Page 52 of Hawk's Sapphire

When the Senator finally starts to leave, I chance another look at Sadie’s table.She and Matteo are standing up and it looks like they’re issuing their goodbyes.I start to get up myself, not wanting to let Sadie leave without talking to me.I need to me.She shouldn’t be around these people.She doesn’t know what this party is actually about.

I have to warn her.

I’m halfway across the room when a hand grips my arm, pulling me back.“What the hell?”I shout and spin to find Agent Galina glaring at me.She looks pissed and about ready to tear into me but changes her mind when she notices the crowd now watching us with interest.Galina leans in close, giving me her pouty lips and pleading eyes.On anyone else I might find this amusing and be willing to play a game ofwhat will you give me to get what you want,which usually ends in a trade of sexual favors and a long night of sex in every position.With Galina, the look is anything but sexy.My cock doesn’t even twitch.

“Baby,” she whines, and I have to fight not to shut her down.

Stick to the plan.We need to get noticed.

“I thought you said we were going to dance.”She rubs her hand up my chest and around my neck.A move that is quickly sending my patience through the fucking roof.I don’t want her touching me.I don’t want any woman touching me unless it’s my Sapphire.

Grabbing her hand, I bring it to my lips and gently kiss her palm.Her eyes light up.I know that look.She affirms my suspicion where her eyes drop to my mouth, and she licks her own lips.I’m playing my part, but I think the agent is looking to play a very different game.

“I was just going to hit the head then grab a drink.I promise, we’ll get out on the floor when I come back.”I lean in close to her ear and whisper for only her to hear, “Keep your hands to your fucking self.Got me?”

When I step back, I reprimand her loud enough for anyone within earshot to hear me, “Now, go be a good girl and wait for me at the table, unless you prefer, I take a strap to your ass when we get home, and you can’t sit properly for several days.Your choice.”

Her eyes widen and flare with anger but she’s quick to lower her eyes and give a subtle nod followed by a muttered, “Yes, Sir.”I raise a brow and wait for her to turn and leave, knowing full well she wants to tell me to fuck off, but won’t in mixed company.

“She keeps you on your toes, I see.”The senator is back, and I’ve now lost sight of Sadie.

Son of a bitch.

“She’s nothing I can’t handle.Just takes a firmer hand to keep her in line sometimes, if you get what I mean.”

He laughs, gripping my shoulder like we’re old friends.“I do indeed.”I look down at his hand and tip my chin for him to remove it.He drops his hand away and rubs at the scruff on his face.“Perhaps I’ll see you two around, Mr.Hawkins.I’d like to find out more about this device of yours and how it can better help our disabled community.I’ll have my office get in touch.”

With that, he finally walks away.I head for the table and grab Agent Galina by her hand, not gently pulling her to stand up.

“I’m sorry.If you’ll please excuse us.”I announce to the table.Galina looks pissed and somewhat confused, but I don’t have to me to explain my abrupt behavior.I need to get the hell out of here.Hopefully I can catch Sadie outside.If not, maybe I can coax the valet into giving me Matteo’s license plate.Either way, I’m about to find my woman.

21

SADIE

On the ride back to the penthouse, Sergio and Matteo speak in Italian among themselves.I sat quietly staring out the window, images of Hawk’s new look flashing through my mind.He looks hot with his long hair, fit shirts, and thigh hugging jeans any old day.But tonight, he looked like he just walked off the cover of a magazine.

His dirty blond hair was cut short on the sides with just enough length on top to run his fingers through and give him that sexy disheveled look, but it was the black-rimmed glasses and the sharp black suit for me.He only wears his glasses when he’s working late at night and his contacts irritate him.It’s rare for anyone to see him wearing them outside of his room, but I’ve seen them.Many times.I always thought it meant I was special because he only shared that part of himself with me.

His Clark Kent alter ego.

Too bad instead of Superman, he turned into Asshatman.

And what the hell was he doing with that agent?

I watched the two of them from our table in the corner.She was hanging all over him, rubbing her hands on his body.I wanted to break both her hands off and beat her with them.But he didn’t seem to mind.From where I was sitting, she looked perfectly content having her boobs on his arm and her hands in his hair.

“What’s put that sullen look on your face this evening, Dolcezza?Did you not enjoy the gala?”Matteo asks, placing his hand on my knee.I jump at his touch.He frowns.All this time we’ve been training and spending time together, getting me used to his touch and here I am pulling back.

“I’m sorry.”The shakiness of my voice has Matteo’s eyes softening.

“Tell me why you are upset?Did someone say something to you?”He probes.

“Yes and no.”

“The biker from Oakridge was here with a guest.”Sergio supplies.

Tattletale.

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