I turn around to see a blonde in a tight dress approaching.

Fuck. I forgot I brought a date.

I had thought that if I at least had a woman to go home with, it’d make the evening more bearable.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Just the sound of her voice annoys me. I’m in no mood for this.

“Adrienne.” I address her with a grin. It’s not her fault she grates on my nerves. It’s just been a long week. Maybe a good lay will help me relieve the stress.

She must be thinking the same thing because she curls up to my side and thrusts out her fake tits. She shoots me a salacious grin, but it does nothing for me. She just seems too eager.

She’s one of my regulars. We’ve had our fun, but I’m bored. Maybe I just miss the chase. Women throw themselves at me. There’s no challenge anymore. Maybe I might even want morethan just sex. I’m getting older. Fuck, I’m thirty-four. It could be time I settle down.

Or maybe I’m just tired. I’ll be better tomorrow once I’m rested up.

“Let’s see if there’s anyone else I need to talk to before I go,” I say, more to myself than to her.

My California king consumes my thoughts. Silk sheets and warmth wait for me at home.

She must misinterpret my disinterest in the party as interest in her, because she leans in and whispers in my ear, “Or we could find a closet. You’re looking a little tense. I can help with that.” She shoots me a wink.

I hold back a shudder. I could not be any less interested in sex with her right now.

“Not now. I still have a few people I need to catch.” I let her down gently.

“Are you sure? I’ll let you do anything you want.” She pouts her lips in a way that she must think is sexy but makes her look like a toddler throwing a tantrum.

“We’re not hooking up in a supply closet at a gala with business associates around.” I’m losing my patience.

“Fine. Come find me when you’re ready to leave.”

“I’m going home alone tonight. I can get you a cab if you need.”

I’m still a gentleman after all. I’ll make sure she has a ride home, but knowing her, she’ll probably try to find another rich man’s bed to get into tonight.Not my problem.

“Don’t bother!” She huffs and storms away.

I assumed correctly. Good luck to the man she sinks her claws into for the night. I really need to end things with her.

At least that’s settled. I check my watch:nine twenty-three p.m.Good enough; I’m heading home. My patience has run dry, and my bed’s siren song is too seductive to ignore.

***

As I pull into my driveway, my phone rings.

Dom.

If he’s calling when he thinks I’m at a business gala, it must be serious.

“Dom, what is it?” I ask, too exhausted for greetings. Every second that delays me from my bed isn’t worth my energy.

“The Bratva is up to no good. I’m not sure what, but something doesn’t feel right.” His tone is hard.

Dom’s good at what he does. If he has a feeling something is amiss, then we take that seriously. He’s rarely wrong.

“What makes you say that?”