Page 66 of Shadowed Sins: Nitro

"Old friends." Viktor waves his knife dismissively. "Different territories, occasional cooperation."

Cole's voice cuts through, urgent. "Financial transfers confirmed. Multiple offshore sources. This is bigger than—"

I miss the rest because Jax's hand slides higher, fingers spreading possessively across my inner thigh. The tablecloth hides it, but Viktor knows. He's watching us like we're dinner theater.

"Vitals are all over the place," Asher observes with clinical interest. "Fascinating physiological response."

Remy jumps in immediately. "Ten bucks says Mira cracks first."

"You're betting on—" Cole starts, then stops. "Never mind. Just maintain cover."

During the break between courses, I reach for the tray the waiter presents. My hand shakes visibly as I select a chocolate strawberry, and Jax tracks the movement like a starving man.When I bring it to his lips, he leans forward too eagerly, and juice runs down his chin.

I lean forward to lick it off without thinking, tongue catching the sweet trail from his jaw to the corner of his mouth. The taste of chocolate and him makes me dizzy.

Through the earpiece, Remy definitely chokes. Then coughs. Then manages, "Did she just—"

"Affirmative. In front of Viktor." Asher sounds genuinely surprised for once.

"Pay up, everyone," Remy crows. "Told you appetizers was the limit."

"You keep touching me like that," Jax's voice drops to something dangerous as he whispers in my year, "and I'm going to bend you over this table in front of everyone."

Viktor's eyebrows climb toward his hairline. He sets down his scotch glass with a soft clink. I freeze, pressing back against the leather. This isn't nervous, rambling Jax. This is someone else entirely.

Cole's voice goes deadly quiet. "What the hell is happening down there?"

"Holy shit." Remy sounds gleeful.

A sophisticated brunette at the bar has been watching us for twenty minutes, repositioning herself twice for better angles. Now she pushes off her barstool and approaches with swaying hips, designer dress catching the light.

She stops beside our table, one hand on her hip. "Excuse me," she purrs, addressing me while her eyes stay locked on Jax. "Your boyfriend is incredibly attractive. If you ever get tired of sharing..."

Heat floods my system. I'm moving before I think, rising slightly from the booth to face her. "I don't share."

The words come out quiet, but something in my tone makes the brunette's confident smile falter. Her eyes widen as she takes in whatever she sees in my expression.

The brunette stumbles backward on her heels, stammering an apology before fleeing toward the restrooms.

Jax's hand finds my waist and pulls me back down, thumb resuming those claiming circles on my thigh. "Dangerous women are so much more interesting than safe ones. Especially when they're possessive."

Viktor chuckles, raising his glass in mock toast. "Young love. So passionate, so territorial. Reminds me why I prefer business relationships. Much more predictable."

After another hour where Viktor mentions shell companies while watching us deteriorate, he stands and straightens his jacket. "Table seven. Shall we test Lady Luck?"

The walk to the casino floor feels like miles. Jax bounces with each step, fingers drumming against his leg, spinning his keys, adjusting his collar—constant motion that speeds up near the gaming tables.

At the blackjack table, he practically vibrates in his chair. Leg bouncing, fingers tapping complex rhythms against the felt, whole body shifting and resettling every few seconds. His free hand immediately finds my thigh under the table like magnetic attraction.

Cards whisper across felt as the dealer works. Viktor studies his cards with the same calculating look he's been giving us all night. I lean my whole body against Jax's shoulder, breast pressing into his arm as my hand trails down his chest. "Ask about his associates."

His breathing changes at my touch—chest expanding, holding, releasing slowly like he's fighting for control.

"These associates you mentioned. How extensive is your network?"

"International scope." Viktor watches us more than his cards. "Partners from Ukraine to California. Racing events provide perfect cover."

I shift closer, my hand finding his knee under the table while my thigh slides along his. The dual makes his whole body tense.