Page 122 of Spark

I folded my arms and sat back in my seat, crossing my legs as I tried to think of what the fuck else I could possibly sacrifice for him. This was supposed to be fun, and now there were stakes being laid out.

“What do you want?”

“Road head on the way back home without complaint,” he announced plainly then flashed me that wicked grin of his that made my stomach flip.

I laughed, nearly rolling my eyes at his request. “And you’re confident you won’t accidentally run us off the road?”

“Extremely,” he replied seriously.

I watched him for a moment, noticing the aura of confidence he administered as he handled the car with such ease and skill. For its speed and capability, you really had to know what you were doing behind the wheel of a car like this. He made it look as easy as

breathing. And I could impress him just the same if he would only give me the chance.

“All right, deal,” I said smugly. I had this down.

“Ask your questions.”

“Well, based on my observations, you only seemed to have brought my personal guards along for the trip, so I’m going to assume we’re not going somewhere public, more likely private; otherwise, you’d have brought more backup.”

The right corner of Darren’s mouth lifted. Bingo.

“Correct,” he said with a nod.

“That wasn’t technically a question, merely an observation, but thanks for confirming it.”

He full-on smiled that time. “This should be amusing,” he said smugly, but I ignored him.

“Since we are going with fewer guards, I think it’s also safe to assume we’re going somewhere where you trust either the host or the location. I’m willing to bet it’s either a close friend or family member, but I won’t ask until I’m ready.”

Darren smiled again, obviously enjoying my assumptions.

“I’m also going to assume that based on what you’ve chosen for my attire, I’d say we’re probably going somewhere nice where others will be dressed up, like a dinner party. But you’ve neglected to wear a tie, something I rarely see, so you must not feel the need to impress based on your appearance. We’ll likely be in trusted company who knows you, and you’re comfortable with.”

This time Darren’s face remained that of stone.

“And since my attire is a little sexy, I’m willing to bet other men will be there, and you’re looking to show me off like some kind of trophy.”

Darren’s eyes darkened as he glared through the windshield. Another bingo.

“But it’s also early afternoon; a little early for a dinner party…” My thoughts drifted off as to what could possibly go on during the day to get a bunch of organized crime members together.

“Okay, first question. Is it a friend?”

“No,” Darren answered, maneuvering around a slower car in front of us.

“So that means it’s family,” I confirmed with a nod.

“Not necessarily,” he added. “It could also be a business associate.”

“You don’t consider business associates friends?”

“Of course, not. And that counts as a question.”

Damn him!

I glared at him. “You’re trying to make me second-guess myself and waste my questions. That won’t work.”

He smiled again smugly. “It just did.”

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