Page 39 of Dirty Play

I excuse myself, drink in hand, and make my way to the corridor leading to the bathrooms.

And that’s when Alegra makes her move. I see it coming a mile away. Her gaze locks onto me like a hawk sizing up prey. Her red lips curl into a predatory smile as she moves toward me, closing the distance between us in those sky-high heels.

“Rowan,” she purrs, the sound practically dripping with intent. She’s in a sleek red dress, her jewelry glinting under the lights. She leans in just enough to push the boundaries of what’s appropriate. “Looking good tonight.”

“Everyone’s dressed up.” I take a slow sip of my drink, my face impassive.

Her perfectly arched eyebrow rises, amused by my deflection.

“But not everyone pulls it off like you do.” She takes another step closer, brushing her hand against my bicep.

I know what she’s doing. I’ve seen this act too many times. Alegra Harrison is used to getting what she wants, and she’s decided she wants me.

Too bad for her, I’m not interested.

She drifts even closer, her hand trailing down my arm.

“You should let yourself have a little fun, Rowan. Loosen up.” Her gaze drops, lingering on my chest before sliding lower, and I can see the wheels turning in her head.

“What would you suggest, Mrs. Harrison?” I don’t move, but my patience thins.

“I have a few things in mind.” Her smile sharpens like a blade, her fingers now ghosting over my stomach.

I let her words hang in the air for a beat and then meet her gaze head-on, my tone flat. “Do you?”

Her eyes spark, thinking she’s hooked me.

“Oh, I do.” Her voice lowers, dripping with confidence. She moves her hand lower, too low, and I’m done.

I step back just enough to break her touch.

“You might want to keep it together, Alegra. At least in the presence of your husband,” I snap, my voice stern.

“Oh, don’t be such a bore, Rowan.” Her smile drops, replaced by a flicker of irritation.

She’s been screwing around with younger men for years, and it’s none of my business unless she drags me or my team into it. The guys have all been instructed not to mess around with her if they wanna keep their spot on the team. And I don’t plan on losing players.

“Have a good night, Alegra,” I say, my tone polite but dismissive, and turn on my heel before she can spew any more venom.

At least one good thing came out of my conversation with her. My boner’s gone, so I walk back out of the hallway and back into the chaos. I scan the VIP section, and my eyes land on Livia and Avery at the bar.

Avery’s gesturing animatedly, her face lit up with excitement, while Livia leans in, nodding along, her lips curling into that soft smile I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.

For a moment, I pause, watching the two of them. That’s when I realize I’m smiling. They look so at ease with each other.

I make my way over.

“Hey, you,” I say, ruffling Avery’s auburn hair the way I know she hates.

“Rowan!” She bats my hand away and starts fixing her hair.

“Sorry,” I throw out, helping her smooth it out.

Avery rolls her eyes but grins, and I turn my attention to Livia. She stiffens slightly, her gaze flicking to mine. There it is. Her lips part to suck in a breath, still swollen from mine, and her chest swells with a deep breath, pushing her perfect breasts tight against the cut fabric of her dress.

Her cheeks turn pink in the dim light, and she quickly looks away, focusing on Avery like her life depends on it.

“What are we talking about?” I ask, propping a hand on the back of Avery’s barstool.

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