when they happen.”
Caleb watched the other man very carefully. “What are you getting at, Felipe?”
“Rafiq’s been pulling away from you.” His expression was amazed when Caleb didn’t respond. “Are you so involved with your plaything that you haven’t you noticed?”
Caleb set his drink down. He didn’t believe it. The mere implication was untenable. “The auction is in a little over two weeks, he’s been preoccupied. I know he’ll be here any day. I’m asking you if he’ll be at the party tomorrow night.”
“Yes,” Felipe said ominously. “I believe he will. Don’t you think it would be a perfect opportunity to showcase all the progress you’ve made with the girl?”
“Yes,” Caleb whispered. His thoughts were upstairs with Kitten and his chest felt simultaneously empty and too full. Their time was coming to an end.
No, it’s already over. Let her go, Caleb.
Caleb stood and left the room. He’d had enough bullshit confrontations for one day.
Chapter Fifteen