Page 2 of Theirs to Corrupt

Shaking off the momentary distraction, I refocus on Johnson. “You’ve got twenty-four hours.”

“I’ll get you what you need, Mr. Merritt. Just…please…” he stammers, his pudgy fingers leaving damp prints on his glass of untouched whiskey. “My family?—”

“Be grateful I’m being generous. Same time tomorrow. Same place. You’ll be here.” It’s not a question.

As he attempts to flee, he knocks over his drink. “I’m sorry. I’m…” He grabs a napkin and tries to mop up the mess.

“Get out of here,” Pax snaps.

Tripping over his own feet, Johnson scurries away like the rat he is.

Moments later, the server is back, smelling of jasmine, vanilla, and sweet innocence—something I’m surprised I can still recognize.

She hasn’t missed a thing, and within moments, she’s leaning past me to wipe away the liquid and pick up the discarded glass.

Pax slides into the seat that Johnson has vacated. As always, my bodyguard has his back to the wall and his face to the door. Nothing will ever get past him.

“Your server had to leave.” After clearing her throat, she goes on. “I’ll be taking over your table.”

Quickly she glances toward the bar and the owner, Marge. “If you’d rather have someone else wait on you, I can arrange?—”

“No.” My interruption is swift. No way in hell am I letting her get away after what she overheard.

After what she overheard?

As if that has anything to do with it.

No way in hell am I letting her get away while her scent is still tantalizingly wrapped around me.

“In that case… Can I get you anything else? Another round?”

There’s no reason to stay.

We’d planned to go to the Braes—the exclusive country club I belong to—but I’m reluctant to leave. “Another round.” I nod.

Pax arches a single, dark eyebrow.

“Thank you…” Looking at her, I tilt my head, inviting her to supply her name, which she doesn’t.

That makes me lean back in my seat to regard her more closely.

Though Pax and I don’t come here often, I know all the bartenders and most of the servers. “You must be new here.”

“Relatively.”

Her vague reply only intrigues me more.

“I’m Pax.” My bodyguard has more charm than I do, and he smiles disarmingly at her.

“Hello.” Once again, she keeps her features neutral.

So much for charm.

“Link,” I offer.

“I know who you are.” She barely hesitates before moving off.

I scowl, and Pax clears his throat, no doubt to cover his laugh. I’m not caught off guard often.

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