Page 83 of Carnal Games

She chews on her lip, contemplating my proposal. Suddenly smiling like she won the lottery, she replies excitedly, “I accept your offer.”

“Sure you don’t want to sit on it for the night?” I never give anyone an out once I have them where I want them. Yet I’m making an exception for her, and I have no idea why. I’m acting on my instincts.

Ocean blue eyes narrow, and she fires back, “I thought you wanted me to start tomorrow.”

She won’t be so fiery once she comes to work for me.

“All right. Be there at seven a.m. sharp. Arjun will meet you at the reception.” Pushing back my chair, I ask, “Did you drive here?”

“No.” She scrambles to rise, taking the cue the meeting is over. “I took a cab.”

I stop in my tracks.

Does she plan to take one back so late at night?

“My driver will drop you off.”

“That’s not necessary.”

I move toward the door and unlock it. “I wasn’t asking.”

Instead of stepping past me, she gazes up at me softly. “Aren’t you coming home?”

It’s the last thing I expected her to utter.

“My night isn’t over.”

“Oh.”

“I’ll walk you out.” Dropping her head, she exits and moves for the door we came through. I halt her. “This way.”

Confused, she follows me to the hidden private elevator.

“Your club is like a maze.” Awe is in her voice.

“You’re the little lamb who keeps returning to get lost.”

It’s not until we’re inside the car with the door shut and we’re moving that she rasps, “Maybe because I know the big bad wolf will protect me.”

“From others, not himself.” She shivers.

Just before we reach the ground floor, I drawl, “For the record, I would’ve said yes to a simple interview on the stage. You force someone’s back against the wall with a gun to their head,alwayspull the trigger.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Iris

Today is a perfect day.

The sun is shining bright, the birds are chirping, the weather is pleasant. I’m floating on a cloud as I enter the lobby of Kinetic Securities, arriving ten minutes early.

Containing my excitement was a hard feat, so much that sleep evaded me yesterday.

Last night was the highlight of my life. I finally understand why people get addicted to gambling.

Taking risks.

Betting everything they have.