Page 14 of Power & Punishment

I shrug, searching for a way to play it off. “I know the face. It’s hard not to notice when you’re constantly on Page Six.”

“Right,” Leo says, his eyes tracking my every movement. He’s observant, which should make me panic, but somehow I keep my cool. “I think it’s only fair you introduce yourself then.”

I lift my chin, forcing my expression into a smooth and unbothered plain. “Mia,” I say.

“Mia,” he repeats, letting it roll off his tongue. “What’s it short for?”

“Emilia.”

Leo leans in closer, satisfied by my answer. My entire head fills up with a smoky oak and citrus that feels like it will be permanently burned into my brain.

“Emilia,” he repeats, testing it. “That’s beautiful.”

Heat crawls up the side of my face as he takes my hand in his and presses a chaste kiss on my knuckles.

“I’ll see you soon, Emilia,” Leo says before dropping my hand and slipping through the crowd to dazzle more strangers with that sinister smile.

“Okay, maybe I was wrong,” Keith says, appearing out of nowhere. “Are you sure about this, Mia? That guy gives me bad vibes. Maybe we should⁠—"

“Relax, Keith,” I say, resting my hand on his shoulder. “I just have to get close enough to swipe his phone for a few seconds. I’ll be careful. I promise,” I say, tearing my eyes away from Leo’s disappearing form.

Stealing his phone will be easy. Convincing myself the pulsing sensation underneath my skin isn’t because of him will be the hard part.

6

LEO

Where do I know her from?

It’s the question I keep asking, but I’m coming up empty.

The thought insults my subconscious every time I catch a glimpse of that wonderful red dress that caresses her body in all the right ways. It’s hard to focus on the boring conversation I’m having with the mayor when all I can think about is those two chocolate brown eyes that make me want to give up my no sugar rule.

“And that’s why this new zoning law is going to be great for your district,” Mayor White says, pulling me out of my brain fog.

“I agree,” I say, bringing the glass to my lips. I welcome the burn that slides down my throat and nod as he continues to drone on about timelines and committees.

Years in rooms exactly like this have taught me how to make powerful men feel important even when they’re not worth the dirt on my shoes. But boring and useless men like Mayor White somehow find themselves in useful positions, so I’m forced to pretend like I give a shit about what they’re saying.

As he continues to talk, I file away the important parts, but my attention drifts back to the crowd.

To her.

She and her date have moved closer to the bar. From this angle I have the perfect view of the patch of bare skin exposed by that damn dress.

When she laughs at something her date says, she tips her head back, exposing more perfectly golden skin on her throat. A gnawing sensation tightens low in my chest. That laugh doesn’t belong in a place like this. It’s too real. Too perfect and wholesome.

I crave to ruin her.

When I sense a natural lull in the conversation, I politely excuse myself, murmuring something bullshit line about greeting a donor.

From the corner of my eye, I spot my date making her own rounds, but I quickly take a detour so she doesn’t see me. I’ve been ignoring her all night and I can tell it’s starting to get on her nerves, but I don’t care. I found a shiny new toy to play with.

As I spot Mia from across the room, another wave of recognition washes over me, but I still can’t place her.

I take a slow lap around the room. With each passing nod and brief pleasantry, I drift closer to her like a shark circling its prey. She’s switched from champagne to water now and her posture looks relaxed even if there’s a hint of an edge that no one else in this room can see but me.

When her gaze flicks up and meets mine, the corner of her mouth tips forward in a small smile. She knows I’m watching her.