Page 131 of Captive Audience

Then I was alone in my office with Rook’s gift. I’d have guessed it was lingerie, but when I brought the box to my lap, it was too heavy to be scraps of lace or silk.

I untied the bow, lifted the lid, and peeled back the tissue paper. I froze. Nestled inside was a cocktail dress in deep forest green, the velvet so rich and soft it practically shimmered under the light.

I stood and held it in front of me. The neckline was off one shoulder, and the sculpted bodice narrowed at the waist before flaring into an asymmetrical ruffle that fell to mid-thigh.

Somehow, it was both sexy and regal at once, and when I saw the Dolce & Gabbana label, I knew it must’ve cost as much as my first car.

I didn’t need to try it on to know it would be the perfect size, complement my fair skin and red hair, and make me look incredible.

Which was surprising. I’d assumed Rook would insist I cover myself with a trench coat tonight.

I showered, did my hair and makeup, and was zipping the dress when Rook walked through the bedroom door.

He paused, breath catching when he saw me. “You look bloody awful. You should change.”

I scrunched my nose. “It’s the green, isn’t it? It’s giving swamp troll.”

He pursed his lips, pretending to give it thought. “More Princess Fiona in ogre form.”

“Heard she got that way when she kissed one.”

“But only because Shrek was her true love.”

Damn him for remembering that inconvenient detail. It’d been a long time since I’d seen that movie.

My eyes narrowed. “You watchedShrekwith Neve recently, didn’t you?”

Rook smiled before moving behind me to do up the last of the zip. “I’m already regretting buying you this dress, but when I saw it, I knew it was for you.” His warm hands landed on my waist, and he kissed below my ear, sending a delicious shiver through me. “Beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I turned, clasped the back of his neck, and rose on tiptoes to kiss him. “When will I meet her?”

“Neve? She’s at boarding school until break. I’ll introduce you then.”

“You’ve never mentioned her mom. I take it she and Aidan aren’t together?”

“No.” Rook’s lips thinned. “They split before Neve was born. Cora, she’s—how should I put this?—a wrecking ball. In and out of rehab more times than I can count, gambling debts, a suspended sentence for disorderly conduct. Sometimes we won’t see her for months, then she’ll get clean and turn up wanting to act like a mother again. It messes with Neve’s head, but she still wants to know her ma. It’s the only reason Aidanallows it. Cora always falls off the wagon eventually, and Aidan’s the one left to pick up the pieces.”

“Poor kid. That must be really hard on her.”

“Aye. It’s rough for Aidan, too.”

It was strange to picture the tattooed and pierced mobster comforting his teenage daughter, but it aligned with what I knew of the O’Connells. Tough on the outside but with a heart of gold and always prepared to protect their inner circle.

“I look forward to meeting Neve.”

“She’ll love you.” Rook cupped my chin, and his thumb traced a path over my lips. “Have fun with your friends tonight. Just remember what’s waiting for you at home.”

His other hand dipped under my dress and slid into my panties. I gasped when a finger parted my folds and pushed inside me. Once it was slick, he pulled it out and circled my clit.

“Rook,” I whispered, my legs about to buckle.

“Aye, love?”

“You don’t play fair.”

“Never have, never will.” He smirked, brought his finger to his mouth, and sucked it clean. “I’ll miss you tonight.”

“I’ll miss you, too.”