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“He’d better not be.”
He strode off without another word. I followed him into the ballroom and took a champagne glass from one of the waiters. Walking around the room, I nearly choked on the elegance and sheer wealth staring at me. Every wall was covered in portraits gilded with gold frames. A tapestry hung on the far wall, and the staircase…I hadn’t seen anything like it since I watched Gone With The Wind as a kid.
I was dying to explore the rest of the house, but if I left too soon and someone followed me, it wouldn’t be so easy to slip away a second time.
“Remember the plan,” Snatch said, sneaking up behind me. “You’ll leave during dinner, and I’ll follow after a few minutes to make sure no one gets in the way.”
“And the security system?”
“I’ve already got it on a loop.” He pulled out his phone and showed me what the cameras were currently seeing. I glanced over at the base of the stairs where a couple was standing, but on the video, no one was there. “The cameras down here are the only ones that show what’s actually going on.”
“Are you sure you should have put it on a loop so soon? That could be a problem.”
“There was no other time to do it. I guess we’ll find out if it’s a problem soon enough.”
He grabbed me by the elbow and led me across the room. We made small talk with other couples, trying our best to fit in. It wasn’t too difficult. As long as you pretended you had money, no one really knew the difference.
Music played in the background, but most everyone ignored it, choosing to stand around talking instead. I was getting bored and my feet hurt from the uncomfortable shoes. I needed to move around and give my legs a break from the monotony of standing still.
“I’ll be right back. I’m going to powder my nose,” I said to Snatch. He looked at me funny, obviously not understanding the meaning. I leaned in and whispered, “Bathroom.”
He nodded and turned away, dismissing me instantly. I walked away, nearly making it halfway across the room when someone gripped onto my arm and spun me around. My chest was pressed against a hard, unyielding body. The scent of danger and spice permeated my senses as I took in the dark rogue just inches from my face. His eyes searched mine, promising a night of lust and need.
His hand slid up my back, pressing me even closer. He took a step forward, forcing me to move with him. I hadn’t even lifted my arms yet, but he was guiding me around the room swiftly, maneuvering me wherever he wanted me to go. I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath until his eyes widened and he leaned in closer, his breath whispering over my ear.
“Breathe.”
As if my body only worked upon his order, I released a breath, finally lifting my hand to rest on his arm. A small smirk played at his lips as he spun me around the room. There were other people in the room, hushed whispers filling my ear as I swayed with him, yet somehow, they all seemed to be blocked out.
“You again,” I murmured.
“Did you really think you lost me?”
“I tried.”
“Not hard enough,” he said, his voice gruff and low.
My eyes raked over the scruff on his jaw, along his perfect pale pink lips. His hair looked darker than usual, but I quickly realized that was because he wore gel in his hair. He looked good in a tux, but I liked the rugged, dangerous look a hell of a lot better.
“Are you going to tell me your name?”
He cocked his head to the side in consideration. I thought for a moment he wouldn’t tell me. But then he pulled me closer and slowed his steps. My eyes fluttered shut as his lips skimmed along my jaw, brushing against my earlobe before his teeth clamped down on my skin. A shudder of need rushed through my body, straight to my core.
If I had an orgasm in front of everyone around here, there was no way I’d be able to do the job. A low chuckle left his lips, vibrating through my body as he continued to dance with me.
“Nicholas,” he answered finally. “You look every bit the beautiful Raven tonight.”
I jerked back slightly, staring at him suspiciously. “How did you know my name?”
“It wasn’t that hard to find out.”
“It’s not something I pass around.”
“Actually, your real name isn’t something you pass around. Raven happens to be very well known. I especially liked your work in Barcelona.”
“I never worked in Barcelona,” I challenged.
“My apologies,” he grinned. “Whoever pulled that job did excellent work.”
