Page 18 of Royal Flush

I guess I’d received my answer.

I smoothed down the front of the dress, unable to look in his direction. His office was far too quiet, other than what I could hear of his heavy breathing. What surprised me was how soundproof everything seemed. There were no pulsing beats from the music of one of the clubs. There were no people sounds whatsoever.

Just a quiet that would become unnerving to me. Suffocating. Maybe because all my life I’d escaped into music, the darker the better. It had driven my parents crazy, but they’d allowed it since I’d had almost no friends growing up.

I could sense the man coming closer and I remained furious with myself that he was the kind of man who had a mesmerizing effect on me. I had to shake it somehow. Especially since I was going to be forced into close quarters with the man. One. Entire. Night.

The thought was daunting.

After plastering on a smile, I turned around. My nipples immediately hardened, my reaction to him that strong.

He took a deep breath, holding it as he inched closer. All the while, he allowed his gaze to fall as if seeing me for the first time.

He’d donned his jacket, keeping it unbuttoned and peeled away. His hands were in his trouser pockets and right now he appeared like any regular guy, not a wealthy douchebag.

“I’m curious,” he asked. “Have you taken a tour of my facility or merely engaged in your criminal activities?”

Every word the man issued made me want to run, slap his face, or kiss him. “Does the coffee shop and dining room count?”

Braxton seemed incredulous. “Not even to one of the beaches?”

“Why bother attempting to entertain myself on the beach when I prefer energy and vibrancy? Not nature and giant beetles.”

He was way too amused by what I’d just said.

“Yet you have some of the most pristine beaches in the world,” he said, drawing even closer.

“Yes, we do, our ocean waters teeming with coral, but I’m more of a city girl.”

“A city girl. I’ll keep that in mind. Come on. I’ll give you the marvelous two-bit tour.”

As soon as he opened the door, another wave of excitement rushed through me. Why did it feel as if I was being led on an adventure?

A wicked one?

Maybe that was the truth.

I walked out, trying not to shudder as he pressed his hand against the small of my back. The corridor was dark in design, which was in direct contrast to the three other offices I’d noticed, all with their doors open. They were tropical by design. Not Braxton’s.

“The executive suite,” I said absently.

“Yes, a private space we can lock down without fear of anyone getting onto the floor or breaking our security for that matter. It’s completely separate from the rest of the facility’s system. That allows additional protection as well as an entirely soundproof environment.”

His words were practiced as if he gave tours of this floor, which I doubted. While I was trying to concentrate on what he was saying, the discomfort covering pretty much my entire bottom was brought back to life by my dress swishing back and forth across my well-spanked ass.

Damn the man.

“That means you can beat, fuck, or kill anyone up here and your guests won’t know a thing.” Caustic words came so easily for me, especially around him.

Instead of falling prey to my nags, he waited as he pressed the private elevator button before answering. He turned to me, coming within a few inches. He did so love crowding my space, asserting his authority and his prowess. I lifted my head, refusing to fall prey as most women likely did.

“You’d be surprised the darkness and atrocities my brothers and I have performed on this hallowed floor.” There was a twinkle in his eyes.

The man was goading me.

“I doubt I would, a horrible monster such as yourself.”

“Yes, I enjoy doing vile things,” he growled as he pushed me in through the open elevator door.

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