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It’s strapless, and tight, showing off every curve she has. It’s sexier than anything I’ve ever seen anyone wear. Sexier than the dress she had on for the art gallery event where I had her riding my hand in the back of my limo.
“That’s it,” I whisper, forgetting all about Ronin and Blackstone. Forgetting about everything.
She smooths her hands down the lace bodice of the dress. “It’s ok.”
Our eyes meet, and there’s no lies hidden in them. I want her as my bride. Seeing her in this dress confirms it.
I stand from my chair, moving behind Clementine as she stares at herself in the mirror. “You look beautiful,” I say, swiping back her hair from her shoulder to place a kiss on the back of her neck.
“Gabriel, I...” she tries to say.
I don’t know what it is about her that consumes me. I kiss the same spot as before, digging my teeth in this time against her soft skin. Is it bad I want her all over again? Because I do.
Loretta interrupts us with a cough. Clementine glances at her through the mirror, never turning around. “I need to think before I decide.”
Loretta nods. “It’s a big decision.” She steps closer to Clementine, and they chatter away about alterations as I pull up my phone, sending a text to Dean, “Where?”
I want to know where Ronin is, and now.
“Is everything ok?” Clementine asks me as I slide my phone back into my pocket.
I smile. “Everything’s fine. I love the dress.” I turn to Loretta. “Do you have shoes for her?”
They move away, discussing shoes and jewelry and I clench my jaw, trying to hide my anger.
If Ronin thinks he can use Clementine against me, he has another thing coming.
I pull out my phone once more, typing out a text to Dean, “Set up a meeting with Ronin.”
I pay for the dress, and Clementine makes an appointment to have it altered. And once we get home, I sequester myself in my office to call in a few favors owed to me.
Like a hawk,I wait and watch, ready to catch my prey. A man by the name of Johnny Mango, an associate of Dean’s, contacted us to arrange a meeting between my brother and me.
Tonight at the race track.
I weave through the small crowd, trying to blend in with my jeans and black t-shirt. I pull my Larks ball cap lower as my eyes roam through the gamblers standing near the track, searching for Ronin. I don’t see him anywhere. Dean drifts through the crowd, lurking, never far away.
The constant sound of the ringing of the gates opening and horses galloping drum through my ears. It’s hectic, and I scan the crowd once more.
“Hello, Gabriel,” Ronin’s voice says from behind me.
I turn to face him, and it’s like he’s aged a few years since I’ve last seen him, even though it’s only been a few weeks. “Ronin.” I nod.
The smell of mud and horses is fresh in the air as we take a seat in the grandstands.
“Thank you for meeting with me,” Ronin says, shifting in his seat to face me.
“Why didn’t you just call me?” I ask.
“Blackstone’s planning something.”
“No shit. What have you heard?”
Ronin shakes his head. “Nothing concrete. But I know Clementine isn’t safe. You need to let me help get her out of here.”
“To where?” My anger fires like a missile, aimed at him. “You have some master plan that you think you can keep her safe?”
“Well, it’s better than you parading her around.”
