Page 73 of Carnal Games

ME: Real professional, Ro.

ROSA: Think about it.

ROSA: Gotta run to lick my sexy husband! Byeee.

BEE: Eww!

ROSA: Yeah, hussy. Like you don’t do the same to Dash.

ME: Sissy, pussy, hussy… what’s with the rhyming?

BEE: Writing poetry now?

No reply comes from her.

BEE: Man, she was fast.

ME: Can’t believe it’s the same Ro who wanted to kill him on a daily basis.

BEE: I know!

BEE: Jokes aside, follow your instinct. Leave him no choice but to come to you.

ME: Is that what you did with Dash?

BEE: Oh yeah! Worked like a charm.

ME: Fine. I’ll try.

BEE: That’s my girl! You got this.

Chapter Nineteen

Iris

My breathing sounds ten times louder as I travel the same path down the darkened hallway leading to The Mirage. My stomach is in knots while I appear outwardly calm, walking with confidence like I belong here.

Even though whether or not I’ll be allowed to enter is still up for debate.

I inadvertently touch the golden bracelet clasped around my wrist as I venture deeper. I’m hoping it’ll be enough to skip past the guards and the hostess. Having seen the inside of the club, I’m going to march straight toward Kian’s office.

Reaching the landing, I drop the death grip on the skirt of my chocolate brown satin gown. The plunging draped neckline dipping to the middle of my stomach bares my cleavage, more than I’ve ever shown. The built-in scarf around my neck adds a vintage elegance feel.

I bought this piece on a whim. I’m glad I did, because the gown with a cinched waist does wonders for my petite frame, making me appear taller than I am.

A throat clearing startles me.

I look up to see a muscular bodyguard, dressed in all black, breathing down on me. His face is hard angles and set in stone.

Damn! How am I supposed to get past him?

“You’re late,” he snaps after noticing my bracelet. “The auction is about to begin.”

Auction? What is he talking about?

“I—”

“She’s with me,” an authoritative voice says.

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