Page 90 of Lose Me In The Shadows

“Ah, yes. You Americans, always in a rush. First, some drinks, I think. And perhaps entertainment? Tell me, lovely lady, have you seen the exhibition room?”

Kara’s ears perked. “The exhibition room?”

He chuckled. “It seems your—” he searched for a word, “—hosts didn’t give you the full tour. This is the private area, for those who aren’t completely comfortable with full on exhibitionism or trading partners. Down that hallway there are private rooms with windows for viewing, and a room with a stage where you can either watch, erm, demonstrations, orbethe demonstration.”

Everything in her went hot at the insinuation, and she was reminded that even though she’d gotten the three men off, she herself hadn’t been allowed to come. Her skin flushed, especially on her chest, where Luke’s come had begun to dry. She wanted it, and she hated that she wanted it—but then she felt that way about CNC, too. Or used to.

It didn’t matter. One glance at Conor’s face made it clear he’d never allow that—and she loved and loathed that, too.

“Tell us what you know,” Conor ordered.

“One drink first,” the man said.

“Fine,” Conor said.

The man signaled for the waiter, who returned, careful to keep his eyes off Kara. She was cognizant, once again, of the dried come on her chest. Fortunately, her own need had receded.

“Another round of what they had, and a cognac.”

The waiter nodded and departed.

“So, lovely, tell me about yourself. What was your life like before you hooked up with these gentlemen?”

Kara opened her mouth to prevaricate, shocked when one word popped out:

“Lonely.”

The energy around her, which had been swirling with testosterone and anticipation, went still. Luke’s hand, which still gripped her pussy, tightened, the squeeze bringing her lust back to the fore.

“Is that so?” There was an amused look in the man’s face. “And are you still lonely?”

“That’s enough,” Conor said, standing to go.

“No.” Micah stopped him with a hand. “I want to hear.”

She stared straight into Conor’s eyes. Micah had asked, but he needed to hear it most.

“No,” she said. “I’m not.”

“Well,” the man said after a brief pause. The waiter had returned with their drinks. “Let’s drink to that.”

Kara chugged her French 75, wishing for three more.

“Thank you,” Luke whispered in her ear.

“For what?”

“For not lying.” To the man he said, “Enough. Tell us what you know, or Micah texts Marcus.”

“Alright,” the man said. “But I want a guarantee from Marcus for safe passage. I’ve been running so long, you know. The Johnathans have a wide reach, and nowhere is safe. I have a wife, two young sons in hiding…”

If she didn’t know him so well by now, Kara would have missed Conor’s reaction. It was so miniscule, the flinch, but she saw it in the tiny clench of his shoulders before he immediately relaxed himself.

Micah typed something on his phone, waited a moment, then held it up for the man to see.

Guaranteed,read the text from Marcus.

“The Johnathan brothers are a vindictive lot—as I’m sure you’re aware. The man you killed in Frankfurt was on Elliot Johnathan’s shit list for corporate espionage—he had stolen a formula for some wonder drug. But instead of reporting him to the authorities, they decided to take matters into their own hands. They could’ve hired a contractor, but Chris had an idea: double revenge, for the price of one. It didn’t hurt that you three were known as the absolute best, and Elliot has always had a soft spot for his youngest brother. So when Chris asked that his former lover’s new lovers be given a false directive to take out an “enemy of the state” and have them take the fall, Elliot agreed.”

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