Page 692 of Coal Hearts

He didn’t speak.

With cold eyes, he jerked Peter twice, then let him go.

His gaze shot down the line to a jewel farther away, his goal obviously not either of us. Grabbing both my breasts, he squeezed me roughly, then pushed Travis off Laura and groped her too.

“Thank you for looking after Ily while I couldn’t.”

That voice.

That energy.

My gaze shot to Henri.

He stood before Peter.

I hadn’t seen what he’d done to the other jewels, but I had no doubt it would’ve been as perfunctory as what I’d endured. Perhaps a gentle kiss, a very short grope—just enough to avoid Victor from demanding more.

Peter narrowed his eyes. “I have no power. I wasn’t able to stop them.”

“But your presence would’ve kept her mind intact.” Henri tipped his chin. “So thank you.”

“I don’t think you’d be thanking me if you knew what I asked her to say.”

Henri went stiff.

He flicked me a look. “What did you—”

“You better touch me and move on to her,” Peter huffed. “Seeing as I failed to come first, you two are gonna be the ones to take the win.” He swallowed hard. “Can’t say I’m looking forward to standing right here while you make her shatter. But...I’ll endure it.”

Henri glowered at him, questions all over his face.

But...with a quick glance at Victor carefully watching from the top of the dance floor, he leaned in and kissed Peter extremely swiftly on the cheek.

My entire world righted again as Henri stepped into me, gathered me into his fierce, furious embrace, and pressed his lips to my ear. “How do you want me? Fingers? Tongue? It has to be quick. I’m losing my fucking mind.”

“Fingers.” I breathed.

Whatever pull he had over me tugged deep, deep in my belly.

The wetness returned.

The flurry, the steam, the crackle.

Cradling me in one arm, he dropped his hand between my legs.

Pushing aside my purple G-string, he inserted two fingers, boldly, unapologetically.

My body clamped around on his touch.

I bit my bottom lip.

Not looking away from me, he pumped his wrist, slowly to start with, his thumb pressing against my clit.

Even in this awful situation, he conjured such despairing desire.

My heart pounded with his.

The nightclub and Victor’s awful game faded.