Page 90 of Hook

I laugh at that and the air between us shifts. As if we’re actually going to have a good time tonight. Ever since I took her to Santa Catalina, that easiness between us has been strained. I guess it doesn’t help that I’ve been spanking her every night, but it resulted in the best sex I’ve ever experienced.

Gwendolyne loves getting spanked. I think it’s the reason she hasn’t written the apology, not that I want it, anyway. I want an excuse to spank her because I love it as well.

“A toast,” I say.

She arches a brow, clutching her drink. “To what?”

“To an enjoyable evening.”

“Speak for yourself,” she murmurs, her thighs clenching. “Nothing about this is enjoyable.”

I lean toward her. “Think how fucking good it’s going to feel later when I make you come, baby,” I murmur into her ear.

When I move back, her cheeks have tinged a deep red as she shakes her head. “You’re evil.”

“And proud of it.”

A small hint of a smile graces her lips. “What exactly is your motive for coming to this event? Surely it must have a political or financial gain for you.”

It concerns me that she knows my motives that well. “Am I that predictable?”

“Yep.”

“I want to meet with the mayor of San Diego to discuss real estate plans.”

“Real estate?”

I nod. “I’m ready to try to get my business on a legitimate footing rather than a criminal one.”

“Isn’t real estate as corrupt?”

“Baby steps,” I murmur, taking a sip of scotch. As she’s right, it’s borderline criminal considering the amount of corruption and bribery involved. However, I need to increase the safety net of my outfit and real estate is perfect. Unfortunately for me, Piero is already deep into real estate and has been pushing to expand into San Diego, a plan I need to stop in its tracks tonight.

“Where is the mayor?” she asks, glancing around the room.

I follow her gaze and spot a group of people in the corner of the room. “Over there,” I say, indicating with my head. “I need to wait until he’s alone to talk to him.”

Gwen arches a brow. “Because this real estate venture isn’t legal?”

I smirk. “You know me so well.”

She rolls her eyes. “How are you going to get a man so popular alone?”

“With the beautiful piece of bait on my arm.”

Her eyes narrow. “What do you mean?”

“The mayor has a thing for beautiful young women.”

“And you are okay with him touching me?”

I bare my teeth then. “It won’t get that far, Gwen, and you know it.”

“No, because if that man at your club is anything to go by, you’ll probably murder the mayor and then your deal would be dead in the water.”

“Exactly.” I tilt my head. “I want you to walk past him on the way to the ladies’ room. I’ll already be there to ensure I head him off before he lays a finger on you.”

She glares at me. “Who says I’m going to help you?”

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