One is a Promise(20)
James sucks in a breath and flattens a hand over his heart. “Yes! I mean, what man doesn’t?”
“Your rectum, James. Not mine. Have you ever been pegged by a thirteen-inch dildo?”
“No.” A flush rises up his neck, and he retreats backward a step. “Fuck, no.”
“That’s too bad. We could’ve had something beautiful together.”
“Enough.” Trace appears beside James, his murderous glare trained on the other man.
Recognition widens James’ eyes as Oh-Jesus-I’m-fucked contorts his expression.
“You’re fired.” Trace bares his teeth, towering over James. “Gather your things and—”
“Stop it.” I poke a toe against Trace’s rock-hard thigh then lean toward James, whispering loudly around the cup of my hand. “He can’t get it up. Makes him unbearably bad-tempered.”
“Danni.” Trace growls.
“Don’t worry about him,” I say to James, leaning back. “You’re not fired.”
“Mr. Savoy? Sir?” He drops his chin, practically bowing. “I need this job. I didn’t mean any harm.”
Trace clasps his hands behind him, his glower firmly directed at James. “You harassed a casino employee—”
“A casino guest.” I cross my legs at the knee and bounce my foot. “I harassed him. The poor guy didn’t stand a chance.”
“That’s not what I overheard.”
“Sounds like a you problem. Get your hearing checked.”
“I have zero tolerance for this kind of behavior in my casino.” His voice is steady and controlled as it snaps through the room.
“So authoritative and manly.” I feign a shiver and blink doe eyes at him. “Being the weak vulnerable female that I am, I would’ve never been able to handle this conversation on my own.”
A muscle ticks in his jaw. Maybe he’ll grab at his hair and mess it all up. As is, every blond strand flawlessly molds into a textured slick-back style. But he doesn’t scrape a hand through it, doesn’t clench his fists, or do anything to suggest an unraveling composure. I can’t decide if his indomitable self-control is sexy or aggravating.
“James.” I prop an elbow on my thigh and rest my hand beneath my chin. “Will you hit on casino guests in the future?”
“No.” James looks from me to Trace. “I promise, sir.”
Trace points his scowl at me, and I give him a playful wink.
“Consider this your only warning.” He stabs a finger toward the door. “Get back to your station.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you.” James races out of the restaurant like hell’s breathing up his ass.
Reclining back with my arms braced on the stage behind me, I meet Trace’s stony stare. “Waiting for someone?”
His nostrils widen and relax as he glances at his watch. “She’s fifty-three minutes late.”
“She sounds important. Especially if she dragged his lordliness out of his royal tower to consort with the commoners.”
“She’s a royal pain in my ass. I’m rethinking the job I offered her.”
“Rock on. She wasn’t going to accept it anyway.”
His eyes narrow. “Then why are you here?”
I squint right back. “How did you know I was here?”
He huffs a sharp sound and flicks a finger at the ceiling.
Elaborate glass fixtures of every color create a mosaic design overhead. A closer look reveals tiny black globes amid the art work. Cameras. Of course.
“You were spying on me? I could have you arrested for stalking.” I arch a brow. “And trespassing in my house. Any other crimes I should be aware of?”
“Cut the shit, Danni.”
“Oh, Trace. I wouldn’t shit you. We’re just getting to know each other.”
“Yeah?” He strokes his bottom lip, tempting me to kiss it. “I heard how you get to know men.”
“Anal play?”
His frown jerks, as if an invisible finger yanks it up at the corner.
“You smiled!” I feign a gasp, pointing at his mouth. “Did it hurt?”
He grunts.
Maybe I can coax another one. “Do you fancy a thirteen-inch dildo, Mr. Savoy?”
He glances at the empty doorway and composes his expression into that of an imperious casino boss. “I see you found the stage. Is it adequate for your routine?”
Ugh. So stiff. I’d love to see him loosen up. I bet it’s glorious.
“Depends.” I swing my legs around and stand at the center of the platform. “Still rethinking that job offer?”
His gaze latches onto my mouth before it makes a slow descent along my neck, tracing the shape of my breasts, my hips, and the apex of my thighs. My entire body reacts, igniting deep within my core and spreading outward to inflame my skin. My nipples tighten. My pulse kicks up, and a throbbing ache flares between my legs.