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My fingers crushed on the railing, pain lacing up my arm. I was knotting up everywhere, the thread of static passing from her stare into my heart. It was as if the damn woman had stuck my hand in a live socket.

The flash in her vivid gray eyes said she'd felt it, too.

The ache in my lower belly was begging me to peel away every bit of clothing on Amina. I wanted to taste her, smell her, touch her. And fuck, it would beso easyto make that happen. I'd done it before, I was a pro at coaxing anyone I desired into my bed and—Stop it!Shutting my eyes, I sucked air through my nose.Focus. You promised Violet you wouldn't mess around.

Swallowing, I forced my composure back into place and climbed down the last step. Amina hadn't blinked, she focused on me with rising interest. For each inch I came closer to her, the gap between her plump lips opened wider.

The face of a shocked woman.

Or someone who wanted to be kissed.

Offering my hand, my voice came out warm. “You're Amina Richards, aren't you?”

Smiling nervously, she gripped my palm. The silk of her skin thrilled me. “Did my lost puppy expression give me away?”

“No. I saw your videos. I'm—”

“Bach Devine.” Catching herself, she pulled back and laughed. “Sorry. I saw some videos of you, too.”

My smirk crawled up higher. “Nothing too wild, I hope.”

For a second, her breath caught. I saw it stop in her chest, her breasts rising, falling, and taking my attention with them. “I—um.”

Pushing her buttons was already becoming an addiction. I needed to get a hold over myself before our first meeting turned into something... filthy.But I want a taste of filth. If I took her to my office, no one would interrupt. Well, no one except...

“There you are!” Violet shouted, stomping our way. She'd come from outside, she must have just gotten back from LAX. “Amina, thank goodness! I was worried something had happened to you!”

Blinking, Amina rocked side to side. “Sorry, I lost my phone and the plane landed way later than expected. I'm guessing you're... Violet?”

“I waited in the airport for an hour, then I started asking around for you and—never mind.” Dusting her hands on her white pencil skirt, she gave Amina a quick hug. “The important thing is that you're fine.”

Amina disengaged, flushing all over again. “Thanks. I really am sorry, though. I figured I'd catch a taxi here, and then I was going to ask the front desk to contact you.” Her eyes flicked to me. “Mister Devine found me first.”

“Call me Bach.”

Violet reached down, grabbing Amina’s suitcase. “You've had a long flight. How about we get you settled in. You'll love where you're staying.”

Amina went to respond, her strawberry-red lips spreading. “No," I said. That interruption shaped my voice into a razor. “Before she does anything, I want to hear her sing.”

They wore matching looks of disbelief. They didn't understand; they didn't need to. Every moment counted these days. Amina wouldn't be another mistake. She'd sing for me—now—so that I could know if she was worth the effort of bringing her here.

If she wasn’t?

I’d stick her in a taxi and send her straight back home on a plane tonight.

Violet grimaced. "Hmm—how about we let her rest first.”

Meeting her eyes, I read Violet's mind with ease.She thinks I'm being harsh. Or crazy. Maybe both.“She can rest after she proves her talent isn’t some trick.”

There were people milling around us in the lobby. Violet hissed under her breath so only we three could hear. “You watched her video, youknow what she can do.”

“A video can hide weaknesses.” My attention flashed to Amina. “Flaws. How long do you want to wait to find out if she’s worthy of our label?”

Curling her hands into fists, my VP stared me down.

“I'll do it,” Amina said. She lifted her chin with purpose, and even though she wore a slightly uneasy smile, I sensed the strength inside of her. There was nothing wavering in her eyes. This woman was as sturdy as a mountain.

Her confidence threw me off.Why is my heart pounding?I hadn't seen such certainly in someone since...