Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80503 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 403(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
“You’re not having a good time.” Gavino practically shouts into my ear as the dance music’s beat goes crazy and people all over start screaming with excitement. “You need to have a good time.” He’s leaning close and smiling, but his eyes are dangerous.
“How am I supposed to do that?”
“I don’t know. I don’t give a damn. Laugh like I said something funny.”
I smile at him like I want to rip his head off.
“That’s better.”
I roll my eyes. Malcolm notices our little back and forth and he beams like he’s witnessing a lovers’ quarrel, and from his perspective that’s probably what this looks like. He’s the only other person in the world that knows what happened in his office, and he believes Gavino is keeping me around in order to sleep with me.
Is that so far from the truth?
The memory of Gavino’s mouth between my legs replays, again, for the millionth time. A shiver runs down my spine and my nipples stiffen. What’s wrong with me right now? That night was so good—up until I ruined things by asking about Sonia.
I just can’t help myself. It’s like whenever a good thing gets within inches, I have to shove it away and destroy it, because I don’t deserve joy.
Not until I get revenge.
“Excuse me,” Malcolm shouts, “I’m going to get a refill on my drink. That cocktail girl over there seems like she might be the perfect one to service me right now.” He roars with laughter and Gavino grins as Malcolm gets up and wanders off. I watch him go, feeling sick to my stomach, as he zooms toward a young girl—basically my age—with huge boobs and straight blonde hair. That sick bastard will ruin her if she lets him, and based on the way she’s giggling and brushing her hair behind her ear and batting her eyes, she’s going to let him.
“We’re wining and dining,” Gavino says in my ear, sitting closer. The heat rolls from him in waves. “It’s part of the damn game.”
“I’m not playing, remember? I want to tank this deal, not help it.”
“And I want you to tank it too, but I don’t need Malcolm getting suspicious in the meantime. Taking him out and showing him a good time is part of the experience.”
I grind my teeth then throw back my drink. Screw it, if he wants me happy and playing along, then I’ll give him what he wants. I shift toward him and put a hand on his thigh, forcing my face into a flirty, seductive smile, or at least the best version of one I know how to do. Gavino seems surprised, but quickly a smirk replaces his widened eyes and I move closer to him, whispering in his ear.
“Is this better?” I say and move my hand up his leg and back down again. “Do you want Malcolm to think we’re fucking?”
“It’s useful for him to think that. He’ll underestimate you that way.”
“And what if we are fucking?”
He releases a soft growl and his hand finds my hip. I shiver, not sure if I’m doing this to play his game still or if I’m really trying to seduce him. My pulse is erratic, and lust floods my chest like I’m drowning in it.
“My tongue was between your legs last night, little princess. If I wanted to fuck you, I would.”
“Asshole, that’s not how it works. I get some say in the matter.”
“That’s how it works with me. You only get to say how good it feels and how badly you want more.” He grips my hip and his hand moves back to squeeze my ass. I bat it away and he smirks, head tilted. I’m breathing fast and trying not to storm off. “Is he watching?”
I blink a few times and let his question sink in before I finally understand. I’m dizzy with want for him, and my anger’s battling my lust for control. I glance over his shoulder and spot Malcolm talking to the waitress. “I don’t think so. He’s busy trying to sleep with that blonde girl.”
“Good. Come on.” Gavino stands suddenly and I frown up at him. He looms over me, staring down into my eyes, looking devilish and handsome in his sleek black suit, no tie, top button undone to show off the hints of the tattoos on his chest. He’s at least ten years older than the next oldest person here, not counting Benedict and Malcolm, and yet he looks like a god playing among children. He runs a hand through his thick salt-and-pepper hair and I finally throw back my champagne before joining him.
He leads me from the VIP lounge and into the general flow of partiers. I feel Benedict’s eyes locked onto me but I do my best to ignore him. We pass by close to where Malcolm’s hitting on that girl and the men exchange nods and grins as Gavino tugs me toward the dance floor.