Page 91 of Hook

I tap a finger against my lip. “The belt protecting your pussy?”

“God damn it,” she huffs.

“I thought so.” I lead her in the direction of the mayor with my hand against the small of her back. “You know what to do, princess.”

She gives me an irritated look as I leave her alone and head for the restroom. After about two minutes, I hear the clacking of her heels on the hardwood floor before she comes into the corridor and gives me a nod.

“Excuse me, miss,” the mayor’s voice echoes behind her.

So predictable.

She stops and turns toward him. “Yes?”

I march forward to intercept. “Hello, Joe,” I say, placing my hand on Gwen’s hip possessively. “What do you want with my wife?”

His jaw opens and closes. “Apologies. I didn’t realize she was yours.”

The fucker would have if he’d accepted the invite to our wedding.

“I’ll tell you how you can apologize.”

His eyes narrow. “Do I know you?”

I hold my hand out to him. “Cillian Hook.”

His face pales. “Oh, I see.” He takes my hand. “I wasn’t aware you were attending.”

“Why? Have you been avoiding me?”

He swallows hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. It’s clear the fucker is scared of me, which is amusing considering the power he has. “No, but I know I can’t give you what you’re after.”

“And what is that?”

“An entry into the real estate in San Diego.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Why the fuck can’t you give it to me?”

He purses his lips. “It’s Gary Keith. He’s the one who is standing in the way.”

I know the name, but I’ve got no idea who he is. “And who is he?”

“A senator in government, but he has the San Diego planning commission in his pocket and when I asked him about it, he flatly refused to entertain your proposal.”

I clench my fists. “What you’re telling me is that you received my proposal and ignored it?”

“No, I tried everything I could to get a result—”

“Shut it,” I snap, feeling the rage begin to bubble beneath the surface. I’m don’t like being ignored, even if this piece of shit is the mayor. “Tell me how to get results. I’m not letting this go.”

He quivers with fear. “The only option is to get Gary Keith on your side.”

“And where can I find him?”

Gwen shuffles next to me. “Excuse me, I need to use the ladies’ room.”

I press a kiss to her cheek. “Don’t be long“

She nods and turns toward the ladies’ restroom.

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