Page 46 of Vicious Intentions

“That depends on who you ask. What’s wrong?”

“That man you were talking to. He’s a… He’s the…”

“He’s one of the hottest men you’ve ever seen before. You’re right, but there’s more than one predator crawling the halls of this posh hotel.”

She narrowed her eyes, doing what she could to process my cavalier behavior. “Predator is the correct word.”

Brett finally groaned and rolled over.

Maybe I should check on his wellbeing. Nope. The man had become more of an ass over the last two years, including demanding a significant raise. What I’d told the gorgeous stranger hadn’t been a lie. I’d love to toss his ass out the door. “Are we really going to play games tonight, because I’m ready for a glass of wine and a hot bubble bath.”

“Stay away from that man.”

“If you mean Brett, gladly.” I slipped my practiced prima donna smile into place, and I could tell she wanted to wring my neck. “If you mean the man I was talking with, then I’ll be happy to ease your fears. I have no idea who he is. However, he did come to my rescue when Brett was being an asshole.” I made certain the last word was said with a boost in decibels since Brett was fighting his way to a standing position.

Jillian threw him a look, then motioned us further away from him. As we walked through the lobby, I noticed she was scanning the perimeter. “You really don’t know who your mystery hero is?”

“Not a clue.”

“His name is Cain Cross. He’s considered the most ruthless, brutal mafia leader in the country. This is his resort and casino. He rules Chicago.”

I took a deep breath. No wonder my father had tried to advise me to keep Chicago and the four-week residence off my calendar. But it hadn’t been entirely up to me, other members of the band weighing in on the lucrative decision. My opinion wouldn’t have won even if I’d known the man’s identity.

Or cared. “Okay.”

“Did he threaten you?”

“I already told you—no. Why are you so concerned?” I knew she was from Chicago, while I’d grown up in Southern California where my parents still resided.

“Because he’s the kind of man that once he sets his sights on you, he believes you belong to him.”

“Jilly. You know me better than that. I could care less about dominating men who think I’m going to fall at their feet. He’s just a man.” Albeit a gorgeous man. My mama hadn’t raised a stupid girl. I knew how to handle myself with big, bad men who believed themselves to be wolves in sophisticated, expensive attire.

She relaxed visibly but shook her head. “Just stay away from him. The only reason I didn’t raise a stink about you guys accepting this gig was so you could have some time to yourself to regroup and refresh.”

“Meaning I need to stop making irrational decisions. Right?” The word wasn’t the one she’d used. While she was only fifteen years older, she’d acted like my surrogate mother since coming to work for me. I was a grown woman, intelligent enough to know that at thirty-one, acting like the persona I’d become over the last seven years had gotten old.

And it had almost gotten me into trouble a few times. While I wasn’t thinking about retiring anytime soon, I knew I was due for a long break and possibly a change in direction. If I even breathed a word of it to the other band members, they’d have me hogtied and whipped. We were far too successful to consider anything crazy.

She squeezed my arm. “I just want what’s best for you. That’s all.”

“I know, and I appreciate that.” I chewed on my lower lip, unable to keep my thoughts off both men. How many times had I fantasized about a threesome or foursome? I almost laughed at the ridiculous thought. There certainly couldn’t be a third equally stunning man roaming the halls of the hotel.

“What’s best for me is a glass of wine in my suite all by myself. I have tomorrow off, and I plan on getting a little sun and perhaps taking a nice, long swim.”

Her smile was forced. “You do that, honey. You earned it.”

“Why don’t you do the same, mommy dearest?” We both laughed, and she wagged her finger at me before walking off. I waited a couple seconds, then strode towards the bank of elevators leading to the residential wing, lurid thoughts forming sexy visions in my mind. Thankfully I had the cold, steel box to myself. After pressing the button to the top floor, I closed my eyes, allowing the desire that had sparked within me to rush to the surface.

“Come here, little pet. On your knees.” Cain’s voice was disturbing and raw, the low growl in his throat possessive.

I slowly dropped to my knees and onto all fours, tossing my hair back and forth before crawling towards the two men who owned me. As soon as I was close, every inch of my skin became covered in goosebumps, a deep longing keeping my core on fire.

“That’s it, baby girl. Come to your daddies.” Hunter’s voice was just as powerful, enticing me in a way I hadn’t expected. My throat was tight, my pussy so wet my inner thighs were covered with my juices. In his hand was a tawse, the six tails of leather keeping me tingling all over.

As soon as I was close, Cain lifted my chin with a single finger, peering down at me with unbridled lust in his eyes. “My good girl,” he whispered, then brushed his hand through my hair. “But also very naughty.” He wrapped his long fingers around my throat, squeezing. Then Hunter gently brought the strap down on my buttocks, brushing it back and forth. I shuddered audibly, keeping my eyes locked on Cain as required.

“Yes, she requires intense discipline,” Hunter said in his gravelly voice. Without hesitation, he brought the tawse down with more force, cracking the tails against my backside.

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