Page 42 of Wicked and Bound

“I insist. It won’t hurt her. Look, everyone is drinking our special reserve. It’s a little concoction meant to enhance your experience this evening.”

A glance around the room told Nash that people were, in fact, gulping down the wine like drunken sailors. “We’re enjoying our evening just fine without it.”

Gray cocked his head. “Mr. King, I’m at a loss to understand your distrust. How has anyone here at the Velvet Cove wronged you? Is your breeder not everything you were promised—beautiful? Fiery? And all yours?”

Nash acknowledged Gray’s sick logic. The man had given him everything he’d paid for. If he wasn’t investigating this fucking hellhole, if he really had been a buyer of flesh, he’d be thrilled as hell with his acquisition.

“I’m simply a cautious man.”

“Of course. But our business thrives on its reputation. We deliver the best products and provide the best service, period. We would never presume to damage your investment.” He turned back to Haisley. “Drink up.”

“I prefer her sober.”

“You won’t once you understand. Believe me, this recipe will enhance your evening beyond your wildest dreams.”

He opened his mouth to tell Gray to back the fuck off. But Haisley drained her glass obediently, then cast her eyes down.

“Excellent.” Gray’s smile widened with terrible glee. “You can thank me later, Mr. King.”

Once the prick walked away, Nash turned to Haisley, who sent him a pointed stare. “He wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Since they aren’t poisoning people, I drank it. We have to blend in.”

As much as he hated it, she was right. “We have no idea what was in that wine.”

“I guess we’ll find out.”

Nash pretended to spill the contents of his cup, then abandoned the goblet on another passing waiter’s tray before he grabbed her hand. Together, they circled the room until they found an alcove partially hidden by a pillar and gauzy curtains. He pulled her against his chest and buried his face in her neck. “Watch who comes through the main entrance and mingles in that area. I’ll keep watch on the other half of the room.”

She managed a bob of her head as she dragged her fingertips across his shoulders. To others, they probably looked engrossed in one another, but her taut posture told him just how alert she was.

Nearby, Nash caught sight of Kane, sporting a sleek new pair of glasses, lounging against the next pillar over. He gave his fellow operative a subtle nod, and Kane strolled toward them.

“A birdie told me the wine is laced with GHB and MDMA.” His low murmur, almost drowned out by chatter, music, and clinking glasses, held a warning.

Dread sank deep in Nash’s gut. Fuck, this night was likely to go south—fast.

“What does that do?” Haisley whispered, wide-eyed.

“Creates a potent euphoric high.”

Kane nodded. “Which will probably heighten your sex drive. So don’t drink it.”

“Too late,” Nash supplied grimly.

Another glance at Haisley told him her pupils were already dilating. A flush was creeping up her cheeks. Hell, her lips even looked swollen.

Around them, others were beginning to wriggle and moan. Men’s hands began wandering, leading females onto their laps or into dark corners.

Suddenly, Haisley swayed against him. “That explains why I’m feeling…strange.”

“Take deep breaths. Do your best to keep your head. Remember, what you’re feeling isn’t real.”

She nodded, but her lids were turning heavy. Seductive. She licked her lips and pressed a hand to her chest, accentuating her now-hard nipples poking her teeny-tiny pasties. Then she rubbed against him in blatant invitation. “Everything feels like a dream. Touch me so I know you’re real…”

His pulse jumped. His cock stiffened.

Damn, now wasn’t the time to lose his head.

Kane sidled up to him, turning his back to Haisley. “Brace yourself. She’ll be begging for it soon.”

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