Page 86 of The First Spark

What the hell happened? Is shethatmad about Raven’s comment? Enough to send me packing, too? It’s not like Raven called Ori a hideous toad. Besides, Ori is a smart woman. Damn smart. There’s no way she looks in a mirror and sees anything but a petite beauty staring back at her.

And if she hadn’t blown me off, I would have spent the night reassuring her of just how fucking desirable she is.

But she hasnothing specialto do, and that was more appealing than time with me.

A quick glance at my phone tells me the party is rocking and rolling at the hotel. I can hop on my hog and be there in thirty minutes. Within the hour, I can be balls deep in Raven, as we create our own porn drama.

The woman is the stuff of legends and let’s be honest, I have a similar reputation for providing pleasure.

Another sip of whiskey slides down my throat as my foot taps against the floor in an erratic beat.

I’ve earned a damn party and a happy ending. Raven wants to give me both with no strings attached. No promises of dinner and commitment the next morning.

It’s perfect. Surface level pleasure.

Because who needs Oriana Thorne’s company, right?

Not me.

Still …

“Fuck,” I groan, tugging a hand through my hair.

Home. Party. Home. Party.

Guaranteed sex or guaranteed sleepless night.

How is this even a question circling my brain?

“Oriana, you really are a damn siren.”

I take a final swallow from the bottle before tucking it back on the shelf. Time to get out of here.

My foot is on the first step when the door from the hallway yanks open, sending a shaft of light streaming into the basement.

Mina stands at the top of the stairs, arms crossed over her chest, that same belligerent expression coloring her features.

Seriously, woman, I am not in the mood.

“What’s up, Mina?”

“A woman is here, looking for you. She was banging on the door to Black Lotus as I was leaving. Said she needs to speak with you immediately.”

“Wonderful,” I mutter. “Did you get her name?”

“My name is Jade, and you’d better not claim to be toobusy for me.” My cousin steps from the shadows wearing a wide grin.

“Jade, what the hell are you doing here?” I ask, rushing up the stairs to enfold her into a bear hug. “It’s been forever.”

“Tell me about it,” Jade giggles, pressing a noisy kiss to my cheek.

I pivot and catch sight of Mina, who is now glaring holes into me. “Mina, this is Jade—my cousin.”

The fury brewing on Mina’s face slides away, replaced by a genuine smile. “Oh, I thought you were?—”

“One of his many women?” Jade jokes as she shakes Mina’s hand. “No, although I fought quite a few of them off back in the day.”

“Nice to meet you.” Mina turns her attention to me, the smile wavering. “I have something for you.”

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