Page 15 of King of Temptation

“I’ve got be honest, big brother,” Roman shakes his head. “I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on a woman who sounds like that. It was fucking hot.”

“Both of you need to shut up,” I spit. Which should be one of many indicators that something isn’t right. Normally, I’d want to revel in the moment of a good lay with them. But for some reason, it makes me furious that they heard Kim. That they know this about her. Those screams were for me and me alone.

Then again, I am the one who fucked her right outside the open doors of a wedding reception. I should have taken her to my room. If she hadn’t been so skittish, I would have. But I’d like to have trapped her in my bed for a lot longer.

Because I swear, the more time that passes, the more I want her. It’s taking over my waking brain and soon, I’m going to have to grovel to Charlotte and then deal with Mason. He broke my nose the last fight, not that I care.

But still, I hate it when his anger is justified and lately, it has been. I wonder what he’d think of what I did to Kim. Or what I’m about to do to Toni Carcetti.

The music dies and Chandra stops dancing.

I ignore both Roman and Jake, giving her a tight jerk of my chin. “That was great.”

“Really?” she gives me a genuine smile, her hands clasping in front of her. “I’m so glad.”

“When can you start?”

Her smile grows. “Whenever.”

I check her off on my clipboard. “Check in with Melissa and she’ll get the paperwork going. I’m going to start you on the floor and…” I see her smile slip a bit before she pastes it back on. She knows the cage dancers make the most money.

“That’s great. Thank you.”

I’ve only got a few names left and I haven’t hired a new cage dancer yet. I could bump Chandra into the roll, but I know she’s not the best dancer for the position. “Chandra, you have any friends looking for a gig?”

She shifts. “I might. My roommates are all dancers and I know Kim really needs money so—” She stops, maybe worried she’s revealing too much.

But I straighten. I’m sure there are a thousand dancers named Kim in this city, but a fission of energy runs down my limbs. “Kim? What kind of dancer is Kim traditionally?”

“Ballet. She had this killer interview in New York but…” Chandra stops again.

But I barely can contain my string of curses. How many Kims, who are dancers, just went to interview in New York? “And she needs money?”

Chandra nods. “I mean, I don’t want to speak for her cause she’s got all kinds of rules about what she will and won’t do dance wise and dating wise too, but I can tell her you’re hiring if you want.”

I need to be sure we’re talking about the same person. “I want someone with striking looks.”

“Oh, that’s Kim, for sure. Long red hair, tall, gorgeous.”

That’s my girl. My fingers flex with anticipation as I grip the clipboard, but I try to hide the tell from Roman and Jake.

I don’t want them to know about this plan or any other I’m making.

They’re both looking at me, but I don’t glance at either of them. “She’s exactly what I’m searching for. Tell her if she comes in tomorrow or Friday, I’ll pay her double.”

Chandra starts in surprise and then frowns, and I realize my mistake. “Same for you, Chandra. If you bring me some more dancers, I’ll give you a generous finder’s fee.”

She perks back up, nodding enthusiastically.

I sit back, my bad mood evaporating. I might have found my Kim without involving Mason at all.

This is perfect.

I rip a paper from my clipboard, scribbling some hours and a figure that I hope will coerce Kim into coming in to audition.

Standing up, I walk toward Chandra and if she’d noticed Roman before, now her gaze is on me, her eyes dilating in that way that I know she’s interested.

I give her one of my most charming smiles, leaning close. “Thanks, Chandra. I really hope you can bring Kim in for me.”

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