AS SHEsat sipping her wine on the chaise, her long legs extended and the top swells of her breasts on display, Lynx’s mind wandered.
Why did this new woman look familiar? And where did the secret passage in her apartment lead?
Every so often, she’d look up at Zayid and smile as if the sun wouldn’t rise tomorrow without him, but her head wasn’t in the game. So much so, she barely registered him standing to leave. He didn’t offer Lynx his hand, but instead made his way toward the new girl.
Lynx pretended not to stare and tried not to squint, but damn if she couldn’t figure out how she knew her. She was more consumed with how familiar she felt than the fact her man was leaving without her.
Catching herself, she schooled her expression. If Zayid read any of her actions as being anywhere along the continuum of jealousy to outright disrespectful, she’d pay. Even if he wasn’t paying her any mind.
Lynx remained impassive as she watched him take the new girl’s hand and bring it to his leathery lips, placing a kiss on her dark skin. She could almost see his body twitching with excitement.
As they left the party room, no one cared. The liquor continued to flow, the music beat almost as heavy as the sexual tension working its way among the visiting men. They took in their fill of looking and caressing any woman they wanted, anyone except for Lynx, who still sat quietly next to Zayid’s empty chair.
Security opened and closed the door for Zayid and his new favorite flavor before resuming their positions in the corners of the room. With nothing else to do, Lynx continued to drink her wine, licking her lips and sighing privately. Looked like she was done for the night.
After only a few beats of relaxation, the door opened again and Dane appeared from the hallway. Wearing his usual frown, he walked directly toward Lynx.
“I’m going to take you home now, Lincoln. Leave your drink,” he said as he bent down near her ear. He stood and offered his hand to help her up.
She gracefully placed her palm in his and stood, smoothing her dress with her free hand before swishing her hair behind her neck. She’d been leaving her hair down and free lately, but all of a sudden wanted to busy her hands making braids.
“Does Zayid know you’re taking me?”
“You’re really gonna ask that?” His voice was gruff and curt, making the short hairs on her arms stand on end.
“I was only asking. I usually leave with him after the party, and he’s not in the mood to be upset.”
“New flavor, babe.”
She only nodded and kept her gaze in front of her, but she couldn’t help the tiny smile lifting her lips.
Outside, Dane opened the door to a darkened Range Rover.
“No tunnels?”
“Nope. Driving you tonight. Per Zayid’s orders, so get in.”
She did as he asked and slid into the backseat of the SUV, her dress riding up, exposing her thigh in the moonlight. The leather was soft against the back of her bare legs. When Dane turned the key to the engine, cool air drifted from the vents.
She rested her head against the window and watched the palace grounds shrink in the distance. Tears of relief pooled in the corners of her eyes. She wouldn’t be a victim to Zayid’s needs this evening. It was a reprieve she’d never imagined being so happy about, but he’d become a little too rough lately, a bit too mean, almost menacing. She’d thought there was no way out of her own mistakes, but the dark beauty with the light eyes gave her a gift ... a moment’s peace from his evil hands and breath.
Oh no, here she was rejoicing. She didn’t have to put up with Zayid when this stranger—who looked so familiar—was now stuck attending to his every whim. She shouldn’t be so happy, yet she couldn’t help but feel grateful.
Lost in her thoughts, Lynx didn’t realize they had driven well past her residence.
The car jerked and swerved into traffic, forcing her to look up and see they were now close to the city center. A prickle of apprehension crept up her spine.
“Where are we going?” She wasn’t a pushover or afraid to ask Dane. After all, he had proven he could be won with a flash of her smile and a quick peek at her tits.
“Home,” he said, not turning around or even glancing her way in the rearview mirror.
She stared at the back of his bald head, the blinking lights of the city reflecting off his smooth skin. Lynx was no fool. She wasn’t falling into a trap or saying something she’d regret.
“I live near Zayid in the apartment. He won’t be happy if I’m not in the apartment.” Beads of sweat formed at the base of her neck, and she could feel her hair curling.
“Home, home, Lynx.” This time, Dane flashed her a quick glance in the rearview when he used her real name, and turned the vehicle into the valet circle at a luxury hotel.
“Excuse me? Who do you think you are?”
