Page 49 of Any Means Necessary

I know exactly what’s possessing me to dig into Lexie’s phone records, and I don’t fight it. I need to know who’s making her blush and giggle like a school-girl with a fucking crush. I’ll find the man who thinks he can have what’s mine. By the end of the night, I’ll know everything about the fucker. There’s no hiding from me.

Chapter Sixteen: Lexie

“Why am I going tonight?” I ask, walking into the living room. I was surprised when Callum mentioned the party for New York’s elite, even more surprised when he extended an invitation. Or rather, demanded my attendance “Are you expecting trouble at the Governor’s mansion?”

“I always expect trouble.” Callum turns at the sound of my voice, his eyes running over me from head to toe. Disapproval flashes across his face, making my stomach drop. He reaches for the jacket I discarded onto the back of a kitchen stool after having pulled it out of the closet.

“What are you planning on doing with that?” I can’t help but feel offended by his dirty look, the indignation coming out in my dry tone.

“It’s cold, and that dress barely covers you,” Callum states, like I’m not already aware.

“Are you saying I should change?” I challenge. I’m way past covering my body when a man takes me in public, no matter who he is. The next words out of his mouth will tell me a lot about what kind of a man he is. Callum’s eyes move over me, taking in every inch of my appearance—navy blue cocktail dress, strappy gold heels, gold mini bag.

“I’m saying you need to wear a coat.” The demanding edge in his tone grates on my nerves, making my defiance flare. The ever-in-control Callum asserts his dominance every chance he gets. But having him tell me what to do simply makes me want to do the complete opposite.

“I don’t need to do anything, Callum. But thanks for your concern.” Even if I was planning on wearing a coat, there’s no way in hell I’m putting it on now.

“So fucking stubborn.” Jaw clenched, he stares me down, his gaze meant to intimidate me into submission. Instead, I remain unaffected just to spite him.

“You do know you can’t actually pierce me with your stares, right?” I deadpan as he peers down at me expectantly. Hazel eyes don’t falter as he waits, holding my coat open for arms that will not be cooperating. He can keep waiting.

“I’m sure if you could really cut me with that sharp wit of yours, I would’ve bled out a long time ago,” he replies evenly. The mask of calm is set firmly in place, but I can hear the tension in his voice. His annoyance only fuels my need to poke at him.

“Oh, you wouldn’t die. I’d stitch you up.” I offer him a smile that’s sugar and spice and everything nice, batting my eyelashes. “But only once you said please.”

Callum’s shoulders set in determination, and I don’t miss how his eyes run over me. The man is the definition of ‘tightly wound’. And I’d like nothing more than to tug at the strings of his resolve and watch him unravel.

“Lexie, the only begging that’s going to happen between us will have nothing to do with pain.” He leans closer. “Now put on your fucking coat.”

Liquid heat pools inside me, desire pulsing through my veins. The air in the room thickens, the tension crackling between us like static electricity. My breathing changes, I know he can see it. Just like how I can see the raw hunger in his eyes. But if he thinks that he can control me by simply turning me on, he’s got another thing coming.

Pulling my eyes away, I look down and make a show of adjusting my breasts in my dress. My cleavage is unbelievable with this neckline, I don’t have to draw attention to it to know he’s looking.

He’s always looking.

“I don’t want to ruin my outfit. But if you’re so bothered by the cold, you can wear it.” I flip my hair over my shoulder before I step past him, and the coat, with a saucy smile. “I’ll meet you in the car.”

When I step into the elevator Callum is right on my heels, my coat still in his hands. Looks like he’s determined to bring the damn thing with us, probably to try and force me into it later. Roscoe steps in after us. “Wow, you clean up nice, Roscoe,” I say, taking in his custom black suit. “Very dapper, you’re giving James Bond a run for his money.”

“I hate monkey suits.” He’s incapable of taking a compliment, but I can see the smile twitch on his lips. I’m slowly wearing him down. “You look nice, as always.”

“Thanks.” I beam at him, using the praise to disguise my triumph over the small victory. I’ll win him over yet. “I love any excuse to dress up.”

Something tells me tonight’s going to be very interesting.

***

Calling it the Governor’s mansion isn’t an understatement. Every intricate detail screams luxury born from old money. Stepping past the threshold feels like entering an alternate reality.

Everything about this atmosphere is too perfect to be real; the people more beautiful, the live music flawless, the unnaturally white smiles too appeasing. Everywhere you look polished people dressed in designer float around and converse in dulcet tones. The diamonds are real and no smaller than my fist, and Rolex is the most affordable timepiece adorning any man’s wrist.

I’m definitely not in Harlem anymore.

Following Callum’s lead, we move through the grand entryway into what can only be described as a ballroom. Ornate cream walls hold decorative paneling and detailed crown molding give the space a decadent feeling. An impressive crystal chandelier hangs from the medallion in the center of the vaulted coffered ceiling, combining with the wall sconces to bathe the room in romantic light. Aggressively pretty people mingle around the room in clusters while uniformed waitstaff pass around trays of appetizers and flutes of champagne.

“Mr. Russo,” A man calls as he approaches, a woman by his side.

“Jack Stanza, CEO of Capitol Energy.” Callum leans down to murmur into my ear, giving me a cheatsheet to who is walking up. “Margot Primm, Governor’s Aide.”

---