Page 5 of Theirs to Corrupt

“Is that her appeal?”

Pax knows I love nothing more than a conquest, no matter how short-lived the relationship—be it a night or a week.

But this is about much, much more than the challenge she presents. The wariness she struggles to hide intrigues me.

I want to get to know her.

Intendto get to know her.

She returns to drop the check on the table.

Without glancing at the total, Pax pulls out a credit card and slides it in her direction.

Then I produce a crisp hundred-dollar bill and offer it to her.

Her eyebrows furrow as she glances between me and Pax. “Would you like me to use this instead of the card?”

“No,” I reply before Pax can. “This is your tip.” The amount is not ridiculously out of line, given the cost of the drinks.

She shakes her head.

“I insist.”

Annoying me, she looks in Pax’s direction.

“Take it,” he encourages.

Still, she hesitates.

“For your excellent service,” I add. “Along with your discretion.” And because she fucking looks like she needs it.

“I told you I didn’t hear anything.”

“So you did.”

“Take it,” Pax repeats. “For putting up with him. You deserve it.”

“I…”

For the first time, the ice queen thaws.

“Thank you.” She accepts, and our fingers brush once again.

This time I note that her skin is slightly calloused from hard work.Fuck.I want to save her from that.

Once more, she moves off, and I can’t look away.

“Obsessed, boss?”

I don’t obsess over anything but business.

Yet my gaze is riveted on her. “She’s going to be ours,” I reply.

He knows me too well to argue. “Do you want me to let her know?”

CHAPTER TWO

Two Weeks Later