Page 36 of Monsters Wear Crowns
His smirk deepened. “You already know it’s not clean.”
“That’s not an answer.”
He exhaled, sitting back again as if debating just how much he wanted to give away. Then, he relented–just a fraction. “Weapons. Technology. Drugs. Information.” He shrugged. “Power.”
A slow, measured hum left my lips. “Ah, so you’re in the business ofleverage.”
He tapped the flash drive. “And I’m offering you some.”
I let the silence settle between us, but I could feel it–theslow, inevitable pull drawing me closer. He knew it, too. The way his gaze lingered, the way his fingers curled lazily against the leather of his chair, like he hadallthe time in the world to wait for me to realize I wanted this.
Wantedhim.
And that was the most dangerous part of all. So, I did what I did best. I made him work for it. I continued rolling the USB between my fingers. “This doesn’t mean I’m saying yes.”
Rafe grinned. “Of course not.”
But the way he looked at me–the way his eyes traced over my like I was already his–said he knew exactly how this would end. And maybe, deep down, so did I. But I never allowed men to get away withoutat leasta little extra effort.
“I have an event I must attend tonight. Feel free to come along.” I slid a card with the event time and location to him. “I’ll look absolutely ravishing.” I said with a smile.
He took the card and, without breaking eye contact, grinned back. “I’ll see you there.”
***
The event was one of those glittering affairs–polished and wealthy, the kind of gathering where deals worth millions were made behind polite smiles and champagne flutes. Sinclair Solutions was one of the primary sponsors, and I was expected to make an appearance. I did so with my head high, my black gown sleek and sophisticated, and my face perfectly composed despite the storm brewing beneath my skin. My dress plunged between my breasts and exposed most of my back. It was one of my very favorites.
But the moment I stepped into the ballroom, I felt it.
Him.
My eyes found Rafe with infuriating ease. He stood near the far end of the room, relaxed and powerful, his tailored suit cutting a perfect figure among the wealthy elite. He was smiling–one of thoseeasy, charming smiles that disguised the sharpness beneath. And then his eyes locked on mine.
I forced myself to move, to greet investors and partners with practiced grace. But every time I felt my composure settle, I’d catch the weight of his gaze, and it would start all over again–the pounding of my pulse and the slow curl of heat low in my stomach.
It was toward the end of the evening when he finally approached. I was by the terrace, stealing a moment of quiet when his presence slipped in beside me.
“You’ve been busy,” he murmured, his voice a silk-covered threat.
I kept my eyes on the skyline. “So have you. I recognized a few of those names on your drive. Dangerous company you keep, Vaughan.”
He hummed, amused. “You looked, then. I hoped you would.”
My jaw tightened. “You knew I would.”
“Of course.” He shifted closer, his warmth brushing against my skin. “You’re too curious for your own good.”
“I don’t like working blind, Rafe.”
“Oh, I know you like the thrill.” His voice dipped lower. “Adela, you’re the kind of woman who gets off on threats. I love that about you.”
Heat flared between my thighs at that. “So, let me get this straight,” I started. “You’re intoallof the dark shit I’m into?”
He smirked, easing his shoulders. “I certainly am, but take it seriously. That is whyyoudecide when and where we do it. If the energy is right and you don’t use the safeword, we won’t do it. As long as I’m fucking you, I don’t care what kink you have.”
My cheeks heated. “So, you’re a sick fuck like me?”
He twisted to look at me, surprise flashing across his expression. “Of course. That’s why I’m so insistent that you be mine.”
