Page 85 of The Fire We Make

“King,” Vincent returned. “I trust you’re doing well?”

Ace picked up on the double meaning and nodded. “All is well. And yourself?”

Vincent’s lips tipped up in a cocky smile. He spread his arms, the drink in his hand sloshing but not spilling. “No complaints, brother.”

Ace chuckled. “Glad to hear it.”

Vincent’s eyes fell to Joy, his eyes shining with lust as he trailed her frame from her toes to the top of her curls.

“And who is this?”

Ace stepped between them subtly but Joy clocked the possessive glare Ace shot the man.

She bit her lip to hide her smile then discreetly nudged him out of the way, extending her hand.

“Joy Thibodeaux,” she introduced herself.

Vincent grinned as he shook her hand. With a smirk aimed at Ace, Vincent lifted Joy’s hand to his mouth, placing a quick kiss to the back of it.

“Watch it, Price,” Ace growled in warning before he could swallow it.

“Relax, King. Just being friendly,” Vincent chuckled.

“How about I throw your friendly ass in that bonfire.”

That earned a hearty laugh from Vincent. “You would, wouldn’t you?” he said, releasing Joy’s hand and taking a step back for good measure.

“Very nice to meet you Ms. Thibodeaux,” Vincent said from an appropriate distance away.

Joy’s eyes flicked up to Ace, then back to Vincent, noticing how a man with arguably enough power to sway the president—or put one in office—heeded Ace’s warning.

“Same here,” Joy replied. “I’m a big fan of your work.”

Vincent’s grin widened, the praise feeding into his already large ego. “I appreciate that,” he said with a hand over his heart.

She nodded, her smile bright but her eyes holding that special fire Ace often witnessed when she was on a mission.

“Joy’s my right hand on the case I’m working right now,” Ace supplied.

And off fucking limits, his glare translated.

Vincent’s eyes sharpened with interest. “Is that right?”

Ace nodded, “Her methods can be a little… unconventional but she gets results.” He looked down at her, unable to shield the admiration from his eyes. “Sharpest attorney we’ve got.”

Joy looked up at him, their eyes catching for just a moment before she cleared her throat. “You’re flattering me, Mr. King,” she chuckled softly, turning back to Vincent. “Sometimes you have to be creative to get things done.”

“Creative can be useful,” Vincent grinned.

“It can be,” she said. “When yielded correctly… and by the right person.”

Vincent nodded, taking a sip of his drink. “I’ve found that some of the most effective work happens when you push the limit a little bit.”

“I couldn’t agree more. Especially when…certain outcomes are preferred.”

Joy held his gaze and she could see the moment the wheels started turning in his head.

Vincent’s eyes sharpened slightly and so did Ace’s.