Page 20 of Vicious Vows

Beingin cartel territory put me on edge.

We hadn’t met with a representative since arriving late last night. Instead, they put us up in the most expensive suite they had with private beach access and our own pool. They even provided us with extra security.

I wasn’t impressed. Those men were in place to watch us, not protect us. The sooner we got this meeting over with, the faster we could get home and back to business.

As I stepped onto the terrace that overlooked the sparkling blue pool, the thick humidity in the air hit me. The late afternoon thunderstorm was long gone, but the suffocating aftereffect still lingered. Perhaps my mood was choking me. I wanted to get this over with.

“I’m ready,” Lissia said from behind me.

I turned to find her standing in the doorway, and if the evening air hadn’t already taken my breath away, she definitely would have.

I hurried back inside and closed the terrace doors, taking in her evening attire. A tight-fitting black dress stopped just above her knees and hugged her curves. The slit on the side rose high enough to almost expose her upper thigh.

She had blown out her hair, leaving it long and sleek as it cascaded down her back. Her makeup was flawless, and even if her black eyeliner was darker than I preferred, it was quite alluring. I hadn’t seen her wear this much makeup since the night of the auction.

“You look amazing.” I ran my gaze along her body, stopping when I got to the open-toed silver stilettos. “Stunning.”

“Thank you.” She twirled so I could get a full view of the dress.

I bit my lip as I shook my head. I’d have to keep a close eye on her tonight and make sure every guy knew she was with me.

“No tie?” She draped her hands over my shoulders and pressed her lips to my neck. “That’s sexy. Very sexy.”

“It’s too hot for a tie,” I said. “I’m not used to this weather in November.”

“We’re in Miami.” She laughed. “But I guess it is a bit unseasonable even for here.”

“Remember, tonight is just an opportunity to meet my associates. They want to get a feel for who I am.”

“The meeting is tomorrow,” she said. “Milo told me.”

“When you were entertaining my brother this afternoon in that ridiculously skimpy bikini?”

“Why are you so jealous of my relationship with Milo?” She removed her arms and turned her back to me. “It’s silly.”

“You have a relationship with my brother?”

“I had a relationship with Milo before I had one with you.” She smoothed out her hair as she looked in the mirror. “He was much easier to manage.”

“I have to be alert tonight.” I turned her to face me, keeping her wrist in my hand. “You can’t make me lose concentration.”

“How would I do that?”

“You don’t need me to tell you.” I pushed her against the wall. “You find ways all on your own.”

“I know how important this trip is for you. I won’t do anything to put you at risk.”

“Your job is to be arm candy.”

She was so much more than that to me, but I had to give her a purpose if I wanted her to behave.

“These men we’re meeting with don’t tolerate disobedience, especially when it comes to their women. As I told you before, if you think I’m barbaric, wait until you meet them.”

“You’re all a bunch of cavemen.” She rolled her eyes. “None of you know what year it is.”

“A caveman who can afford to buy you that Valentino dress you’re wearing and anything else your spoiled little heart desires.”

“Maybe my heart desires more than material things.”

---