Page 59 of The Pakhan

She took a sip of champagne, wrinkling her adorable nose. “At the amazing charity event held a few months ago for the various pet rescue facilities in town. It was truly heartwarming to see so many powerful people donating to such a worthy cause. I must admit I don’t remember seeing you there.”

She’d purposely selected a charity event she knew the governor couldn’t have possibly attended given one of the many things he wasn’t well liked for was his views on hunting.

“Yes, well, unfortunately, I was unable to make it.”

“You can always send a donation, even through me. I do love helping animals and so many need good homes.” She was laying it on a little thick but her ability to hold her own had already attracted a crowd.

“Well, I will mention it to my business manager,” he said, obviously feeling a bit boxed in.

I certainly didn’t feel sorry for the man.

“That would be fabulous. Honey, we should mingle,” she said, turning toward me.

“Yes, as much as I hate these events, appearances are everything.” I laughed and gave Aleksander an intro.

“I was checking to ensure the check arrived from my firm,” Aleksander told him. It was just a subtle way of reminding the man that he was technically controlled by my regime.

Whether he wanted to admit it or not.

“I don’t know, Aleks. I’ll need to check. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I see some newly arriving guests.” Without acknowledging us any further, he walked away and both Aleksander and I laughed.

“That man gives an entirely new meaning to the thought of needing to take a long, hot shower.”

I was certain my counselor was having significant difficulty keeping his composure.

“Yes, well, he’s had a lot of practice slithering through mud and muck,” I told her.

“It would seem you’re being watched,” Aleksander said casually. “Didn’t I tell you it was a damn good idea for you to accept the invitation?”

“Just how many of these people are corrupt?” Caroline asked.

“Enough but nothing you need to care about. Concentrate on voices.”

“You might need to allow a little more length in that leash.” She gave me a naughty look. “I promise I won’t run away with one of the dozen or so hot men here. Unless, of course, that’s what you’d prefer.”

“Mmm…” Aleksander said under his breath.

“You know the rules, my darling girl,” I said and wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her closer. I wasn’t particularly interested in the photographs being taken throughout the event, but they could come in handy for luring the assassin into the light. One of those watching was Stefano Marino. Just as had been intended.

When I cupped the side of her face with my fingers flexed open, she clamped her fingers around my shirt with one hand, rolling her other over my shoulder. Just the way she leaned into me, staring into my eyes was enough to further arouse me.

As expected, she’d done her best to ignore me as I had with her, but the draw tonight was overwhelming. The defiant spark in her eyes was one I coveted but she was pushing buttons on purpose, using the event as a platform. I only hoped she didn’t go too far in her act or tonight could get dicey.

There was too much testosterone in the room, too many exposed wires with fuel all around, which could lead to horrific explosions. It was a situation where something tragic could occur.

At least my men were wired to the hilt, six of them walking the grounds of the hotel. I had no intention of staying for long. It was far too dangerous.

But the information we gathered and being seen could prove invaluable.

I took the single opportunity that might present itself to capture her lovely mouth. The passion we’d shared before had been spectacular, but this was an entirely different woman in my arms. Still vulnerable yet more self-assured. She was playing a role, or was she?

The taste of her, the little hint of bubbles was even more arousing, the desire I’d tried to shove aside roaring to the surface again. Even the way her body was pressed into mine was different, or maybe it was just the increased longing I felt, which I had no business engaging in.

As I swept my tongue inside, I sensed several of the women, single and married were unhappy that I no longer appeared on the most eligible bachelor list. It was amusing at best.

When I broke the kiss, Caroline’s eyes remained closed. Sighing, the sound exaggerated, she allowed her long eyelashes to float across her shimmering cheeks before rubbing her thumb across my lips.

“I hate to say it, lover, but red just isn’t your color,” she purred.

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