Page 63 of The Revenge

“Because everyone wants to know who’s dancing with one of the most eligible bachelors in here?” I tease.

“Because every man in here is mentally fucking you right now, and every woman knows it.”

Unable to help myself, I glance around at the nearby clusters of people. The only ones paying any attention to us are Syn and Royal, standing on the other side of the dancefloor. “I can see that.”

Gemini just shrugs. “That’s exactly what I’m doing, and I bet you can’t tell.”

“When aren’t you?”

“Vixen, not only do I have the ability to have my thoughts play out in my mind so clearly, that it’s like watching a movie, but I also have ADHD and the ability to have multiple streams of thought occurring at the same time, so when I say I’ve gotmore ways planned to make you come than the Kama Sutra, you should know I’m not exaggerating.”

My body feels hot, and I’m sure that my pale skin is turning pink in front of him, but I refuse to break our eye contact like I’m embarrassed. “Maybe you should write a book.”

Like I’m being serious, Gemini nods. “A Thousand Nights of Pleasure.”

“A thousand nights?” I chuckle.

“It’s not just about the positions, it’s also about the toys and the kinks. And with you, my little Vixen, we would have a lot of fun trying so many things out. Then, once you know what you like, I’ll have you handcuffed and blindfolded on my bed, so the only thing you know is coming next is you.” Gemini closes his eyes and smirks.

I hate the way my mouth goes dry as I can’t help but wonder what Gemini would do, and given the way Gemini’s smirk grows when he opens his eyes and looks at me, it’s probably very obvious what I’m thinking.

“Do you know how rare it is to find someone who’s not only able to enjoy sex without being embarrassed about it, but who’s also willing to explore all the possibilities?” he asks me, his expression getting serious as the smile slips from his face. “When you’re in our position, there’s a lot we can’t control, despite how much money we have. It’s almost ironic that the one person who could tame us would be you. Considering your origin story.”

The beat of the music has picked up, but the two of us have slowed to the point that we’re just stepping side to side.

“Just because there’s only one of me in the world doesn’t mean you won’t find someone else who can match your sex drive and kinks. And just because I do, doesn’t mean that we have a future together; not after everything that’s happened.”

Of these three guys, I’m the least angry with Gemini. I always have been. But standing by and watching things happen—and I don’t mean in the perverted way he likes to watch—doesn’t exonerate him of everything either.

“Then, I’m sorry.”

I stare at him, wondering if he can read minds, or if I somehow said that out loud. “Are you saying that because you think it will change anything?”

“Will it?”

Gemini is… Gemini. Beneath his good looks, beneath the childhood trauma, and beneath his kinks and quirks that his trauma probably led to, he’s someone looking for love and pleasure, and a connection. If everything that happened up to this point had never happened, I’d never have realized that. Maybe going down this path did make us a good match…

But an apology isn’t enough for us to have a real future together that could last longer than one night.

“Well, if anyone ever asks what it will cost to mend a broken heart, just know that twenty grand isn’t enough,” Gemini suddenly declares.

XXV

Tori

“What are you talking about?” I ask Gemini.

“You need to get off the dancefloor and check that everything is still in place for when du Pont arrives.” Syn joins our side, glaring at Gemini like he’s been caught slacking off at work.

“That’sexactlywhat I need to do.” Gemini lets go of me, turns to Syn and salutes, and then strolls across the dancefloor towards Royal.

“Is it time?” I ask when Syn doesn’t move. “Is he here?”

He shakes his head. “Not yet. We still have a little more time before the auction begins.” I start to walk back to where Royal is still standing, but Syn grabs my hand, stopping me. “Dance with me.”

I glance at his hand on mine, then look up at him, tilting my head. “Dance? With you?”

Syn doesn’t let go of me. “I would like to talk to you.”

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