Page 30 of Sinister Devotion

"Everyone will know in due time," I tell her, patting her on the leg and my anxiety subsiding. Fiona swore everything went through the proper channels. The contracts and paperwork would only link back to me as a micro-investor. My name's only supposed to be a part of a long list of names of regular folks who invest in trusts that contain a huge portfolio of real estate funds. No one would even recognize it unless they search for it.

Everything is going according to plan. I have to keep it that way for a little while longer. Uncle Armande will work Carmine from the street side of things and I'll obliterate Carmine from the corporate side. He'll be a pile of scum on the bottom of someone's coffin by the time we finish with him.

"What if I want to get into that side of things at Nuvola?" she asks.

"What side of things?"

"Philanthropy."

"There's no philanthropy going on at Nuvola, Claire. This project is a personal thing I'm working on. It's not meant for public consumption or recognition," I tell her. Nothing about what I'm doing is going on the charity pages of city publications.

She turns to me with excitement in her eyes. "What if there was philanthropy at Nuvola? I can help vet different charities and organizations around the city to start. We'd do everything you already do for those huge corporations. Go in, consult, and leave a hefty donation knowing

they can use the money effectively. The more I think about it, we can use the companies you've already consulted for. Get them to donate the money, we donate our time and process?—"

I nod in agreement. "I see where you're going with this and I like it, Claire. This is a great idea. Get a proposal together. Outline what you'll need to form the company. Do the research for executives and staff to manage the philanthropic arm of Nuvola Scura. You can stop by our legal and finance departments to get the finer details of operating a non-profit charity under the business. We can always use good publicity."

"It would look great for you, too, in case you ever get into politics or something other than being a CEO." She makes the statement matter-of-factly.

I'm sure she doesn't know how I feel about politics but hearing it from her has a much more innocent effect on me. My father only wants me in a government mansion to serve his personal needs. I have no doubt I'd be at my mother and uncle's beck and call, too. However, with Claire by my side, keeping my image pristine makes it worth my consideration.

The smile on her face as she pulls out her phone to make notes warms me from the inside out. Her ambition for corporate operations is growing and we might have more in common than I thought we ever could. It makes this trip to the boutique that much more important to me.

We arrive and it's the only business with its lights still on. A woman unlocks the door and invites us to come inside. There are two men in suits, but I notice the firearms under their jackets. I nod to them, and to Edward, who steps inside to wait with them.

Nina Bresnik is old enough to be my mother but looks young enough to handle herself in a fight if necessary. The way crime has increased all over the city, I understand why a woman like her has to put on some muscle. The hulking bodyguards at her door serve as a great blockade to stop anyone from trying something stupid. I notice her icy blonde hair pulled into a tight bun at the nape of her neck as she smiles at us. Thin eyebrows and bright red lips give her a stern look. The fact she rarely smiles doesn't serve to soften her features either. There are two things she specializes in, lingerie and jewelry, both of the finest quality.

"Nina Bresnik, this is Claire Anderson. A matching set, Nina, for the birthday girl, please." I introduce them, holding my hand out for Claire to take it. The softness of her hands, the compliance in her gait as she allows me to gently lead her to my side has my nerves on fire with desire

"How lovely to meet you," Nina says with exhaustion in her eyes. "Come this way the two of you. Champagne?"

"Yes please," I tell her as she seats us in a private dressing room. There are two armchairs, soft, comfortable and liable to distract any man from counting how much of his money is being spent in a place like this. I sigh because I'm here. It's my fault, I lost my temper and Claire didn't deserve any of it.

I should have kept my dick to myself, but it's too late for that and it's time I accept it. I won't let her go. I don't want her to move on. I want to explore her in dominatrix leather, digging her heel into my thigh as I lick her pussy until she comes down my chin.

Nina has one of the security guards bring us a tray of Champagne in two glasses while she handles a large box. Inside is something silk, blush pink, with hints of lace.

"Come dahling," Nina beckons, with hints of her Eastern European accent shining through. "Let's try this on and make your man a very happy one, yes?"

Claire blushes, following Nina toward the mirror that opens like a door into a stall where she can change. As Claire tries on whatever was in the box, Nina leaves and returns with two velvet boxes. The larger one contains a stunning diamond choker with a set of matching earrings and bracelet. The much smaller velvet box opens up to reveal a diamond engagement ring with a matching wedding band.

"Too soon," I gesture to the ring set.

"Never too soon," Nina retorts. "I'll put these with a matching platinum band aside for you. You do not bring girlfriends to Nina's, Mr. Blackwell. You and I both know, this store is for apologies to wives. Your words, I might add, tab unlimited. You'll pay the invoice, and I'll keep the rings in the safe until you're ready to pick them up."

She doesn't let me argue the point as she takes the ring box away just before Claire steps out of the changing stall. My god, Claire is a vision of beauty. When she turns around to look at herself in the mirror, I can see the shock in her eyes as well.

Soft pink silk wraps around her breasts and frames the sides of her torso, giving the illusion of a cinched waist. The back drops so low the top of her ass is almost revealed, showing me enough of the lace thong that makes me want to tear it off with my teeth. I grab the jewelry box, take out the necklace and walk up behind her.

A swipe of her blonde hair to one side lets me drape the diamond choker around her neck. I secure the clasp and watch the sparkle light up her eyes.

"Now tell me money doesn't make you happy," I whisper seductively in her ear.

"This is definitely a start," she says, licking her lips. Her fingers gently touch the designer piece of jewelry that's about half an inch wide and fits snugly around her neck. It reminds me of a collar, but somehow, I feel like I'm the one Claire has on a leash. I wonder if she knows how much she controls this thing, these feelings that are growing between us.

"Just a start? How would you like to finish?" I ask her, kissing her gently along her neck, sliding my hands down the soft silk of the lingerie before letting it slip under and between her thighs. My cock's coming alive and I'm sure this room is soundproof.

"On your knees, swine," she replies with the slightest quirk of a grin. But she surprises me and turns around, "Or better yet, on mine?"

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