“Let’s go to the Terrariums,” I said.
“I’m busy.”
She danced for another song like that, leaving me hanging, though this time, she glared back at me whenever our eyes locked.
With the silks wrapped around her hips as if she were lying sideways in a hammock, she said, “I thought you were with Mel.” There was an edge to her tone, one that she was fighting to keep concealed. But I heard it there. She was upset and trying hard not to be. Because she needed the money.
Part of me hoped that she needed me too.
“I’m only interested in playing with you,” I said. And that was the truth. “I don’t like her like that.” Haley untied the fabrics from the rigging and rolled her eyes. “Are you jealous of Mel?”
She scrunched her face. “I like Mel. Friendly competition never hurt anyone.”
“But?”
“But I hope that whatever you have going on with Aldrich is as simple as that. Friendly competition.”
Where had that come from? Did she think I was jealous of Aldrich? A hint of guilt laced in my stomach. Bringing up Aldrich at a time like this. I turned towards the lounge, seeing his gray-white hair like a lantern in the shadowed atmosphere. Mel was at his side.
“Go on,” Haley said. She motioned in the direction of Mel. “She’s a good woman. I’m sure you can steal her away from Aldrich. You could use the company from someone like her.”
From someone like her? What the hell did that mean?
“Haley,” I murmured.
“It’s the way the club works. You have options. Why not explore?”
That surprised me. She truly didn’t have any negative feelings towards Mel. Only with me.
Haley did what I hadn’t expected. She chose to dance. She wanted me to go after whatever it was that wanted.
But I was running out of patience. I was tired of pretending. Pretending like I wanted Mel. Pretending like Haley meant nothing to me.
This wasn’t a game anymore. Now, Ineededto make her submit.
“I’m going to tie you up,” I said.
“Oh, really?” she snapped. “What if I don’t want to anymore? Playing stupid tricks like this. What are you, an overgrown child? Is this what all investors are like? You’re in your thirties. Act like it.”
Haley was more than I had ever expected. Stronger-willed. Smarter.
Which was why I continually wanted more from her. I needed all of her. Body and soul. Everything would fall into place once I made her mine. I hated that I had fucked up that progress.
But I could adapt. The best strategists were flexible in their plans for domination.
“Get off of the silks,” I growled.
“What are you going to do about it?”
I stared at her for a moment, letting the silence thicken between us. She held strong for a moment, locking eyes with mine, but then she fidgeted, going to fix a strap on her leg that was no longer there.
“If you disobey me, your punishment,” I said, “will be far worse than your dirtiest nightmares. And youwillobey me, Haley. I’ll make sure of it.” My eyes flicked down at the ground, then back up at her, reminding her of my command. “I won’t say it again, Haley.”
She rolled her eyes, but made her descent down the ropes. “Yes,Lucas,” she mocked.
“Yes, sir,” I corrected.
That unmistakable flush covered her cheeks, confessing her insatiable lust for me. I clenched my fist, thinking of how good it would feel to hold her hair in my hands, gripping it like reins.
“Yes, sir,” she murmured.
