Page 11 of Forbidden Wish

Vex Manzani didn’t appear to be the kind of guy who’d give up on what he wanted.

“I want to take my girl home.”

“Hmm,” Vex said, examining her again. “What do you like, sweetheart? Danger? Violence?” She didn’t know how to answer. “You like it rough?”

“Watch it,” Jagg snarled.

This wasn’t good. Those who’d been occupied were over the orgy and fixed on the unfolding drama at the desk. Faces. People. Anyone she knew? Anyone she was looking for? It was difficult to focus while under such unwelcome scrutiny. Doing her best to absorb the features male and female of those in Vex Manzani’s inner circle, this pressure couldn’t be for naught. She had to make it count, make this encounter worthwhile.

“You were never good at sharing, Jagg,” Vex muttered. “Weren’t good at commitment either… What’s special about her?”

“I wanted to try it,” she said, grabbing for a believable lie. “Watching… being watched.”

“And now she’s over it,” Jagg said, strengthening his arm. “We’re done.” They turned toward the exit, but the loitering thugs hadn’t let-up. “You looking for a show, Manzani?”

“Always,” he said. “The woman’s like one hand tied behind your back… Could be interesting.” She couldn’t see Jagg’s face. Whatever passed between the men, Manzani relented and waved at his posse. “Don’t leave it so long next time, Jagg…” They were already heading for the door. “Come back and visit us any time, sweetheart!”

They departed and crossed the main floor so fast, she didn’t have time to process. Different goons guarded the door. Not that it mattered. They didn’t linger there either. Jagg took them across the street and around the corner. Lights flashed on a car, then he was pushing her into the passenger side and jumping in the other one himself.

“I don’t know your address.”

Right. Pulling her focus, she took a deep breath and corrected her posture in the seat. “Just keep going straight. What was that about?”

“What about?”

“With you and Manzani.”

“Nothing. Unfinished business.”

“You could’ve finished it,” she said.

“Like he said, I was at a disadvantage.”

Because of her. “Thank you for coming. I mean, I didn’t get what I was looking for, but…”

“What were you looking for?” he asked. “Going in there alone was crazy.”

“I didn’t know it was a sex club. How could I have known that?”

“If you don’t know, you shouldn’t go.”

“It’s not as easy as that.”

“Do you know what could’ve happened to you in there? How much trouble you could’ve gotten into?”

“With the cops?”

His eyes cut her way. “With Manzani. He’s a sick fuck.”

“I believe you,” she said, tucking her skirt around her thighs. “Take a left… I didn’t go there looking for Manzani.”

“You sure?” he asked as they turned. “‘Cause you were damn interested in his security.”

“Why did you come? Why would Ford send—”

“You think your brother sent me to…? I heard you two talking and can spot a liar easier than Ford; when it comes to his kid sister anyway. I’ve known both of you a long time. Maybe you weren’t paying attention. I was. Ford always thinks the best of you.”

“So you thought you’d do the opposite?”

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