Page 67 of Vicious Addictions

“You can’t be pissed drunk either. I need your wits about you.” She keeps her eyes on the stage, pretending to be entranced by the show. “Don’t ruin this for me. It’s not only your ass on the line. It’s mine, too.”

She’s right. No matter how much this whole situation is fucking with my head, I can’t screw this up for either one of us.

As it stands, I’m the one acting like it’s my first day on the job.

Mina has embodied her role beautifully.

No one would ever suspect she wasn’t eye candy to some American high roller, much less be affiliated with the Firm.

She’s got her shit together. Which means so must I.

I take a slow breath, forcing my tense shoulders to drop.

“There you go,” she coos, fingers tracing my thigh when she sees I’m ready to play my part. “If it’s easier for you,” she whispers in my ear. “For the rest of the night, just pretend we’re someone else.”

“Oh, yeah?” I turn a bit too fast, her face now inches away from mine.

She’s close.

Too close.

“And who exactly am I supposed to be?”

“You’re Mitchell, remember?” She smiles, her grin now genuine. “You’re just another wealthy tourist looking for a good time in the city with his girl.” She then nestles her head on my shoulder before continuing. “We’re just two people who fancy each other. Think you can handle that? Hmm?”

Her hum is pure sin, sliding down my spine, curling low in my gut.

“Well, can you,Mitch?” she taunts, running her nose up and down my neck and making my pulse spike.

Before she can push further, I grip the nape of her neck and pull her away, my fingers tightening just enough to show her I mean business but not so hard to hurt her.

Mina’s eyes go half-lidded, her lips parting just slightly, enough for her tongue to peek out.

I’m wholly and utterly fucked.

“And who are you supposed to be?” I ask, voice low.

“I’m the girl you’re taking home tonight,” Mina murmurs, her fingers running up my thigh.

“And who am I again?” I retort, my tone gruff.

“You’re the man who’s dying to kiss me.”

My gaze drops to her mouth, admiring her full, luscious lips.

She knows exactly what she’s doing when she flicks out her tongue, just enough to wet her bottom lip and make me go mad with want.

It’s just pretend, I remind myself.

But there’s truth in her words.

Iwillbe the one taking Mina home tonight.

And fuck, Iamdying to kiss her.

The change in music shakes me from my thoughts, forcing my grip to loosen around her neck. Mina leans into me, resting her head on my shoulder yet again as she watches a batch of new dancers move across the stage.

Each slow, seductive shift of their bodies only makes me more aware of the woman beside me. The way her chest rises and falls with every breath. How her dress clings to her curves like a second skin. How her long legs are out on full display. It would be so easy to slide my hand in between her thighs and verify if she’s wearing panties underneath.

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