Page 8 of Compelled Obedience

I returned my attention to Star Angel, resisting complimenting her on her technique. I also didn’t need employees beating the shit out of my customers. However, the little hotheaded kitty was by far the most intriguing woman I’d come across in a long time.

Or maybe it was my throbbing cock talking.

“Um. You’re the owner?” she asked, and I detected a heightened level of disbelief, more than a hint of rebellion. She was daring me to lie to her.

“No, just the guy who pays the bills.”

“Shit. Shit. Shit.”

Why the hell was I egging her on?

Because you’re in a pissy mood.

The thought about dragging her into my office, tossing her across my desk for a hard spanking to remedy her insolence returned. The other part wanted to shove my shaft into her tight pussy. Way to go, bud. You don’t even know the girl.

True, but I wanted to.

“You really are the boss?” At least her tone held additional embarrassment.

“It depends on the day and my mood. Who am I, Brak?”

The heavily inked man folded his massive arms across his chest. “You’re the dude who signs my paycheck and from time to time kicks me in the butt. You’re also on the cover of the latest Hollywood Life as… what did they call you? Oh, yeah, the most eligible and powerful bachelor in the city. Something like that.” He grinned as he turned his attention to the girl. “Oh, and if I were you, I wouldn’t get on his bad side. He has a mean streak like nobody’s business.”

What the fuck? I lifted my eyebrow as I glared at him. He and I had been buds for a few years, spending time in the basement of his house shooting pool and talking smack about the power hitters who were members of Carnal Sins. He could barely keep from laughing.

The stunning, mouthy girl on the other hand was close to hyperventilating.

“Oh, shit. Oh, shit on a shingle, my life sucks. Why does my life need to suck so badly?” Without managing to look me in the eyes, Star Angel pushed her way through the crowd, disappearing within seconds.

“Why in God’s name did you say that shit to her?”

“Because you’re fun to fuck with.”

“I should fire your ass right now.” The three bullies snickered and I was ready to punch each one of them. “Get them out of here before I lose my temper.”

Brak laughed from beside me. “Hey, I was trying to help you. Sadly, your technique with women isn’t getting any better, boss. You want me to toss you some pointers?”

As he gave me an evil grin, I resisted giving him the finger in my show of appreciation for his oh-so kind offer.

Unfortunately, the man was right.

CHAPTER 3

Grant

Hollywood glamor.

Right. To me it was wrapping secrets and lies in a neat package, but the city and the people had helped make me a wealthy man. I shouldn’t complain. I had everything a golden boy could dream of. Fancy sports cars. A stunning view out my penthouse windows. A yacht with staff ready to chase new adventures. And a hefty bank account.

I was also respected, sought after to serve on various charity and nonprofit boards, but even with every prized possession, every award I’d gotten, nothing had made me happy.

Tonight’s event would be considered a crowning glory for some. To me, it was just another day at the office.

The music was incredible, the sultry strains of the violin tugging at the darkness buried inside of me. I took a deep breath as the last chords were played, the tiny orchestra leaving me speechless.

Especially the lovely young woman dressed in all black, her deep raven hair piled on top of her head accentuating her regal appearance. She held her head high, already realizing the pompous assholes in the room wouldn’t applaud. The musicians had been brought in as another prop and nothing more.

I moved away from the table, pumping my hands together in appreciation of the grace, the effort, and the talent that all five within the group expressed. The violinist turned her head a split second before several of the guests did the same. Even from where I was standing, I was able to see the smug look on her face and it was quite possible she rolled her eyes.

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