Page 78 of Plug and Claim

Nathaniel nodded, and he opened his mouth to say something, then hesitated, as if he were thinking better of it. He turned to Victoria and said, “You can do the honours, Vic,” before leaving.

Kira’s jaw dropped as Nathaniel sauntered away, the muscles of his broad shoulders and back flexing. She glared at him, hating the way his wet, blond hair trickled water down his neck and along the line of his back, past the dimples that were half-obscured by the towel.

She blinked rapidly as she noticed the striations on his back. Were they…scars?

“He’s been acting strange ever since you arrived here,” Victoria commented.

“Has he?” Kira asked absently, still standing and staring at the dark corridor Nathaniel had gone down.

“I think you’re wearing him down.” Victoria took a slow sip of her drink.

“I think he’s just toying with me.”

“Probably. You should go after him. Rip into him.”

“I’ll tear him a new one,” she muttered, rising from her chair.

As she strode purposefully across the common room, she had the feeling that Nathaniel wanted her to follow.

As she roamed down the dark corridor, a small thrill of the unknown jolted through her, and she realised it didn’t matter if he was playing games with her. She was ready to play along. More importantly, she was ready to strike a deal.

Chapter 28

The Deal

Kira

Kira strode after Nathaniel. He must have heard her footsteps, but he didn’t turn to look until he’d reached the last door on the right, made of solid blackwood.

She halted in front of him with her arms crossed. He finally looked up.

“Yes?” he asked, tilting his head curiously as his keys jangled. “May I help you?”

Kira snorted. “Yes. For starters, fuck you.” It felt good to get the insults out of the way.

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow. “I’ll…take that under advisement.” He unlocked his door and pushed it open, but he didn’t enter. Instead, he licked his lips as he appraised her. “Was there anything else, Kira?”

“Yes, we need to talk.”

His voice grew quiet. “Do we now?”

“Yes,” she said, pushing past him as she marched into the room. “I’m here to make a deal.”

“Well, I’m intrigued.”

He followed her inside and shut the door.

She tried not to let that bother her. It was not the first time she’d been alone with him, but somehow, this felt more intimate.

Maybe his bedroom is not the best place for this conversation.

Kira peered around curiously. The room exuded an air of mystery and elegance. The centre of the room was dominated by a large bed. She held her breath, her spine tingling with the knowledge that she was mere feet from the place where he slept. The ebony frame was adorned with intricate carvings, and the covers and pillows looked luxurious with black-and-grey covers. Gulping, she wandered deeper into the room, resisting the urge to run her hand along the black satin on the bed. The walls were enveloped in dark, rich purples, and wall sconces flickered with the eerie glow of orange flames.

“Welcome,” Nathaniel said softly from behind her.

She could feel his gaze boring into her back. Her shoulders tensed, the words she’d planned to say to him deserting her.

“Would you care to sit?”