Page 160 of Awakened by Sin

His eyes gleamed. “Next time.”

“I’m counting on it.”

“Everything’s all right at the house?” he asked.

“Everything’s great. Now that I’ve settled in, I can focus on other things. I want to start my pole classes again, see my friends, spend time with Lyla, get her out and about …”

“You’re supposed to stay out of sight,” he reminded her mildly as they boarded the elevator.

“I’ll leave that to Mickey and Frederick.” Because he looked concerned, she added, “I won’t take unnecessary risks.”

“Good.”

The elevator doors opened, and Frederick and Mickey stepped in.

“Hey, boys,” she said.

Frederick didn’t respond, but Mickey winked at her. They stood in front of them as they traveled down to the ground floor. They strolled through the casino with Frederick and Mickey flanking them. They were passing the bar when someone called out to Marcus. He paused as a handsome, exotic-looking man held out a hand.

“Best birthday bash ever,” he said as he shook Marcus’s hand.

“You’re welcome. Khalid, this is Carmen Pyre. Carmen, this is our guest of honor. He’s visiting from Dubai and interested in some Pyre Casinos projects,” Marcus said.

She shook Khalid’s hand. “Happy Birthday. Your bash had quite the guest list.”

“Pyre?” Khalid echoed.

“I was married to the former COO,” she said.

Khalid nodded. “I see. Very nice to meet you. Where are you off to?”

“I have an appointment,” she said.

He gestured to the bar, which was packed with men. “Have a drink with us. I’m sure your appointment can wait.”

She retracted her hand and gave him a plastic smile. “Sorry, I’m busy. I’m sure Marcus can find you some companions for the day.”

Khalid handed her a black business card with gold script. “When you’re finished with your appointment, call me. I’ll be in town for the rest of the week.” He cocked his head. “Have you ever been to Dubai?”

He was forward as fuck, not surprising since he was a billionaire. He thought she would fall at his feet or rearrange her life for a day with him. If he wasn’t a potential investor for Pyre Casinos she would have told him to shove it. Instead, she took the card and slipped it into her back pocket.

“I haven’t been to Dubai yet. It’s on my list.” She elbowed Marcus. “We should go someday.”

“Maybe we will,” Marcus said.

Khalid looked between them before he inclined his head. “I’ll let you get to your appointment.”

“And we’ll let you get back to celebrating,” she said and took Marcus’s arm. She waved at Khalid’s entourage who were watching avidly and continued along the heavily carpeted path. “We really should go to Dubai. You need to travel, and I can add another destination to my list.”

“Does that happen a lot?”

“What?”

“Hitting on you?”

She glanced at him. “Of course.”

“Must get annoying.”

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