Page 49 of Ruthless Creatures

“Laugh it up now, girlfriend, because I can guarantee that you won’t be laughing when he’s doing bad things to you while he’s got you tied to his bed.”

I groan, resting a hand on my forehead. “This is too much for me. My idea of kink is leaving the lights on during missionary position.”

“Ugh. I know. It’s tragic.”

“I’ve gotta go. My meeting starts in a few minutes.”

“Happy hour tonight? I’ll be at La Cantina with Stavros and his buddies at five. You should bring Kage. See how that bull mastiff gets along with the other dogs.”

I’m about to decline, but it’s actually a good idea.

I’ve never seen Kage interact with anyone but Chris, and that wasn’t exactly under ideal circumstances. I can probably find out a lot about him by seeing him around other people. How he acts, what he says…

What he doesn’t say.

“Okay. I’ll ask him. I’ll text you if we’re coming.”

“Awesome. Can’t wait to see you, babe. And your luscious man. Don’t hate me if I wear something slutty.”

“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

As soon as we hang up, I dial Kage’s number.

Not that I’d admit it to him, but I know it by heart.

I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time staring at that business card he gave me with his phone number scrawled on the back. On the flip side is the contact information for a bespoke suit maker in Manhattan.

Kage would slay in a suit. I hope I never see him in one, because whatever willpower I have around the man would crumble instantly.

A handsome man in a well-fitted suit is my Kryptonite.

The line rings only once before it’s picked up. No one says anything, so I say hesitantly, “Hello? Kage? It’s Natalie.”

He says, “You called.”

His voice is gruff. He sounds pleased and surprised.

And here I thought I was a foregone conclusion.

“I did. I am. Hello.”

I should just shove my turkey sandwich into my mouth now so I don’t say something stupid. I can feel it coming on. He makes my brain turn to mush, like overcooked risotto.

“Hello yourself. I was just thinking about you.”

Heart, calm down. Get control of yourself. Jesus, you’re pathetic.“Oh?” I say, trying for a nonchalant tone.

“Yes. My dick is rock hard.”

Aaandhere comes the heat in my cheeks. Wonderful. I’ll be going into my meeting looking like I was just tossed over a table and shagged to within an inch of my life.

“May I ask you a favor?”

“Anything.”

“Would it be possible for you to dial it down a few thousand notches?”

“It?”