Page 61 of Over the Edge

“That’s the point,” I replied through my smile, not breaking stride.

I felt rather than saw Flynn stiffen beside me. The muscle in his jaw ticked—a clear sign he was fighting to keep his composure. To anyone watching, he was the consummate professional. Only I could see the storm brewing behind those amber eyes.

Moreau broke away from his circle of admirers and made his way toward me, his gaze drifting down my body with unhurried appreciation. The yacht was massive, but suddenly there wasn’t enough air.

“Ms. Deveraux,” he said, taking my hand and bringing it to his lips. “You look ravishing. The sea air agrees with you.”

“As does your champagne,” I replied, tipping my glass toward him. “Excellent vintage.”

“Only the best for my guests.” His hand settled at the small of my back, fingers splaying possessively. “I was disappointed by our last encounter. I hope tonight will be more... satisfying.”

I forced myself to lean into his touch, though every nerve in my body screamed in protest. “I’m here to do business, Mr. Moreau. The rest depends on how impressed I am by your merchandise.”

His laugh was low and intimate. “Always the negotiator. I admire that about you.”

From the corner of my eye, I saw Flynn shift his weight, his hand drifting toward the concealed weapon beneath his jacket. I gave him the slightest head shake—a warning to stand down.

“So, where are we going?” I asked, deliberately stepping away from Moreau’s touch.

“Patience, Ms. Deveraux.” Moreau’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “We’ll reach our destination by midnight.”

I gave playful pout. “No hints? Not even for me?”

“Especially not for you.” His gaze flicked to Flynn, then back to me. “Your... guard dog seems tense tonight. Perhaps he should try to relax. This is a social gathering, after all.”

“Colt takes his job very seriously.” I sipped my champagne, letting the bubbles dissolve on my tongue. “It’s why I keep him around.”

“Is that the only reason?” Moreau stepped closer, invading my space again. His cologne was expensive but cloying, like something rotting beneath the surface. “I’ve noticed how he watches you. Not quite professional, is it?”

My heart stuttered, but I kept my expression bland. “I already told you we’re lovers. He can be possessive. But I assure you, in the end, he knows his place.”

Moreau’s eyes glinted with something dark. “Does he? I wonder.” He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. “Perhaps we should test those boundaries tonight.”

I suppressed a shiver, keeping my expression carefully neutral. “Are you trying to make him jealous, Monsieur Moreau? That seems beneath you.”

“Can you make a dog jealous?”

I felt Flynn’s presence before I saw him—the shift in air pressure, the subtle change in Moreau’s expression. Then Flynn was there, a solid wall of controlled aggression at my shoulder.

“You want to touch her, you go through me,” Flynn growled, his hand closing around my wrist with possessive force, yanking me back against his chest.

The shift was so sudden, so unexpected, that for a moment I couldn’t process what was happening. Flynn had broken character. The careful facade of professional detachment had cracked, revealing something raw and dangerous underneath.

Moreau’s eyes lit with triumph, a slow smile spreading across his face. He hadn’t been testing me; he’d been baiting Flynn. And Flynn had taken it, hook, line, and sinker.

“I guess so,” Moreau laughed, clearly delighted by this development.

I dug my nails into Flynn’s hand, trying to get him to release me without making a scene.

He didn’t.

I wanted to kick him.

Instead, I pasted on a placating smile. “Oh, there’s a bit of a chill in the air now, isn’t there? I think I should like to freshen up and change before we reach our destination.”

Moreau’s gaze dropped to my chest. I wasn’t lying about the chill, and my nipples had pebbled under my bikini top. I let him look, even though I could all but feel Flynn spitting fire beside me.

After an uncomfortably long perusal, Moreau inclined his head. “Of course. The staff will show you to your cabin.”

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