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“But I think part of you likes my possessive side, Zara. Don’t deny it.” His words send a little thrill through me. He isn’t wrong. The way he was in bed last night was exactly what I enjoy. But only in the bedroom, and I’m not ready to give up my work for a man. In fact, I secretly hope to find someone who is OK with my job. Though I know that’s going to be tough to come by if I’m looking for a small-town charmer.
“I’ll get you your lights,” he finally says.
I smile. “Thank you. I really do appreciate it.”
As we’re eating in silence, I spot a familiar Black man heading our way. This time his suit is purple, and I think it looks even better on him than the green one he was sporting the other night.
“Owen,” I say when he approaches.
He smiles and slides into the booth next to me. “Zara. Lovely to see you again. Will you be joining us at the sandwich shop tonight?”
“Maybe. It all depends on what Mr. Bowden has planned for us.” Learning that he actually likes me calling him that has made it even sexier and I’m glad I didn’t agree to call him Sir.
“What do you want, Owen? I’m clearly in the middle of something.”
Owen rolls his eyes. “I was just leaving and saw that you were on the floor so I thought I would bring you this.” He slides a new phone Luke’s way.
He picks it up and nods. “Appreciate it. What are you doing spying on me?”
Owen shakes his head. “You do a man a favor and all you get is grief. I keep an eye out for everyone I’m close to. And I get paid good money to know who’s on the floor and who isn’t.”
I look at Luke and Owen quizzically. “Wait. You work here?”
Owen grins. “I’m what you might call head of security for Mr. Novak’s casino group.”
“And he doesn’t mind that you’re…” I trail off, unsure how to finish that sentence.
“That I’m what? The best there is at my job? Nope. Doesn’t mind a bit.”
And with that, he winks and pushes out of the booth. “Gotta run, kids. Behave and maybe I’ll see you later.”
Luke laughs when we’re alone again. “My friends like you, Zara. You sure you don’t want to stick around?”
“Are you going to let me see clients if I do?”
His gaze turns dark, and I chuckle. “See? We’ll never work.”
“Well, you’re still mine for the rest of the week so no clients.”
It’s cute that he thinks he has a say in what I do, but he is paying me six figures for this week, so I’m going to stay quiet for now. If June wants to bring her brother, though, I’m going to see them.
Our lunch finishes in relative silence, and he walks me back to the suite.
“I have to take care of some things. Will you be OK here on your own?”
Unable to find the words, I nod tersely and sit in front of my laptop to get some work done.
“I’ve upset you,” he says matter-of-factly.
Stealing a quick glance in his direction, I close the laptop and shove it aside, then duck my head so he can’t see my face. “No. I’m upsetting myself. I don’t get attached to clients, Luke. And technically, you’re a client. But for some reason I’m attached to you.”
His laugh is mirthless, but he comes around the table and cups my cheek, lifting my gaze to his. “Blame it on the danger and the adrenaline of rushing to get to Vegas before you got arrested. Regardless, we’re stuck together, so like you said, we may as well enjoy it.”
I lean into his touch, enjoying it. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
He bends and kisses my crown. “I’ll be back in time to take you to the club tonight. Wear something red.”
And then he’s out the door before I can respond. Why red? It is a powerful color that most men associate with sex, while women associate it with power and violence. Either way, it looks great on me, so I won’t have a problem adhering to his request.
