Page 43 of Devoured By You

“Yep. I heard he’s unhappy with his label, and I plan to exploit his dissatisfaction. If I can find the reclusive bastard, that is.”

Kelsey clutched Aspen’s business card to her chest as if it were a winning lottery ticket. “I’m your gal, Aspen. I got you, sweets.”

Aspen beamed. “Excellent.”

The conversation moved on. As our steaks arrived, a loud voice drew my attention. I glanced over my shoulder and groaned. The repellent Sloan was seated right behind us, still wearing his bathrobe and that ridiculous hat. This time, he had three girls with him, the two from earlier and one I hadn’t seen before. I should feel sorry for the sad old jerk, but he repulsed me too much. Whatever their reasons for choosing to be with him, I hoped those women were bleeding him dry.

I twisted back to my friends. Addison jerked her chin and rolled her eyes. I grinned, nodding in agreement.

My steak melted on my tongue, and the accompanying sauce was thick and glossy and delicious. Now and then, Sloan’s booming laugh drifted over to our table, but for the most part, I tuned him out. Or so I’d thought.

“You like to suck on my big, fat cock, don’t you, baby?”

My stomach roiled, and I stopped eating mid-chew. Did I just hear what I think I heard? I checked around the table. Everyone was busy chatting, and no one paid any attention to the disgusting man sitting at the table behind ours. I pricked up my ears as he spoke again.

“I can’t wait to take a photograph later of my huge dick in your mouth.”

I fucking heard that. I fidgeted in my seat, my fingers twitching. I curled my hand around my steak knife. Not the best idea, considering the vividness of my imagination.

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you? My perfect little slut. One for the wank bank for when I’ve bled your pussy dry.”

Okay, enough.

Springing from my chair, I spun on my heel. Two striding steps brought me to the edge of his table.

“I would appreciate it if you kept your disgusting thoughts to yourself. I’m trying to keep my dinner down, not hurl all over the table. What you do in private is up to you, but I do not want to be subjected to the details.”

By the time I’d finished, Addison stood beside me, her arm brushing mine. “What’s going on?”

Mr. Disgustington’s vile gaze slid over me. I had a violent urge to strip the skin from my body.

“You can join us if you like.” His lips peeled back, revealing small, white teeth. “The more the merrier. You look like the type who could use a little loosening up.”

Addison bristled. “The fuck you say to her?”

I felt for her hand, squeezing it. Rage ignited in my stomach, but it wouldn’t do Blay any good if we broke this loathsome man’s nose. The guests at the tables on either side of Sloan had put down their silverware and were now paying attention to us. Aspen joined me on my other side.

“Is there a problem, Mr. Sloan?” she asked sweetly, but I sensed the tone. She abhorred this prick, too.

“No problem. I was inviting your friends to a party. That’s all.”

“Party?” Addison snorted. “More like a fucking orgy.”

“What is going on here?” Blay put his hand on my lower back. I jumped at his unexpected arrival. The warmth from his palm soothed my ire, and I leaned into him.

By this time, Raya and Kelsey had joined us. Sloan leaned back in his seat, smug and unapologetic. I shook my head. Power, money, and ego were a cocktail of entitlement. Men like Sloan thought they could do and say anything without challenge or recourse for their actions.

“I’m under siege, Kingcaid.” Sloan laughed. “Time to put the mutts back in the cage.” He slapped the thigh of his nearest companion. She flinched and rubbed her leg. My jaw ached. I clenched it that tightly.

Aspen whispered something in his ear. Whatever she said made his body vibrate. His nostrils flared and his face hardened. He raised his arm and crooked a finger. Seconds later, another man joined us.

“Reynolds, please accompany Mr. Sloan and his companions back to his penthouse. He’s decided to finish his meal in private.”

I wanted to kiss him. Sloan’s response was entirely the opposite. He spluttered, rising to his feet. His robe gaped open. I considered bleaching my eyes to rid myself of the sight.

“Are you throwing me out? After what I paid for this trip.”

Blay didn’t respond. Several servers approached and picked up dinner plates and glasses brimful of wine. They looked at Blay. He nodded, once. They bustled out of sight. Blay turned his attention back to the apoplectic Sloan, motioning with his hand.

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