Page 35 of Lethal Torture
I’ve never been interested in playing psychological games with women. I play more than enough of them in my job, which has left me with unerring instincts to sniff out manipulation of any kind and then deal with it. Swiftly and decisively.
In war that means a kill.
Same thing in relationships, only it’s the connection that dies, rather than the human involved. I’m the king of thegood time and get outphilosophy.
Zinaida’s performance last night is the kind of head fuckery that I should definitely cut dead.
Especially coming from a client.
But despite the sea of red flags, and how much I might hate games, Mak was right about one thing: Idoneed danger the way I need to breathe.
And Zinaida Melikov is the most dangerous woman I’ve ever met.
Not to mention the delectable feast between her legs that has haunted my every goddamn thought since I left that room.
It’s work, Luke. You’ve always been able to detach when it comes to work.
And besides—I don’t sleep with clients.
Ever.
From now on, I just need to view Zinaida Melikov as a job and nothing more, that’s all.
My phone vibrates in the waterproof pocket of my rowing singlet.
“Luke.” I hear the clink of glasses and rustle of bedsheets behind Mak’s languid drawl. “She signed.”
I’m not proud of the dark thrill that goes through me.
“You’ll need more than one suit, so my tailor is expecting your call this morning. He’s opening as a favor to me, so make sure you tip well.”
I grin despite myself.
“And you’re expected at Pigalle Mayfair, nine a.m. tomorrow.”
By the sounds of revelry in the background, Mak took at least one of Zinaida’s dancers home, possibly more.
“Having fun?” I’m aiming for casual, but even I hear the rough edge to my voice.
Mak laughs. “I always do, dear boy.” He lowers his voice. “But not as much as I expect you’re about to.”
He hangs up without waiting for an answer, and I drift on the water, my entire body wired to hell.
Nine a.m., huh?
I pull the oar with rather more force than is required.
Fuck that.
I’ve always been an early riser. Nine a.m. is practically midmorning.
And besides.
Something tells me that when it comes to the lovely Miss Melikov, it’s best to be ahead of the game.
9
ZINAIDA
