Page 30 of King of Envy

His presence at my back, cool and commanding. The faint smell of whiskey and leather. The soft brush of his shirt against my arm.

He didn’t utter a word; he didn’t need to.

Awareness warmed the nape of my neck.

“I’m going to check on Vlada.” To his credit, Hank managed a half-convincing facade of calm. “I’ll email you the details for the Sage Studios campaign.”

He disappeared into the depths of the club, and I waited until he was out of sight before I finally faced the person who had him scampering away like a frightened rabbit.

My heart gave a small thump.

“Vuk Markovic at a nightclub.” I covered my breathlessness with a playful smile. “Will wonders never cease?”

He lifted an eyebrow.I’m a partner here. I’ve been to nightclubs before.

“Only for business. Not for anything fun.”

He’d been at the grand opening, and that was it.

I didn’t realize you kept such close track of my comings and goings.

“I don’t, but it’s difficult not to notice you when you’re there.” I meant it in a matter-of-fact of way, but I didn’t realize how suggestive it sounded until the words left my mouth.

Vuk’s eyebrow rose another inch.

Heat scorched my cheeks. “I mean, because you’re so big. Height-wise,” I added hastily. “Obviously, I’m not talking about anything else.”

Obviously.

His mouth tipped up. Was helaughingat me?

I attempted a glare, but it was impossible to be angry when I’d brought this on myself. Besides, he didn’t appear to be mocking me. It almost felt like we were…flirting.

The thought wasn’t as off-putting as it should’ve been.

“Tell me.” I set my glass down on a nearby table. “If you weren’t here tonight, what would you be doing? Brooding in a corner somewhere or terrifying peasants and children?”

His eyes glittered with amusement.I can do both right here.I’m a good multitasker.

An image of what that multi-tasking might look like flashed through my mind for a millisecond.

Hands and mouth. Rough kisses and fisted hair.

Nothing at all to do with brooding or children.

I swallowed past the dryness in my throat.

“You talk a big game, but I’ve yet to see it in action.” I picked up my water again and prayed he didn’t notice my flustered tone. “What do you do besides scowl and boring business stuff?”

I play bingo.

The answer was so swift and unexpected, I nearly choked on my drink. “Excuse me?”

Bingo. It’s a game where players match the numbers called to the ones on their card.

“I know what bingo is.” I glowered, unsure whether he was serious or having fun at my expense. “You’re telling me that’s what you do when you’re not running a multibillion-dollar corporation?”

Among other things.

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