Page 21 of Gilded Caresses

My gaze roams over our sole connection. The inked skull covering his hand stands out with blackened eye sockets and a white rose flourishing out of its mouth against the backdrop of tanned skin. Tears of blood drip down the ghostly white sides to cover the rose. It’s as beautiful as it is haunting.

The cool metal of his rings creates deep contrast to the heat of his skin.

“We couldn’t help but see you with your friend tonight.” There’s a broad intonation to the way Lev’s words move over his tongue eloquently with his accent. Not too thick, but noticeable all the same. Smooth and deliberate.

He takes my small hand in his larger one and brings it to his lips. Holding my gaze in the low light, he places a kiss atop each knuckle. Slow and methodical.

Nervous of who they are and who I am, I have to remind myself to breathe before I pass out in their arms. While people might know my name here, no one outside of Genesis knows I am the new undertaker and for a good reason. The fewer people who know what I do for a living for the family the better. Especially after the stain of my father’s crimes. Some people in the underworld have long memories.

Make that all of them.

“I hope you don’t mind our joining you.”

Gregor’s voice is smooth as smoke over dark wood. His accent offers hints of his Russian roots as well.

Using the liquid courage courtesy of Don Julio, I sit up a little straighter against the cushioned back. I take a shaky breath and open my mouth. “Mind?” I speak up. The show has started and the casual vibing music is distracting. So are subtle moans and whimpers from the crowd. “You seem to have given me little choice in the matter.”

The sensual husk to my voice is new, but I’m too deep to turn chicken now. I move a little left but when I do, my thigh bumps into the man on my right.

Gregor’s fingers are now moving to gather my hand in his to mirror the way his friend holds my other captive.

Both are wearing flawless suits. Ties snitched up to the throat neatly. Both have black on black and smell like sin rolled in billions of dollars. Crime when committed with the precision ofVan Gough pays lucratively and these two have mastered their artistic techniques.

Is it me or did they move closer?

“Gentlemen. Since it seems we will be enjoying each other’s company, maybe telling me your names would be a good start?”

I am not about to admit I know who they are. Their masculine laughs are heavy, intimidating and make my nipples pucker against the softness of my dress. Lev smiles down at me like he’s won the lottery and wants to share his winnings with me.

“Lev. And this is my best friend Gregor. Our other friend will be joining us shortly.”

I drum up a polite smile I reserve for the few times I actually have to deal with people face to face. The one thing I love about this place is that no one bothers you. Unlike dive bars and pubs this place has unspoken rules that make single women feel like queens. A snap of my finger and I don’t care how powerful you are; you are out.

“Three, huh? Where is your friend now?” The feel of Lev’s lips sliding over my knuckles is distracting, but I don’t pull away. I like the warmth and softness of his mouth on my skin.

“He is on a phone call right now. He won’t be long.”

That is Gregor. The fine lines at the edges of his eyes offer hints of his age. If I had to guess mid-thirties. But I know he’s closer to forty. The fine material of his suit moves and molds to the broad form of his shoulders and the thickness of his arms.

God, I love the way his mouth moves when he speaks.

I admonish myself for the thought when I should be focusing on a way to politely excuse myself from between them. Belle would understand if I slip away early.

I need to leave before this goes too far. A little harmless flirting is fine, but these men don’t seem the type to kiss and walk.

My phone rings but I silence it and turn it face down on the table.

“Do you need to get that?”

I pick it up and check the screen. Damn. Harlon. Something tells me if they see the face that goes with the number it would not go over well.

Lev is stroking lazy circles over my thigh where his other hand has come to rest shockingly close to the edge of my dress.

And it feels good.Play it cool, I tell myself.

A waitress comes and removes our glasses. “Anything else,” she asks.

“Not now,” I say. The second she is gone Lev presses a button and the table disappears into the floor. I snatch my phone and put it on my lap.

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