Page 11 of Bishop

“I was under the impression I wouldn’t have to give a woman with your experience a play-by-play.” Gordon’s voice gains a sharp note of annoyance. “Take your clothes off.”

“I’d prefer to wait until we’re alone to unwrap your prize.”

He raises a brow. “My dear, we won’t be getting more alone than this.”

Trepidation shoots through me, but I quickly shut it down with a confident raise of my chin.

He’s pushing boundaries. That’s all. I’ve never been with a man who hasn’t attempted to take something I’m not willing to give. It comes with the territory. That’s why contingencies are always in place.

Gordon knows this needs to remain within the guidelines of his agreement with my father otherwise enemies will be made.

I smile sweetly, almost tauntingly. “I don’t discuss business in front of an audience.”

“But they’re not an audience, Abri. As negotiated with Emmanuel, they’re the participants.”

My blood turns cold.

“Participants?” I attempt to keep my voice strong, my bravado in place.

My father wouldn’t do that. Not three men. Not alone without someone to protect me in case things get out of hand.

Finch removes his suit jacket. Boomer kicks off his shoes.

They’re both confident this business meeting is going ahead even though it’s not what I signed up for.

“Emmanuel didn’t tell you?” Gordon raises a brow, one side of his lips peeked in a sickeningly sinister smirk.

“He seems to have left a few things out.” I slowly slide from the bed, pacing my retreat so my actions don’t scream as loud as the fear ringing in my ears.

“Well, let me make it clear.” Gordon undoes the top button of his shirt. “Finch and Boomer are part of our meeting. I outlined those stipulations to your father on numerous occasions. I would never have agreed to this otherwise.”

Well those stipulations were definitely kept from me, and I think I know why.

My father predicted my mutiny and decided to forgo the confrontation. He knew I’d eventually agree. That there would be no choice.

Winning over the shipping magnate is far too important for all of us.

“Sometimes he leaves out certain particulars to keep me on my toes.” I control my tone, making sure the seductive lilt remains in place. “I will admit that open meetings are new to me, though. This is something I haven’t prepared for. Maybe rescheduling so we can take full advantage of the situation would be in everyone’s best interests.”

“My men know what I like.” Gordon waves me away with an errant hand and undoes his belt. “Don’t you, boys?”

Finch throws his jacket to the windowsill and starts toward me. Boomer closes in from the other side of the mattress.

“And what do you like?” I ask.

Gordon lowers his pants zipper. “To watch.”

A surprised breath escapes me, crazed yet oddly freeing.

Two is better than three, right? It’s not much of a windfall, but I’ll take it.

“I guess that makes us the perfect business partners.” I look at each man in turn, showing my strength, defying their underlying hint of aggression. “Because I like to perform.”

“So I’m told.” Gordon’s snickers. “But I haven’t finished relaying my preferences.”

“No?” I cling to my clutch, wondering how incredibly bad form it would be to take another bump in front of them.

“No.” He gives a smug smile. “I’m a voyeur, my dear. And all those dirty things I like to watch are graphic and violent in nature.”

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