Page 92 of Savage Ambition

Shaw stood awkwardly, suddenly self-conscious. I nodded toward a side door as I started the hot water. “The toilet is through there.”

His blush deepened as he glanced down at the mess on his stomach before disappearing into the room. I used the privacy to strip away the thigh-highs, garter belt, corset, and breastplate. I tied my long wig into a messy bun, transforming myself into something between Dante and Dragon, a liminal creature that existed only for Shaw.

The tub was full and steaming when he returned. I stepped in first, positioning myself to obscure Renato’s bite mark, then helped him maintain his balance as he stepped into it. His eyes widened as he stared at me, reaching up to tuck a stray strand of blonde hair behind my ear. “How is it fair you’re so beautiful like this?”

“It’s not.” I laughed and gestured for him to sit.

He offered no resistance as I guided him onto my lap, his back pressed firmly against my chest. He leaned in with a contented sigh, relaxing as I wrapped my arms around him. When he rested one hand possessively over my fingers, a distinct ache flared in my chest that had nothing to do with lust.

His smaller frame nestled perfectly against me. I envisioned the day when I finally had him under me, completely yielding to my control. The thought made my cock stir against his lower back.

A comfortable silence settled between us, broken only by his soft sigh. I couldn’t help wondering how different it would be if we met outside of Gennaro Corporation, away from Salvatore’s watchful eyes.

Shaw spoke quietly. “Is it weird I liked your breasts?”

It was impossible to hold in my laugh. “No.”

“I’ve never desired women before, but seeing you in drag was an arousing fantasy I never knew I needed.”

“It’s nice to know you’re attracted to me, regardless of gender.” I’d worn the same disguise to seduce and then execute a hit for Salvatore last month. The target had been so captivated by the presentation he never noticed the garrote wire slipping over his neck until it was already cutting into his flesh.

What should have disgusted me instead sent a dark spark of excitement through me that Shaw would never understand. It was proof I’d never belong in his world of light. I belonged in the shadows with men like Salvatore and Renato.

“I guess it’s undeniable after this, huh?” He sighed, relaxing further into my arms. He raised one of my hands to study my long purple nails. “These are fantastic. Do you enjoy dressing in drag?”

“I appreciate the artistry.” I loved how it allowed me to shed my identity completely, but I couldn’t vocalize that with Salvatore’s cameras recording everything. “I enjoy the challenge of being believably feminine.”

I could hear the grin in his voice. “You do an amazing job. The only thing that betrayed you was your hard-on.”

We both laughed before lapsing into silence. His next words shifted the mood. “You never say my name.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You don’t call me Shaw here.”

I weighed my answer carefully. “You are an exception.”

“Why?”

“If I do it, you’ll end up saying mine out of habit.” Using names in a bugged room added unnecessary risk. I wanted to keep his name untainted by the location, as if by not speaking it within these walls, I could somehow protect him from the corruption that surrounded us.

He made a noncommittal noise.

“You almost sound disappointed,” I noted, running my hand along his arm.

“Maybe I am.”

The hint of sadness in his tone bothered me. “If I use your name now, it’ll seem forced.”

He shrugged. “I guess.”

The silence grew awkward. I offered a concession. “I will if you want me to.”

His voice turned defensive. “You think I’m being ridiculous.”

“Not necessarily.” I captured his earlobe between my teeth.

He inhaled sharply and tensed. “Stop trying to distract me.”