Page 128 of Take What You Want

The moment Jane stepped out of her car, I wanted to throw her right back in it and kick the driver to the curb. She’s an absolute vision, and my heart stopped when I first saw her. The photos she sent me while getting ready didn’t do her justice.

She’s in a form-fitting red, silky dress that drapes across her hips and tucks in the waist, giving her an hourglass figure its moment to shine. It stops mid-calf but has a slit up the right side that sits in the middle of her thigh. With each step she takes, she flashes her long legs that are further accentuated by her black heels. I’m not sure how many inches they are, but she’s almost my height in them.

It’s fucking sexy.

Her hair falls in loose, glossy waves around the thin straps of her dress and down her back. The color on her lips perfectly matches the dress, and I just know she took immense pride in getting that shade match. Her lashes are long and full and the dark shadow brings out the green of her eyes.

The sight of her makes me want to fall to my knees and worship her, but also bend her over the nearest surface.

She bats my hand away playfully as we ride up the elevator, and I try to squeeze her ass.

“Play nice, now,” she warns.

I nip her ear, causing her breath to hitch. “You like it when I don’t.”

She melts into my side even as she tries to steel her spine. I smirk, loving the effect I have on this powerful woman of mine.

The elevator dings, and the doors open to a rooftop ballroom. I keep my hand on Jane’s back as we walk into the party, which, judging by the volume of raucous laughter and chatter, is well underway.

Modern chandeliers with exposed light bulbs hang from the ceiling, along with long lines of greenery and vines that dip and hang overhead. Tables covered in dark linen with floral centerpieces are scattered around the room. Multiple bars are stationed around the space and waiters walk around with trays of drinks and food.

“This is nice,” I say.

Jane snorts. “Chester doesn’t do cheap. I wouldn’t have expected anything less.”

Windows surround the room, creating a 360-view of Boston every way you look. There’s a patio wrapping around the outside of the building as well and a few people mingle outside.

I scan the room of unfamiliar faces who look at me with familiarity. A few do a double take, as if they aren’t sure if I’m really me.

Yep, it is.I can practically taste the hunger in the gazes from both the men and women. The men likely want to try to schmooze me and get my business. The women’s stares are more feral and I know they couldn’t care less about who I employ for legal representation. I hold Jane tightly, wanting them to all see exactly what I’m here for. And it’s none of them.

A blurry figure charges toward us and Jane is yanked out of my grasp. I open my mouth to shout, but Jane squeals excitedly.

“God, I missed you!”

The woman who pulled her into a bear hug steps back and says, “Holy shit, look at you! Whatever the hell kind of water LA has, I need some of it.”

Jane’s cheeks flush, and she waves her off. “Please, you look incredible. The color is amazing.”

The woman does a little spin and smiles at Jane. It is a beautiful color, the pale blue a stark contrast to her deep skin tone. “And you must be her roommate,” she says, extending her hand toward me. I take it, and she shakes it with surprising strength. “How nice of you to accompany your house guest to her work party. I’m Hallie.” She gives me a saccharine smile and I immediately like her.

“I’m Jane’s landlord, Nikolai,” I say, giving her a shit-eating smirk back. Hallie drops her head back in laughter and Jane rolls her eyes at the both of us.

“Nikolai, this is Hallie.”

“Her best friend,” Hallie adds.

Jane chuckles. “My best friend. And Hallie, this is Nikolai.”

“Her boyfriend,” I pipe in.

Jane brushes that off. “He wishes.”

Hallie’s eyes dart back and forth between the two of us, face alight with entertainment. “Well, it’s nice to meet you. Is it weird that I’ve had a sleepover at your house but have never met you before?”

“Nah,” I say, snaking my hand around Jane’s hip again. “I’m glad you could fly out to keep our girl company. Plus, Jane told me you showed her how to use the popcorn machine.”

“I would’ve figured it out myself,” Jane mutters. “I just hadn’t needed to use it yet.”

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