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“We’re going to make him wish he took you more seriously.”
Chapter 2
Drake
“Looking for someone?” Maximilian Hawthorne asks. He’s the owner of the hotel and a major player in the Oakwood City financial scene. It’s no surprise that he’s hosting the Annual Investment Dinner. The most influential financial minds come here every year, looking for the next big opportunity.
“My assistant, Miriam, should be here already,” I reply.
“Ah, there’s nothing like having the right assistant,” Max smirks. “Isn’t that right, angel?”
While I scanned the crowd for Miriam, Max’s wife joined us. Sloane has straight dark hair, pale skin, and curves for days. Not much is known about her. She came out of nowhere and married the wealthiest man in the state, all while keeping a pretty low profile.
“Just as long as you don’t take them for granted,” she responds in a quiet voice.
Sliding a quick glance at Sloane, I check to see if she’s trying to imply something, but she’s looking at Max with an eyebrow raised and a spark in her eyes.
“There she is.” I spot Miriam’s light brown hair through the crowd. “Max, Mrs. Hawthorne,” I nod to them, taking my leave.
On the way to Miriam, I decide it might be a good idea to come bearing gifts, especially after our conversation a few mornings ago. I noticed she’s been a little subdued and I want her to know I appreciate her. Stopping at the bar, I get a top shelf scotch for myself and a cosmo for Miriam.
Hiring Miriam as my assistant was one of the smartest things I’ve ever done. She didn’t have much experience as an assistant, but she had a degree in finance. In the past three years, I’ve discovered she has a work ethic that rivals my own and an instinct for finance that’s rare.
There’s no doubt in my mind that someday she’ll run her own company. But it’s a tough industry. Most of the big players don’t care about things like honor or integrity. All they care about is power, and they’re willing to step all over people to get it.
Since she’s been working with me, Miriam has enjoyed a measure of protection. My reputation keeps the worst predators at bay. Not that I’ve said anything to her about it; dealing with power-hungry assholes isn’t part of her job description. Well, except for me. And I’ve got a code of honor, especially when it comes to Miriam.
It’s that feeling of protectiveness that flares into an inferno when I notice who Miriam is chatting with.
Michael. My ex-business partner and current nemesis. What the hell is she doing talking with him?
He’s a sleezeball of the first degree, and I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him. It isn’t just his shady business practices, although those are pervasive. It’s his reputation with women in the industry. If the rumors are true, he uses them and then ruins their career by trash-talking them with all his buddies.
Striding quickly through bodies in suits and cocktail gowns, I make my way to Miriam’s side.
“Miriam, Michael, what are you doing here together?” I hand Miriam her drink and then wrap a possessive arm around her waist while keeping my steely gaze leveled on Michael. She smells like cinnamon, warm and spicy. I’ve never noticed before, but her curves fit perfectly against me.
“I was just entertaining your lovely assistant,” Michael smirks, running a hand through his overly gelled hair. “Apparently, you weren’t giving her enough attention because she’s been making the rounds for at least thirty minutes.”
“Hello, Drake.” With a nudge of her elbow into my side, Miriam scoots away from me. “I got here a little early and figured I’d meet some new people.”
My jaw clenches. I don’t like her pushing away from me, and I certainly don’t like her talking to my ex-business partner. I turn to her, ready to forcefully remove her from Michael’s presence if necessary.
My breath catches as I notice what she’s wearing for the first time. It’s some kind of silky, ruby-colored dress with a slit that seems to go forever. Her freckled skin gleams over the off the shoulder neckline, and I find myself wanting to play connect-the-dots with my tongue.
As my gaze reaches her face, I notice her hazel eyes shooting daggers at me over pouty red lips. I didn’t know it until now, but apparently I like a woman with a temper. Especially when she has an ample hourglass figure and thighs I want wrapped around my head.
I donotwant anyone else appreciating her delicious curves.
“Excuse me, Michael. Miriam and I have something to discuss in private.” Without waiting for a response, I take Miriam by the upper arm and guide her to an alcove a bit apart from the main event.
“What the hell are you wearing?” I hiss, unable to stop my eyes from roaming.
“What? This?” With a taunting curve of her lips, she runs her hands over her dress. My palms tingle with the urge to do the same. “It’s a party, Drake. I’m wearing a cocktail dress. Just like all the other women in the room.”
“You don’t look like the other women tonight.” My voice is gravely with suppressed desire. “You barely look like yourself. You look mesmerizing, like flames. And you’re attracting all the predators in the room with your innocent, delectable heat.”
“I’m sure you’re overreacting.” She glares at me, but I swear I see a bit of uncertainty in her eyes.
