Page 33 of King of Desire

I laugh too, but mine is a nervous laugh because after tonight, it’s not sounding like a bad choice.

He’s wrapped me in clothes and jewels, his hand at my back in a way that feels like possession, and I only want more.

“Is the pay good?” she asks, her voice dropping.

I nod. “Really good.”

She squeezes my hand. “I’m glad. I know you probably don’t need it, but I just want you to know that my offer still stands. If you ever needed me to hook you up with my boss…”

“Thanks, Brittany. I appreciate your offer of help.” Even though I’m glad I don’t have to take it.

John comes back, placing a glass of champagne in my hand, just as Triston moves through the crowd toward us. His gaze cuts across Brittany and John, before he shoulders his way to my side.

His fingers wrap possessively around my hip, pulling my body into his. “Hello,” he says, giving Brittany a sweeping gaze before his eyes land on John. “Thanks so much for coming, I’m Triston Smith, I don’t think we’ve met.”

John holds out his hand, appearing delighted. “Chairman Waltham, pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Chairman? Is Brittany’s client a politician? Interesting…

Triston shakes with his free hand, speaking with John for a minute before they agree to talk next week over lunch.

Then Triston is pulling me away. “Everything all right?” I ask, my hand covering his at my hip.

“Fine,” he gives me a smile. “Chairman Waltham was on my list of people to make contact with this evening so that was an unexpected bonus.”

“That’s a relief, I thought you were unhappy.”

His lips twitch down. “I am curious how you ended up in conversation with them, considering he brought an escort to the party.”

My mouth drops open. Was Brittany that obvious? “He seems really into her.”

“Maybe,” Triston answers, stopping in the middle of the ballroom and raising his brows as he waits for my answer.

“Brittany works at Mason’s hotel as part of the waitstaff. She was at Killian’s wedding too, helping with the tables and chairs.”

His brows fall now, confusion pulling them together. “Did she? I’m usually better with faces, but I don’t remember her at all.”

My free hand settles on the side of his ribs. I don’t say it, but it actually makes me feel good he didn’t notice Brittany that night. Only me.

He dips his face toward mine, his lips kissing that spot just below my ear that makes me shiver. I turn my head to the side and catch Brittany’s stare. I flush, worried she thinks I lied.

When he lifts back up, his face close to mine, he rumbles. “I have some people I’d like you to meet.”

“All right.”

“They’re future partners, most likely, and I’m bringing you with me to help soften the edges.”

I wrinkle my nose. “You want me to help you close a deal? Are you sure?”

“Just be yourself, Honeyeh, and you’ll be a big help.” And then he starts leading me across the ballroom again.

We make our way up his personal stairs and down the hall to his office where Mason and Charlotte wait with three men and another woman.

She’s blonde and the kind of beautiful that makes my jaw drop.

Charlotte takes my hand. “Come meet my sister-in-law, Nia Kincaid.” Then she waves at the blonde. “Nia, I have to introduce you to my friend, Honeyeh Karimi.”

Nia steps forward, a warm smile on her gorgeous mouth. She looks like Marilyn Monroe with long hair. “Hi, Honeyeh. So nice to meet you.”

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