Page 43 of Devour

I swallow and close my eyes. She gave him a thumbs up as she creeped past the man while he was undressing from the coffeeshespilled on him to get him to strip. Oh my goodness. Okay. “I have to get to work. Next time let’s just keep it just the two of us, mmkay? Love you, Grams.”

“Take care, Little Bit.”

“You too. No more naked men.”

“No promises, dear.”

I’m still grumbling about how messed up all of this is and in no way can be my reality by the time I pull into the parking garage of the building where I work. I didn’t have time to wash my hair, but I brushed it several times and put it in a neat tight bun. The grime is washed from my skin and I’m dressed in a clean and sophisticated suit. With the alarm and tone in my boss’s voice, I assumed I should dress my best. It doesn’t make sense for me to be the one they need. I can’t fathom what use I could be for this meeting, but it’s an opportunity and I’m goingto take it. I’ve wanted nothing more than to prove myself. Here’s my chance.

Nerves mixed with a sense of optimism, I hurry off the elevator to the conference room. I’ve never gotten to sit in this room other than to observe or bring coffee. Getting a seat at the table is huge for me.

Upon entering the room, my mouth drops in shock.No.No, no, no, no. Nope. This isnothappening. Panic floods me. What ishedoing here? A smile plays on the edge of his full lips. He’s enjoying this. Why wouldn’t he? He got me again. This is all one big fucking game to him. But it’s my life he’s playing with.

Quickly I close my lips and force a smile. I have to remain professional. Miss Bowman and Kane are watching me with keen interest. Not as intently as Nicholas is staring at me. He’s waiting to see how I’ll react to him sitting at the end of the table, looking regal and exceedingly gorgeous. Sexy and formidable in his navy-blue suit and white button-up. I want to punch him in the face.

“Miss Goodman. We’re so happy you could join us.” Miss Bowman gestures for me to take a seat.

A seat at the table. This is it. Nobody is going to take this from me. Whatever Nicholas is playing, I’ve got to keep my wits about me. I pull out a chair, but Nicholas clears his throat and nods to the chair closest to him, the one that’s also directly across from my boss. With a strained closed-lip smile, I accept the offered seat.

Nicholas’ voice comes out pleasant but with a harsh edge. “Yes. And on such short notice. I apologize for that, since I was positive I’d made myself clear.”

He’s the VIP client that requested me. Miss Bowman wasn’t happy about him wanting me on the project. If he wanted me here, why not say something while he was at my grandmother’s?Unless this is about Miss Bowman not passing along the invitation, and he wants to prove a point.

Well, this is just lovely. I’m so pumped for this potentially awkward meeting.

I nod slowly and then unzip my satchel to pull out my tablet and pen. “I’m sorry to have kept you all waiting.”

Miss Bowman offers me a half smile. If my situation wasn’t so fucked up, I’d probably have a good laugh. I clear my throat and silently beg for someone to speak and break the tension. Unfortunately, it’s Nicholas who speaks.

“I apologize if I’ve made you uncomfortable, Miss Goodman.”

I turn my head, planning to give a quick nod of acknowledgement, but freeze. “I, uh, I – I’m f-fine.” I stammer because his gaze runs over me as he brings his two fingers under his nose. To anyone else it looks like he’s deep in thought as he studies me. But I know exactly what he’s doing. He’s sniffing his fingers. The same ones that had been inside me earlier. His eyelids close for a brief moment. A slow grin spreads and then I hear his deep inhale of my scent.

“Good. I hope we didn’t interrupt you from anything.” His tone is level, professional even, but his eyes burn bright with his excitement.

“No.” Two can play this game. I need to be strong and appear completely unaffected. “My day was quite boring.”

His blue gray gaze meets mine. I want him, again. I’m sitting here desperate as wetness gathers at my entrance. I’m mortified. I quickly become focused with my blank tablet. Eye on the prize. I’m going to prove myself in this meeting in front of my boss. Even if my panties are a mess, dammit. Could be worse. I’d rather have evidence of arousal than evidence of irritable bowels.

Miss Bowman steps up and takes over introductions and the typical company pitch. Mr. Deschamps looks only at me as he gives details on the casino’s grand opening. “The name isLe Louve. It’s French for she-wolf.”

I swallow hard under the intensity of his stare and the deepening of his voice. He arches a single brow and asks, “Do you like it?”

“It’s your casino, sir.”

“But you work in public relations. I’d like your opinion.”

“It’s an interesting choice.”

Miss Bowman and Mr. Bradly about fall out of their chairs. “It’s a wonderful name.” “Very classy and unique.” They speak at the same time to assure him that it’s the greatest name ever for a casino.

“My nickname is the wolf.Le Loup.Maybe this casino will be my calling for my mate.”

I roll my eyes. My boss, however, sighs. “Very romantic, Mr. Deschamps. Do you have a logo prepared? Or can we assist in that, as well.”

“No. I knew immediately what I wanted. Two wolf heads, vertically mirrored. Red. Bright red.”

This is gone to full blown next level crazy. I’m going to need so much therapy, a restraining order, and possibly a new job after this meeting. Kane, completely oblivious to all the hidden meanings and how slightly creepy all this is, says, “Red is a great color, sir.”

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