Page 100 of Devil's Claim

“You look beautiful,” I told her.

“Flattery truly will not get you anywhere.”

“Are you certain about that?” I grinned, dipping her slightly.

“I’m positive. I do have morals. Something you do not.”

“You continue to wound me,” I scoffed.

“I doubt many things truly wound you. However, you dance as well as you sell drugs and kill people. Impressive.” She allowed me to spin her around the dance floor, the slow music giving us a further opportunity to talk while forcing us to remain close.

Did she not feel the explosive heat between us?

“In my position, you learn that varying skills can often mean life instead of death. Being able to fit in with my surroundings has proven beneficial.”

“And here I believed cartels lived in squalor in the desert somewhere, driving souped-up old Humvees, tossing their enemies into a ring so they could fight to the death while soldiers and their whores cheered them on.”

“You Americans and your movie analogies.” I spun her in a circle, bending her at the waist. When I yanked her back into my arms, the force was enough to knock the breath from her lungs.

Our lips were dangerously close and whether out of nervousness or meant as a blatant tease, she dragged the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip.

“That’s right. You live in the lap of luxury.”

“Are you complaining?” Unable to help myself, I tangled my fingers in her hair, pulling back just enough to expose the long line of her neck.

“I’m not certain yet.” Her laugh penetrated my soul.

I lowered my head, lightly brushing my lips across hers before following her jaw. “At least you’re honest.”

“Hopefully, I can say the same thing about you.”

The light nip of her earlobe forced another shudder through her system. “Trust me, my lovely bride to be. As you said, we can’t afford to keep any additional secrets.” I purposely pulled back and it took her a few seconds to open her eyes.

“Are you suggesting I’m hiding something?”

“Are you? Discovering you know more about an industry that could provide us with a new and extremely lucrative form of business was somewhat shocking.”

“I didn’t think you were the kind of man who could be shocked by anything or anyone.”

I turned us around again on the dance floor, enjoying myself more than I thought I would. “I think you’ll learn I’m not unlike any other man who’s been in your life.”

Her laugh was boisterous and I adored her for it. “Oh, God, I hope you are. I think we might make good business partners.”

“You seem to forget the terms of the contract.”

“I never forget anything, Kruz. Neither do you. However, I hope you’ll be an honorable man.”

“I am an honorable man, Christine. However, I will also be your husband. That entitles me to more than just being your business partner.”

The words had just crossed a line with her. That hadn’t been my intention, nor was it perhaps the best option at this point, but I didn’t want any confusion about what I expected.

Her smile faded and she pushed me away, shaking her head until I released my hold. “And just like that you ruined an evening, Kruz. I don’t know how you managed, but you did. Just by being you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go to the ladies’ room. Or do I need a special hall pass to do so? A permit from the Pope, perhaps?”

If there was one aspect of her personality that had drawn me to her first, it was her rebellious nature. Yet the tit for tat was more unnerving now that she belonged to me.

At that moment, all I could think about was taming the wild lioness in whatever method worked.

“You’re free to go, my sweet Christine. But make no mistake. A deal is a deal. Just don’t push too hard or the hunter will catch his prey. I am a possessive man.” The urge to keep touching her rode me hard, so much so I allowed my gaze to travel to the location of the restrooms. The thought of jerking her dress to her waist, spreading her thighs and driving a hole through her lace thong was more powerful than usual.