I smile faintly. “So… something a little sexy?”
His eyes heat instantly as he looks at me. “Yeah.”
I pull out a skin-tight black sequin dress. It’s short, hitting mid-thigh, with a deep V-neckline that shows just enough cleavage and thin straps that leave my shoulders bare.
The sequins catch the light with every movement, making it shimmer like liquid night. It hugs every curve, accentuating my waist and hips. I slip it on, then add strappy heels and loose waves in my hair.
When I turn around, Maxim is already dressed in dark jeans and a fitted black shirt, sleeves rolled up to show his tattooed forearms.
It’s the first time I’ve seen him in something so casual. He looks… different. Less like a Pakhan and more like a dangerously handsome man who could have me dropping my panties with a single look.
The jeans cling to his powerful thighs, and the shirt stretches across his broad chest. He could wear rags and still look devastating.
His gaze darkens as it roams over me. “You look beautiful in that dress.”
I feel a flush of warmth at the compliment. “Thank you. You clean up nicely too.”
“Other men are going to see you like this,” he growls, stepping closer. “They’re going to look at what’s mine.”
I cut him off before he can continue. “Too bad, because I don’t have time to pick another dress..”
He looks like he wants to argue, but I raise an eyebrow, daring him. Finally, he exhales through his nose and nods.
“Fine. Let’s go.”
With my hand in his, we head downstairs to the car, and head out into the night.
After a while of driving in silence, I bring up what has been running through my mind.
“I’m surprised you’re bringing me,” I say quietly, glancing at him. “I didn’t think you’d want me involved.”
He keeps his eyes on the road. “I already told you, the guards are off today. I’m not leaving you alone at the house.”
I nod, but push a little more. “Yeah, but still… it means you trust me enough to bring me into something like this.”
He turns his head slightly, dark eyes meeting mine for a brief second. “Yes.”
I don’t answer. I just smile faintly and look out the window, my heart doing a strange little flip at his words.
After a while, I ask, “What are you going to do if you find out the person working with Adrian is from your own side?”
I see his jaw clench, the muscle ticking under the dashboard lights. His grip tightens on the wheel.
“The person will have a slow and painful death,” he says, voice low and cold. “For betraying me… and for putting you in danger.”
A shiver runs down my spine at the quiet fury in his tone. I turn to look at him fully. He’s deadly serious. And for the first time, I realize just how protective he is of me.
We arrive at The Obsidian Lounge. Maxim parks a short distance away, then takes my hand as we walk inside.
It’s a sleek, upscale bar in a trendy part of the city. Dim lighting, dark wood, leather booths, and a long marble counter glowing with ambient blue lights.
People are already trickling in, dressed nicely, laughing and talking over drinks. It’s easy to blend in.
He orders a water for himself and a glass of red wine for me. We find a booth with a good view of the entrance and settle in.
“Why are you drinking water?” I ask, sipping my wine.
“I need to stay alert,” he replies simply, eyes scanning the room.
