Page 99 of The Prize

Adley gave a nod and patted Wilder on the back with affection and then followed Abby through the sea of guests surrounding Bay’s paintings.

Tobias’s wary glare settled back on me. “We talked about this.”

“Change of plan, obviously.”

“Stay close to Abby at all times.”

Eyes widening, I tried to convey I was wearing a wire by trailing my fingers to rest at the center of my chest.

Tobias leaned in to whisper huskily. “You like misbehaving, don’t you?”

Sparking an ill-timed arousal.

He gave a nod. “I’m conflicted. On the one hand, I didn’t want you here, and yet seeing you...you look stunning, Zara.”

“I feel the same way.” I blinked at him. “I mean, you look nice.”

“Nice?”

I rubbed my eyelid, careful not to smudge my makeup to secretly signal we were being recorded via my wire.

He looked amused. “Something in your eye?”

“If you’ll excuse me, Mr. Wilder, I need to go to the loo.” I spun round and made a beeline for the exit and on the way out I set down my glass.

“Zara?” Tobias was right behind me.

I scurried around the corner and along the hallway and felt the tight grip of Tobias’s hand wrap around my wrist. He led me toward a door and opened it to peer in first to make sure it was empty before pulling me in.

I got his attention and mouthed,I’m wearing a wire.

I know,he mouthed back and broke into a dazzling smile.

My tight fist punched his bicep and he caught it and brought it to his lips. He kissed my hand, sending a tingle through it. He shoved a mobile coatrack against the door to prevent anyone from bursting in and disturbing us.

“The event seems to be going well.” I tried to keep the thrill of seeing him out of my tone.

“It’s good to see you, Ms. Leighton.” He arched a brow. “Did you enjoy your visit to Fifth Avenue?”

“It was fun.” I wondered how he knew about it.

How did it go with the FBI?I mouthed.

Turns out I have a great lawyer, he mouthed back, leaning in to trace his lips along my neck. It tickled deliciously and his breath caressed my skin, making me swoon as he pecked kisses along my jawline. Power flashed across his face and he grabbed my wrists and pinned them above my head and crushed his lips to mine, his teeth nipping at my bottom lip.What the fuck are you doing here?he mouthed.

Abby insisted.

He broke away and stared into my eyes. “I’ll miss you when you return to London, Ms. Leighton. Let me arrange a car to the airport for you.”

“That would be wonderful. When I’m ready to leave.”

Tobias’s hand slid down the center of my dress and felt for the wire. Stay away from The Rose Club,he warned.

I intend to.I snapped his hand away from my chest.“It’s certainly been an interesting experience, Mr. Wilder.”

He stepped back. “You’ve exceeded my expectations, Ms. Leighton.”

I reached for his shoulders and shoved him downward to let him know I wanted him on his knees to punish his brashness.