Page 28 of Carnal Wagers

“For a proposition.”

“Like I said, I don’t do easy.”

Our drinks arrived, set on the small side tables, but I ignored them. I hated getting played, and that was exactly what this interaction was starting to feel like.

“You need to stop thinking every woman you meet wants to sleep with you.”

“Is this where you tell me you don’t?”

“No, I do.” She shrugged. “But that’s not why I’m here.”

I liked that answer far more than I should.

“Tell me then.”

“You going to let me sit?”

“You’re flirting with danger.”

Her lips parted slightly. “You like it. Don’t lie.”

My jaw tight, I thumbed the spine of my karambit knife, considering her words and the edge of curiosity they elicited in me. After a few tense seconds, I clipped the blade closed and inclined my head.

She rubbed a hand over the worn leather of my favorite chair. “Cozy.”

“Now, you’re going to give me answers.”

She sipped her coffee. “Ooh, good choice.”

My blood heated with the need to wipe the splash of white cream off the top of her lip, but she licked it clean herself, a sinful gleam in her relentless stare.

“Woman…” I warned.

“Let’s say I wanted to do business.”

“Business?” I buried my surprise. “What are you offering?”

“Chemical agents. Some of the highest quality on the market.”

Out of anything that could have come out of her mouth, that was the last thing I expected.

“You’re codding me.”

“Codding. I’ve never heard that term before.”

“Even foreigners know better than to mess with me.”

“Do I look like I am?”

That same arrogant tweak to her lush mouth teased me as she relaxed in Liam’s regular seat, and the glow of the flames licked at her skin. A ripple of excitement bubbled up my spine.

“What size shipments are we talking?”

“Variety. You name it, I probably have it, or at least a house formula. I already have business partners, investors, and intermediaries in Europe. Now I’m looking for a foot in the American market, and I need someone reliable.”

I crossed one heel over my opposite thigh.

“How much supply?”