Page 26 of Wreck Me

‘I believe so.’ I clear my throat, realising I know nothingabout Scarlett’s family. ‘She’s exceptionally intelligent, well-educated, and she’s beautiful.’

‘Well, well, well…’ He runs a finger over the desk like he’s inspecting it for dust.

‘But she’s,’ I pause before admitting, ‘younger.’

‘How young?’ His head whips up and a line deepens between my father’s eyebrows.

‘Twenty-three. She’s months away from obtaining her masters in finance.’

‘From which college?’ Dad asks.

‘Trinity Business School.’

‘Impressive.’ He clears his throat. ‘Ten years isn't too much of an age gap. I mean it’s not like you’re corrupting some innocent young virgin.’ He chuckles again.

Guilt stokes my gut. My arrangement with Scarlett, if she chooses to accept, isn't for sex, it’s for show. But given half the chance, I’ll drag her to my bedroom and show her exactly what her body was made for.

‘What are your plans for tonight?’ My father glances at his Rolex. It’s getting late.

‘I still have a couple more hours to do here.’ I motion to the computer. And then, I plan on going straight to the Luxor Lounge to see if Scarlett has come to a decision. Fuck. Excitement and nerves battle for dominance in my stomach. I’m like a teenager with an all-consuming crush.

‘I know you want to put things right, make up for your indiscretions, but don’t work yourself into the ground. Your mother would love to see you. Come by this week.’ My dad stands, smooths a hand across his suit and claps my back before he leaves.

Three hours later, I stride into the Luxor Lounge with a casualness that completely contrasts with the thrumming inmy veins.

What if she turns me down?

Keep it together, fuck’s sake. It’s no different to any other business deal.

Except it is, because I’ve never been as attracted to anyone I’ve made a deal with before, and I’m only lying to myself by pretending otherwise.

Even on a Monday, the place is packed. Rian and Killian are sitting on tall stools beside the bar. Caelon and Sean are nowhere to be seen.

Avery is on the main stage. Eight other dancers dot the smaller podiums. I scour the room with narrowed eyes. There’s no sign of Scarlett.

There’s also no sign of Christopher Cole.

My fingers curl to a clench. Has he got her holed up in one of those private rooms with him? Is he laying his dirty hands on her right now?

Blood roars in my ears. I should have got here earlier. Should have been here for opening. I didn't want to come on too strong but fuck it, I should have had Killian watch out for her.

Though, that would mean telling him I care. Because I do care, strangely enough. I care about her more than is healthy.

Then again, if she agrees to act as my girlfriend for the next few months, Killian will expect me to care. He’ll insist on a background check, of course. It’s a matter of protocol.

I greet my brothers with one question. ‘Where’s Cole?’

Rian’s fingers whiten around his whiskey tumbler and his smile freezes on his face when he cops my thunderous expression.

‘What’s he done now?’ Killian lurches from the bar stool, ready for whatever the night brings.

‘I’m not sure yet, but I need to find him. Like, right now.’ I scan the crowd until I locate his manager, Giselle.

She must feel the heat of my stare because her head snaps up and she’s by my side in a matter of seconds. ‘Mr Beckett, good evening. Can I assist you with something?’

‘Where’s Cole?’ My voice is cold and low.

Giselle flinches and glances towards one of the narrow corridors branching off the main area. ‘In his office, dealing.’

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