Page 32 of The Chase
This was not how I’d seen the evening going. Not even close.
“If anyone asks you a question, defer to me.”
“Did we just go back a hundred years?”
“We’re trying to maintain a low profile.”
I wanted to be ready for him, for them, but fear threatened to incapacitate me.
He took my hands. “You look beautiful. Do this and I’ll reward you well.”
“Like, with a bonus?”
He smirked. “Don’t push it. I’m already getting you a new phone, remember?”
I frowned, wondering how else he’d reward me, then.
He neared me and tipped my chin up. “I’ll make it up to you in more ways than you can ever imagine.”
My body trembled with this growing need of arousal and I bit my lip hoping I didn’t dampen my panties, my breaths short and sharp.
The pad of his thumb rested on my lower lip and he freed it from my bite. “Just do as I say.”
“I’ll try.”
As though lost in thought, his eyelids closed for a beat. “Mr. Wilder?”
He stepped away and walked over to his glass, and took a sip. “Let’s get this over with so we can get you home.”
His hand rested at the arch of my back as he led me out. Swooning at his touch and trying not to show it, I reminded myself I could leave at any time.
And, after all, I was wearing a mask.
Back within the vast foyer, the chill hit me again. Whoever had decided that women shouldn’t wear clothes needed a punch. It was bloody cold, and with a quick glance down I was horrified to see my areolae were not quite covered. Instinctively, I reached up to hide my breasts.
“Zara,” Tobias warned.
My arms flew to my sides as though I’d already stepped into the role of lover. “Next time I’m picking my own bra and panties.”
His lips quirked in a smile. “I’ve had the unusual pleasure of glimpsing a sample of your personal knicker collection back at The Otillie. Quite the experience. My new favorite color just so happens to be eggshell blue.”
I gave him a “you’re a cheeky bastard” glare. “Not that there’ll be a next time,” I clarified.
“Okay, then.”
We strolled down the dimly lit hallway.
Music carried along with laughter, clinking glasses, the revelry of a party.
Tobias spoke with two intimidating-looking bouncers guarding a large double door. He sounded fluent in the Italian words he shared with them, and I sensed it was a password.
They both reached for their respective doorknobs.
So many questions. How did he know about this place? Who was Ruby Ryan and what was his relationship with her?
A woman who was obviously into this—
Inside a fluorescent red room, topless burlesque dancers were performing, with one twirling on a pole, another blowing fire out toward the awestruck crowd, the others swirling sensually on chairs. Garish theatrical music flooded the room.
