ted in whispers-too expensive to be casual, too discreet to be flashy. The kind where powerful men took mistresses and politicians held meetings they'd later deny. Elen

ther's approval." Elena jerked back as if burned. "Fuck you." Dominic smiled-slow, lethal. "Not yet." --- **THE BARGAIN** She should have left. Instead, she found herself perched on the edge of the suite's leather sofa, watching as Dominic poured her a drink without asking. He knew what she liked. Of course he did. "Here's what's going to happen." He handed her the glass. Their fingers brushed. "You're going to write the truth about Hartman Holdings. Every dirty secret, every stolen dollar. And when it's done, I'll give you something better." Elena sipped the whiskey, letting it burn its way down her throat. "Better how?" "A real story. *My* story." His gaze locked onto hers. "Not the bullshit the press runs with. The truth." She scoffed. "And why would you do that?" "Because you're the only one who'll get it right." A lie. Or maybe not. Elena studied him-the way his tie was loosened just enough to suggest he'd been pulling at it, the way his knuckles were faintly bruised, as if he'd been hitting something. Or someone. "What's in it for you?" Dominic's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Let's call