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“I promise,” I lie, my voice smooth. “You want to prove you’re up for this, right, Charlotte? This is your chance.”
Something sparks in her eyes and she nods, determined. “Tell me what you want me to do.”
I smile. That’s my girl. Honestly, I don’t plan to do anything to Kasey other than show Ryan what I’m capable of. To be frank, she’s not my type. She’s too young and way too inexperienced, and regardless of who her father is, she’s a good kid.
I take Charlotte’s hand and lead her in the direction that Kasey disappeared in.
“Come with me.”
Chapter 8
Charlotte
We move around the thick velvet curtains that separate this section from the main room. I’m surprised to see a small bar, complete with plush sofas and small round tables. Lights hang low from the ceiling, emitting a soft glow, just enough to light the room. Background music hums from the speakers in the corners. It’s like a private area just for us. Why does that make me so damn nervous? Because God knows what he’s going to want from me. At least out there I have people around. I feel safe. Or safer, at least, because around Jaxon I feel anything but safe.
Kasey comes into view. Her brown eyes dart to Jaxon. Surprise registers on her face, then hurt. I shift uncomfortably, partially because of the damn balls, which are more than uncomfortable, but also because I’m unable to shake the feeling that I’m getting involved in something I really don’t want to.
“I didn’t realize you came with someone,” she says, eyeing me accusingly as she looks me over.
“Relax, Kase. This is a friend, Charlotte. I thought you two might hit it off.”
Kasey doesn’t look convinced, but she steps forward, her arms crossed over her chest, her lips in a pout. She runs a hand through her wavy auburn hair.
“I just thought you wanted to be alone with me.”
He walks over to her, tilting her face up to his. “And I thought you wanted to play like the adults play. What happened to the woman who was so excited to peek into my life?” he asks, his voice mocking.
I look away as his lips meet hers. Guilt rushes through me. What am I doing here? What the hell is wrong with me that I’m willing to mess with this poor girl just for a fucking story? More to the point, what’s wrong with him that would drive him to this? What kind of a person does that?
It’s okay. He promised he wouldn’t hurt her.
I stifle a laugh. Why should his promise mean anything to me? Oh, God, I’m in over my head, not that this is the first time I thought this, but now I’m feeling like there is no question that I’ve made a mistake.
“Now, come over here so I can introduce you,” he says, taking her by the hand. He leads her over to me, his fingers trailing down her bare back.
I can see the uncertainty in her eyes and my stomach lurches.
“Kasey, this is my friend Charlotte.”
“Hey.” I smile. I reach out and take her other hand as she smiles back at me. Jaxon stands behind her. The hairs on my neck prickle as I hear the sound of her dress zipper lowering. I glance around and see that we’re alone in the room. She allows him to lower her dress until it falls to the ground at her feet. She steps out of it and closer to me. All of a sudden the shy, awkward girl is gone. She’s like a completely different person as she wraps her arm around my neck, bringing her lips to mine. It’s like it’s suddenly clicked for her what he wants, and it’s obvious she’d do anything to please him.
I return the kiss, shocked at how different her mouth feels. Her lips are much softer than any guy’s I’ve kissed. My hands move around her waist as I feel myself falling into the rhythm of the kiss. Her fingers creep through my hair as my hands rush to undo the clasp of her bra.
I’m so caught up in the moment that I’ve almost forgotten Jaxon is there, until I feel his hand graze my ass. Along with the realization comes guilt about what I’m doing. Is this really me? I’m selling my soul to the devil. I’m better than this…aren’t I? Just as I’m about to pull away, I become aware that we are not alone.
“Get the fuck away from her.”
Kasey jumps back, her eyes wide as they fix on the man standing behind us. I study him, trying to figure out who he is. He’s older than Jaxon, with silver gray hair and steely dark eyes.
“Daddy!” Kasey exclaims, scrambling for her dress. “What are you doing?” She gasps as she attempts to cover herself. I note the smirk on Jaxon’s face, and I just know that he is somehow responsible for this man’s walking in on us. And make no mistake, that bothers me.
“Get dressed and get out of here, Kasey,” he growls, turning to Jaxon. “What the fuck are you playing at? I told you, stay the fuck away from my daughter.”
“I would, but she obviously can’t keep away from me.” Jaxon narrows his eyes and takes a menacing step toward him. “Consider this a warning, Ryan. Next time I won’t be so nice.”
“A warning?” Ryan laughs, throwing his hands up. “You’re fucking insane, because I have no idea what the hell you want from me.”
“It’s simple,” Jaxon begins. “I want you to resign from my company. Give up your share. Then I might leave you the fuck alone.”
