Page 123 of For the Sub

Periodically through each event, they’d check in to be sure they were on track.

He’d been exclusively focused on business, not on getting her back to the room and fucking her in the picture window.

But with Brandy, the only thing he could think about was being buried in her sweet softness.

Throughout the evening, when they were apart, he saw her touching her necklace, and every time, he had a visceral response.

What would it be like if you belonged to me?

Though he’d sworn never to fall in love again, that didn’t stop his baser nature from imagining that very thing.

The band struck up a love song, providing him with the perfect opportunity to hold her.

He went in search of her, and he saw her across the room, chatting with a tall, broad man. She was leaning toward him, obviously engaged in a discussion.

The knife-edge of jealousy blazed through him, and he clenched his fists, harnessing the lethal energy.

She’s not Eleanor.

But in this moment, he couldn’t convince his rational mind of a goddamn thing.

As if sensing his presence, Brandy looked over and dazzled him with a thousand-watt smile.

Her joyful reaction left no doubt she was here with him, soothing him, helping him shove away the past.

Now if he could just keep it there…

Chapter Eighteen

Brandy touched his arm, chasing away the terrible, buzzing sound in his head.

“As I was saying, Niles, this is Marvin Jones. He’s looking for investors for his new start-up technology company. It might be a good fit with your portfolio.”

Niles uncurled his fist.

Better than putting it in the face of some innocent, unsuspecting male whose only sin was talking to Brandy.

He pretended an interest he was nowhere close to feeling. “Indeed?” The only thing he wanted was to have her all to himself.

“I suggested that Mr. Jones contact your office to schedule an appointment.”

“Excellent.” More and more, this woman was getting to him. She hadn’t been flirting with the guy, she had been talking business—his business.

And she’d made no promises that he’d actually speak with this Jones fellow. Instead, she’d been friendly and suggested his protocols be followed. “If Brandy thinks it’s worthwhile us talking, I’m happy to meet with you.” He gave the gentleman one of his business cards. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, I’d like to dance with my woman.”

“Of course.” Marvin smiled at Brandy. “Thank you.” To Niles, he added, “Very much appreciated.”

After excusing them, Niles guided her toward the dance floor. “How long before we can leave this place?” he asked as she wove her hands around his neck and placed her cheek against his lapel.

The way she had greeted him had made it clear he was the only man in the room she was interested in. And that, he wanted to repay.

“I want to say that I’m ready to go anytime you are, Sir…”

“But…?”

“Bidding won’t close for a little while, and…”

“Say no more.”

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