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Redford stammered, “Please, Razai. There’s no need.”
Fear was the last thing on Nosta’s mind. “You know better than to threaten us. You’re nothing but a glorified P.E. teacher.”
“A well-liked glorified P.E. teacher,” Razai corrected, caressing my thighs. “And I don’t have to be any more than that to tell the president what he needs to know. Your reputation will suffer too. Maybe even D.C. will care enough to pay the city a visit.”
“I don’t deal with the files, Razai. I don’t know the details of his contract with us.”
“Then what else can you share? Anything at all, Nosta. Think hard. Your business depends on it.”
A long pause settled in the room, filled only by the low beat of the music. “He didn’t care about the money. Ben—the son, I mean.”
Razai’s hands stilled for a moment. Just one. Then, he resumed and asked, “What does that mean?”
“He didn’t care. Said money wasn’t the issue for him. That he did it for the ‘love of the trade.’ His words, not mine. I overheard him talking to the boss. That’s all I have. Don’t ruin whatever shred of good faith there is between you and the entire organization, Professor. Despite your arrogance, you aren’t untouchable.”
Razai chuckled. “Your organization is weak, Nosta. Run by greedy morons who don’t know how to keep their assets protected or secret. I could wipe out every member of your cute little startup in one night if I wanted to. Let’s make that clear.”
The weight of the men’s stares settled on me.
I tilted back the champagne bottle, making sure to miss it on the first sip. My giggle bubbled uncontrollably as I finally made contact with the rim and drank. The sweet, sticky alcohol dribbled down my chin and onto my tits.
Harlem rumbled, “You’re lucky she’s tanked. Otherwise, we’d dispose of the both of you.”
“Try,” Razai goaded. “Go ahead.”
“You motherfucker.” His magic flared, and wind whipped around his hands, swirling his hair around.
“Harlem, don’t,” Redford snarled. “He’s worse than he looks. Don’t make that mistake.”
“Embarrassing, Harlem,” Razai mocked with satisfaction. “Stop acting like a pubescent boy who can’t control his feelings or his magic.”
Nosta held Harlem back with a hand on his shoulder. “Peace. We can’t do this here. Don’t let him goad you into instigating a fight. Walk with a cool head, and you’ll find less trouble.”
Nosta’s definitely the smart one. Why the fuck was Razai picking this much of a fight?
I smiled sloppily and leaned against him. His arms instantly trapped me. Hands explored my waist and navel. I pretended to kiss his neck and whispered, “Clave.” The other half of my brain wondered how he’d taste. So, to sell it, I pressed my lips to his throat and licked the smooth skin there.
Was it just me, or had that made Razai shiver?
“Nosta,” Razai said distantly, sounding oddly strained. “Who else did you have as a contact?”
Nosta made an irritated sound. “He’s the only one I know of. If there are any more contacts, it’s not in my rank to be informed of it.”
I tried to sit back up, but Razai caught me and held me close. His magic—at least I think that’s what it was—wrapped around me like a warm cloak, sinking into my flesh and bones. It felt delicious. Like sin on my tongue, drenching me in thick heat.
“If you say so,” he relented. “I’ll inform you if any more of your… business details appear on the grounds, and in return for your honesty, I’ll keep your involvement a secret.”
Nosta’s silence had an air of wonder. “You speak like you don’t fear us. Why?”
“There’s nothing you can do that I couldn’t handle,” he replied evenly.
“No,” the leader disagreed. “You’re being reckless.”
“Maybe you’re just getting to know the real me. It takes me a while to open up to strangers,” he dismissed.
“Reckless,” Nosta repeated.
“Adventurous?”
