Page 18 of Tangled Roses

“What?”

“Enjoy your evening.”

He laughs softly. “She may not be as cooperative as the one from the agency.”

“What’s she done now?” I’m resigned to my spirited captive fighting me every step of the way and he shrugs.

“Nothing. Yet.”

I drain the glass and say with resignation. “Let’s get this over with.”

The first moment I see Gabrielle, she takes my breath away.

She is waiting by the revolving doors watching my approach, wearing a blank expression along with the outfit I requested. A short black dress that clings to her curves revealing nothing is underneath, standing on killer heels that cause her to tower over six feet tall. She is a stunning woman and her eyes draw me in as she stares at me with curiosity rather than anger and I wonder what Luka was insinuating because this woman is playing her part to the letter.

Her chestnut hair is bound in one long braid that swings behind her, and her make-up is classy and subtle, just the way I like it. She oozes class and is definitely not the stereotypical escort. In fact, she is almost regal as she glares at me through stormy eyes.

“Gabrielle.”

I nod my approval and she says tightly, “Arman.”

Our gazes lock and I note the challenge in hers and my anticipation builds as I sense a battle forming between us.

I offer her my arm. “Shall we?”

Her eyes flash as she deliberately ignores the gesture and nods toward the exit.

“After you.”

I catch Luka’s eye and can tell he’s really enjoying this exchange and so I lean forward and whisper in her ear. “Take my fucking arm, Gabrielle, and don’t make a scene. Tonight you are playing a part and I expect your best performance.”

Her eyes glitter with rage but she does as I say and as we move toward the exit, I have a feeling that was one of many more battles that lie head tonight.

CHAPTER 11

ELLIE

This outfit is a joke. I know what this is. I’m dressed as a whore because that is what he expects me to be. He is no different to Mr. Reese, just wearing more expensive packaging. He needs a whore for the night and that is so not going to be me.

It doesn’t help that he is deliciously dark in his black suit wrapped in power. He is a commanding presence that cannot be ignored and the fact I’m not wearing any panties could be an embarrassing moment.

I don’t know why he turns me on so much. I don’t ever get turned on. My sexual partners are an elite bunch of high school jerks and drunken mistakes after partying too hard. I flung my virginity at the first jerk who tried and regretted it ever since.

There is no magic in sex for me. No magic in dating either and there is no magic in this evening because it’s obvious that once again I am being used for a man’s gratification and nothing else.

I’m so angry I want to claw his fucking heart out because I am now realizing I want more. I deserve more and I demand more. Ellie Adams has grown up and faced the fact the world is not a nice place and doesn’t reward anyone who plays by the rules. It’s time to fight for what I want for once and when I work out what that is, I’ll be a lot happier.

As we step onto the sidewalk, I blink in astonishment at the supercar that is waiting for us.

“What’s this?” I’m shocked because I thought we’d take a cab or at least a nondescript car.

“Transport, Gabrielle.” He says dismissively and rests his hand against my back and nudges me toward the passenger seat.

“But…” I’m now uncomfortably aware of the no underwear rule because his men may well get a flash of something they have already studied far too hard already.

He leans in and whispers, “I’ll shield you. Just drop down gracefully and swing your legs inside.”

“Asshole.” I reply through gritted teeth because the bastard obviously knows exactly what will happen and the last thing he’s getting is a private show.

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