Page 51 of Lord of Vice
She shoved a fry into her mouth, her eyes full of mischief. After swallowing she dabbed her lips with the napkin before leaning over, suddenly acting prim and proper. “Most men don’t have a clue that all women are much smarter in every way.” Thankfully, she waited for a few seconds before bursting into laughter.
And dear God, I wanted to consume every inch of her.
“Why did you go to work for the Morellis?”
She exhaled, her mood changing entirely. “Because I’d applied to about eight other places and no one wanted me. I didn’t know they were reprehensible pigs at the time.”
“Were they aware you knew about the sex trafficking or their auction?”
“It was all the chatter, every girl talking about it. You need to remember I wasn’t in the habit of having conversations with them. Their manager hired me. However, Rocco mentioned they were grooming me for the auction so…”
I tensed, more than eager to rip their throats out. “Did they hurt you?”
“No. They just scared me.”
“They will never be able to lay a hand on you!”
“I really appreciate you holding onto that Neanderthal thought process, but I have no intentions of going back there.”
“No, you won’t. You will work for me or no one.”
Once again, her eyes opened wide.
Reaching down, she petted her pup before shifting out of the seat. “You will take care of Remington while I freshen up. Won’t you?” It was her way of making a demand.
And avoiding the conversation.
“Absolutely.” I pushed my plate away, tossing my napkin onto the table and motioning for the waiter. I was completely mesmerized by the way she walked, her rounded hips swaying just enough that any red-blooded male would find his mouth watering.
As Aaron arrived less than a minute later, I didn’t wait for him to ask what I wanted, merely handing him a few hundred-dollar bills. “Let me ask you a question. Do you know the showMiami Vice?”
Of course I confused the hell out of him but he smiled, his dimples showing. “Everyone does. Hot show. Lots of sexy babes.”
“Do I look like I belong in an episode?”
Aaron’s smile turned wry as he took a step back, glancing down at my attire. “Almost a spitting image of Sonny Crockett. Well, minus the blond hair of course.”
It would seem I needed to find out more about this nonexistent man and why I was being compared to him. I chuckled to myself. Why did it matter? It was interesting that her increase in spunk, her ability to let go around me had resulted in my increasing need for her.
In the most carnal of ways.
“You won’t mind taking care of our beloved dog for a few moments. Will you?” I asked, although Aaron knew me well enough that I sensed he realized it wasn’t really a request.
“Oh, no, sir. No problem. The staff has wanted to meet him.”
“Good. The money is for your inconvenience and for the tab. Also, ensure no one bothers my special date and myself inside the women’s restroom for a few minutes.” When he said nothing at first, I lifted my head. The poor kid was speechless, merely nodding his head like a bobblehead doll.
Taking that as an affirmative, I moved to a standing position, winking at the pup before heading toward the bathrooms. I knew the furry creature would be well taken care of for the few minutes I needed.
What I had determined during our festive lunch was that she still wasn’t taking my authority or the fact she was being held captivefor a reason seriously. Maybe I was pushing my luck by taking a firmer hand, or by longing to indulge in a little playtime.
I couldn’t care less.
Besides, I was eager to get the last round of interrogation concluded. If Konstantin had found anything in her background that should be considered a red flag, he would already have let me know. That being said, with enough money, anyone could alter their identity and the best CIA agent in the world would never discover the ruse. That’s why I would use my instinct and my observation skills while utilizing a milder form of interrogation.
I wanted nothing more than to believe she was the innocent victim in all of this. That didn’t make the outcome any easier, but I would hate to go back on my promise that I had no intentions of hurting her. At this point, it would be like a dagger shoved into my little black heart.
As I opened the door for the women’s bathroom, I noticed a back kitchen worker putting a temporary out of order sign in front of the door. Another grin crossed my face. I was having far too much fun with this. As soon as I walked in, I took note no one else was inside. Good. That would prevent me from being a little rude and telling the unwanted audience to get the hell out.