Page 76 of Bossy Wicked Prince

James takes my plate and swaps it with his own empty one without a word. He’s so quiet, he makes Nate look like a chatterbox. If it were anyone else, I’d assume he was shy, but he exudes confidence out of every pore.

When I started at Terrace, I was given a primer on some of the VIPs in the building. I know James is the CEO of Sequel, which means he commands more wealth and power than anyone I’ve ever met, even including Nate.

Money doesn’t impress me, but I have to admit that it intimidates me.

James takes my plate to the kitchen and scrapes the stuffing into the trash while Ryan protests.

Looking at the bounty of food in front of me, I can’t help but feel guilty that I didn’t contribute anything. “Sorry I didn’t bring anything for the potluck.”

“Your presence is more than enough,” Luke says smoothly.

“He’s right,” Ryan adds. “And it’s not even your personality that we appreciate—even though I’m sure that’s great. But with you around, Nate’s like twenty-five percent less grumpy, which is priceless.”

“I even saw him smile a minute ago,” says Beau. “It was weird, but you know, good weird.”

My face heats. I don’t know exactly what’s happening between me and Nate, but it’s nice to hear his friends approve.

Luke clears his throat. “Now, for the real test. You drink, right Cat?” I nod, and he pours me a glass of whiskey from a crystal decanter. “Try this. Tell me what you think.”

“I’ll try it, but I’m not really a whiskey person.” I smile apologetically as I take the glass.

“That’s okay. That’s why I’m here—to convert you. Before you drink it, hold it up to your nose. Smell it with your mouth open, it’ll help you get more of the aroma.”

I follow his instructions. I take a sniff, catching a scent of vanilla and toffee. The first sip cuts those sweet flavors with warm spiciness and a slight burn of alcohol. I close my eyes, savoring the taste.

“Well?” Luke asks.

I hold the glass up to him. “I’m not a whiskey person, but this, I can drink.”

His eyes warm, and he looks genuinely pleased. “Okay. You pass. This is a single barrel, ten-year whiskey. It’s one of our best.”

Nate leans close to me. “Luke’s the distiller at Twisted Devil. You might remember, that’s my favorite.”

My mind fills with a vision of Nate ordering me to drink that night at his desk. I press my thighs together as I remember him laying me out and making me come with his mouth. In just a few hours, he might just do it again.

I can’t let myself get turned on in front of Nate’s friends. I pull out my phone, checking my texts to distract me. Two texts from Pippa pop up immediately.

Pippa

I can’t believe my evil stepbrother crashed your date!!

I apologize in advance for everything he says.

I quickly type a response under the table.

Cat

Apologies not needed yet. He’s actually been really friendly.

Pippa

Weird. Are you sure he’s Ryan and not some kind of imposter?

Cat

I’ll try and steal his wallet so I can check his ID.

“I’m going to run to the bathroom,” Nate murmurs to me. “Will you be okay?”