Chapter 4 #3
While I’d ordinarily consider her sudden appearance suspicious, especially with what I’d learned earlier from my assistant, the fact she’d been fired months before negated any concept of collusion.
Even Covington wouldn’t go that far, especially since the Paris location had yet to cross the radar.
Plus, good-natured George hung onto his people under the worst of circumstances.
In my mind, a tremendous fault. Another reason I knew there was a backstory.
Although ruling out the possibility also wasn’t acceptable given the security breach.
The timing was simply too suspicious.
However, her former employment did provide even more incentives to carry through with my idea.
Of all the questionable acts of business I’d been involved in, I was well aware it was the people in my employ who would make or break the company.
But loyalty was a requirement of my people and not necessarily of me.
What I couldn’t afford to do was to push aside the coincidences. Kingdoms were toppled for much less. I was also not immune to those both within my company and considered friends attempting to thwart my power.
They’d learned a horrible lesson in diplomacy, one that their relatives and friends would remember while they stood by their loved one’s grave.
Yes, I was a cruel, heartless son of a bitch.
I’d made a few phone calls yet to be returned regarding her performance in the industry. I was genuinely curious as to what I’d learn.
What intrigued me perhaps more than anything and could also be another red flag that I chose to ignore was where she was currently living. Louisville.
My hometown. What were the odds?
I held the glass just an inch from my lips, watching her every move.
She’d changed into a black dress, the flowing material hugging every curve in a way that promised sinful delights.
Her every move was fluid, far more relaxed than before.
Yet I could sense she was still on duty, scanning the room and concentrating on the behavior of the various bar employees.
A consummate professional.
Sebastian followed my gaze, chuckling as soon as he found the source of my interest. “It would seem you’ve already discovered your perfect candidate. Why do I have the feeling there’s a story hiding in the shadows?”
As I continued studying her, I noticed her body tensed. Even her posture changed and within seconds, she searched the bar with her eyes. Within seconds, hers locked onto mine and even from across the room, there was definite recognition.
But only briefly and even so, she didn’t react whatsoever.
Talk about the cat and the mouse.
My cock twitched in appreciation.
“Perhaps I have,” I told them and polished off my drink. The scotch had gone down far too easily. “Let’s just say she is a beautiful little mouse.” A terminology we’d used in describing someone who could potentially provide one of us with money, influence, or power.
“Wow. At a book convention. Imagine that. I will say she’s beautiful and certainly your type. Shouldn’t I be the one considering tasting her?” Xander teased.
While not allowing my gaze to shift, I addressed Xander’s comment. “I don’t have a type. However, I enjoy a challenge.” And I refused to lose. “And you know the rules. Touch her now and I will cut your dick off.”
Sebastian was the first to laugh. “I think he means it this time.”
You bet I did.
Penelope managed to act as if seeing me meant nothing, turning her body just enough she wouldn’t catch my gaze again. How playful. How… annoying. I could also tell she required an understanding that in this game we were about to enter, I would be the one in full control.
My sudden annoyance brought more desire from deep within my system.
“Then we’re doing this?” Xander asked.
“Why not? It’s been well over a year since I enjoyed the company of a woman for longer than one night,” Sebastian groused while bringing the class to his lips.
“Yes, why not.”
As the boys discussed the old rules, many of which no longer applied, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I’d need to handle the seduction very carefully. Something told me she wouldn’t be easy to mold into what I needed. Or maybe my tastes had changed.
The seconds ticked by, the waitress appearing. As she placed a drink in front of me, I was caught off guard.
“I didn’t order this,” I told her.
“No, sir. Compliments of the lady,” the girl said and stepped aside, pointing toward the table where Penelope stood. She certainly wasn’t looking in my direction at this point. I stared at her, taking deep breaths, willing the sweet Penelope to turn her head in my direction.
When she finally did as if on command, she offered a perfectly seductive smile and turned her back to me.
“I’m curious. Did she say anything?” I asked, my balls tightening.
“She wanted you to know how sorry she was for inconveniencing you.”
“Thank you.” I immediately brought the glass to my lips, wondering what she was thinking or if she even cared. Yes, I could tell she did. “I’m all in, gentlemen. It would seem the choice has been made for me.”
This would be quite enjoyable. What Penelope had yet to realize was that she’d awakened a predator and in doing so, she would be led down a dark path of filth and sin.
One that would lead her to her only chance at salvation.
Something that only I could provide.
For the price of her utter and complete submission.