Page 30 of High Class

He lifts an eyebrow upward. “How so?”

“Clearly you come from powerful and criminal families, but you’re here in Las Vegas doing something completely unique and not at all nefarious.”

Luke nods. “You’ve just seen one side of us. We have our nefariousness. It just stays out of the club. Matteo wanted to take us completely legal, but we’re discovering that’s not possible with our families and our pasts. So, we only do the things we want to do. And we try to avoid violence where we can. Doesn’t mean we don’t resort to it when we have to. It’s absolutely in our repertoire.”

“I believe that. And I don’t look down on criminal organizations as a whole. There’s a reason they exist. Murder, violence, the stuff we see in the movies, I definitely don’t condone, but I make my living from something that’s illegal, so I can’t judge anyone else for doing the same.”

He smiles. “I’ve found there is a mix of good and evil in every arm of human society. The evil politician is worse than the blatant criminal in my book because the politician tries to hide it.”

“I like what you’ve built here, Luke. Illegal or not.”

He empties his glass and sets it aside. “I like it too. You weren’t wrong earlier when you observed that I’ve built a family here. Sometimes I don’t see it that way, but it’s true just the same. I would kill anyone who tried to harm them. And I include Skylar in that even though we’re at odds right now.”

I slip off my heels and tuck my feet beneath me as I contemplate what he’s said. Perhaps I’ve been on my own for too long, but I like the way the club made me feel tonight. As if I belonged. It’s been too long since I’ve had that, I think. Perhaps I should try to find some joy in where the universe has seen fit to place me. Something tells me a night with Luke would provide a lot of joy.

I shift gears and give him a shy smile. “Tell me, Luke, do you intend to stay with me the entire week?”

He raises a brow. “I’m sure I’ll have to go to my house at some point and deal with the FBI. But for now, yes. Why?”

“Because I think we’re two adults who are attracted to each other. What are the odds you want to act on that attraction?”

“You’re attracted to me?”

I laugh, surprised by the question. “Isn’t it obvious? You’re disgustingly handsome and you’ve stirred up things in me I haven’t felt in a long time. From the moment I climbed into that limo, I realized I was with the wrong Bowden that night. You have to have noticed the sparks any time we touch. Not to mention you’ve kissed me twice. Is it so wrong that I want to explore that? Or does my profession turn you off?” My profession is why I tend to not explore romantic connections. It’s a deal breaker for most men.

He reaches for my hand. “I have trouble sharing. That’s all.”

“So, forget about that. My time is yours for the next week at least. More if this drags on. You don’t have to worry about sharing.”

“You remember what I said on the dance floor the other night?”

God, was that really two nights ago? It’s hard to believe it’s barely been forty-eight hours since I met this man.

“You mean that you’re in charge. Explain that to me,” I murmur, my body humming just from the simple act of him holding my hand.

“It means I control your pleasure. It means we do things my way, and it means you’re going to be a good girl and take whatever I want to give you.” With his free hand, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and scrolls.

“I pulled up your profile from the club database. We could have some real fun if you’ll agree to my terms. I’m intrigued by your fascination with role play and degradation.”

I initiated the conversation because I wanted to be in control. But here he is flipping the script. And my body doesn’t care. She’s ready to bend to his will and give him whatever he wants. My brain? Not so much. It’s still fighting to regain control of this encounter.

But I’m still turned on and I want to keep exploring. “If you keep reading, you’ll know my love for degrading dirty talk has to be mixed with a healthy dose of encouragement and praise.”

He grins. “I read every word, Flower.”

When the hell did he have time to do that?

“And you’ll respect my limits and safeword?”

His gaze is fierce, and he gives me a determined nod. “Always. I’m no monster, Zara. Least of all in the bedroom. I might take control, but I don’t force, and I won’t do anything against your will.”

That relaxes me. It’s exactly what I needed to hear.

“I’ll consent then.”

He puts the phone away and tosses back the last of his drink.

“For the week or just tonight?”

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