Page 27 of Merciless Sinner

“My best friend Zia owns the place, I just manage it for her since her food network show took off. She’s crazy successful.”

He filed that information away for later. The name of her friend sounded vaguely familiar. “And the catering. That part of the job too?”

She shook her head. “No, that part’s mine. And thanks to Zia’s referrals it’s starting to take off. I’m getting more bookings than I can handle on my own. Guess I’m expanding though, since I’ve taken on temporary employees until I figure out what I want to do on a more permanent basis.”

“Running a business is a time consuming endeavor. How does this fit into all of your plans?”

“This? You mean dating? I guess it really doesn’t which is why I haven’t been dating.”

“And yet you’re here now—on a date.”

“My date was pretty insistent.” The smirk on her face gave way to a smile and that look slammed into his gut.

The desire he had before to possess this woman clawed deeper into his soul. He wanted to be inside her now. This waiting for it had to end. He didn’t have much patience to begin with and after the last several days of anticipation, he felt stretched to his limits.

He abruptly stood and pulled her up with him. “I think it’s time to put that sassy mouth of yours to the test.”

Her eyes widened and a visible shiver worked over her. What didn’t happen was her saying the word no. Quite the opposite. She met his gaze with such a strong look of obvious desire it made his cock ache even more. Something he didn’t think possible at this point.

Given the right opportunities she let her guard down and the sweet submissive side of her flourished. He wanted more of that from her. He didn’t just want it, he planned to own it. She would belong to him because it’s what he wanted and because it’s whatshewanted.

He merely had to show her.

“It’s time to go,” he said as he abruptly stood and held out his hand for her. Her eyes widened in surprise a moment before they softened and she slid her hand in his.

That simple brush of skin made his stomach clench. He imagined that same delicate touch wrapped around his cock and groaned.

He led her toward the front of the boat, weaving their way through the crowd toward the exit. As fun as these parties could be, he needed to get her somewhere private.

“Leaving so soon?” Alex stopped short as Viktor Sokolov spoke from behind them as they stepped onto the dock.

He turned back, unease rippling through him. There was something about Viktor’s tone that set him on edge.

“Yes, I have an early meeting tomorrow morning.” As Viktor well knew since he would be in attendance as well.

Viktor stepped closer, his eyes no longer focused on him. “I haven’t yet had the pleasure.” His gaze zeroed in on Harper. “I’m Viktor, you are?”

Alex released Harper’s hand and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her tight against him. That odd feeling of possessive ownership had returned and it was ten times the force I’d felt with Jeremy.

“I’m sorry. Viktor, this is Harper Allison my date. Harper this is Viktor Sokolov our host for the evening.”

She held out her hand in greeting. “It’s a pleasure, Mr. Sokolov, you have an incredible ship.”

Alex’s jaw tightened when Viktor took her hand and pressed his lips to her precious skin. “Thank you. And trust me it is all my pleasure to meet you, Miss Allison. Although I must admit you look very familiar to me. Have we met before?”

Alarm shot through Alex. While his lungs seized he struggled to remain calm as he tried to remember if Viktor had been in attendance at his stepbrother’s birthday party.

“No, we haven’t met. I’m sure I would remember that.”

He knew Viktor reasonable well and the billionaire was as sharp as they came. If she looked familiar, then he’d seen her somewhere. And likely remembered precisely when and where.

“Okay. Tell me then, did you enjoy the party?”

A bright red flush immediately colored her neck and cheeks, but to her credit she recovered quickly. “I did. It was a new and pleasant experience.”

Viktor smiled, but Alex caught the sharp glean in his eye. He needed to get Harper out her and now. He’d already texted Gerard and he and the car were already waiting.

“Harper, why don’t you go ahead and catch up with Gerard. He’s waiting for you just over there.” He pointed in the direction of his head of security/personal driver. “I need to speak to Viktor for a moment.”

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