Page 59 of Required Surrender

My buddy wasn’t the warmest person in the world, preferring numbers to people, so the minute he patted me on the shoulder, I sucked in my breath.

“She’s intelligent. She’s beautiful. And it’s easy to see how much you like her. I was the one who encouraged you to enjoy your life again before it was too late, but you jumped into the freaking fire. I just hope this time you don’t suffer more than first-degree burns. If she continues working that case, I can guarantee you that what happened to Morgan will come up.”

“Acknowledged.”

When Lark laughed, we both glanced toward the table. While I wasn’t certain whether Jameson or Philip was the reason, I didn’t like it. My jaw clenched automatically, a thick haze forming across my eyes. I barely knew the woman, yet I felt possessive about her.

Just like I’d been with Morgan.

A few seconds later, Lark pushed back her chair, leaning over the table before heading in my direction.

“I think I’ll leave you to enjoy your interesting evening. Shibari or perhaps the cross?”

“She’s a newbie,” I said, forcing the grin on my face.

“Cross it is. I’m jealous.” He winked before walking away.

As Lark approached, her eyes twinkled, the low voltage lighting shimmering across her long strands of hair as well as the ceremonial lock on the collar. She noticed my gaze had drifted, wrapping her long fingers around the decoration. Tension sparked between us when passion wasn’t allowed, yet the firecracker of energy remained exposed.

To hell with my concerns. Maybe she’d come into my life for a reason.

“The story is amazing. What the three of you have done truly inspiring.”

“Inspiring?” I had the distinct feeling Jameson had sugarcoated the story, which I’d caught him doing before.

“Yes. Taking all your hard-earned trust fund money, and the power and influence offered by your families to lock in low-interest rates for loans and parlay it into an empire of sin.” At least I could tell by the twinkle in her eyes that she was teasing.

“Hmmm… At least you heard the gospel spoken by the talented man who designed the joints.”

“I wouldn’t call them joints given their substantial price tags.” She laughed as her expression softened. “Your partners seem very nice. I really like Jameson. He’s down to earth and worships the ground you walk on.”

Huffing, I shook my head. No one had ever said anything like that to me before. “Why would he?”

“I asked him the same thing. He said because of your history, your determination to create a powerful regime without sacrificing your humanity.”

Chuckling, I threw him a look. Jameson knew she’d tell me what he’d said. “I didn’t sacrifice it, Lark. I never had it. That wasn’t a family trait.”

“That’s part of your history.”

“And what history is that?”

“A controlling father, an absentee mother. Sent away to school, unwanted. I must admit I admire your tenacity. However,” she said, giving me a mischievous look. “That doesn’t mean I’ll submit to you forever.”

“Duly noted, little pet.”

She seemed uncomfortable from allowing a compliment. “He does care for you. It’s obvious.”

I took a deep breath. My buddy had tried to pave the road to closure and a new awakening. “Jameson is the best of the three of us.”

“Does that make you an evil man?”

I fingered her hair, inhaling her perfume. “Yes, it does, a predator in the wild.”

“Then that makes me your prey.” She inched closer, pressing her hands against my chest.

The watchful eyes in the room bothered me enough I took her hand, leading her toward the elevators. Once inside, she managed to free herself from my hold, drifting to the back wall and folding her arms.

“What now, sir?”

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