I hesitate, one hand instinctively moving to cover my stomach, the other to my chest. It seems too intimate to let anyone see me like this, even a professional. Then I remember where I might be wearing this outfit—what I might be doing while wearing it—and almost laugh at my modesty. A sales assistant should be the least of my worries.
“Yes, come in.”
She enters and gives me a big smile. “See? I knew it. That’s your size—32C.” She adjusts one of the bra straps and steps back to inspect me. “Wow. You look stunning. Some lucky man is going to be very, very happy.”
I chuckle. “Woman, actually.”
“Ah!” Her smile doesn’t falter. “Well, in that case, she’s going to be one lucky woman.” She winks. “Want to try on a few more pieces?”
TWENTY
ATHENA
“Jesus…” The word escapes me before I can stop it. Ruby stands in my foyer, and for a moment, I forget how to breathe.
“What?” she asks, arching a brow. There’s a quiet confidence beneath her nervousness tonight, like she knows exactly what effect she has on me.
My mouth goes dry, and for once, I’m struggling to find words. “You look beautiful,” I finally manage. And she does—devastating in an oversized black satin shirt dress, unbuttoned just low enough to reveal the edge of her lace bra. Her legs seem endless in elegant heels, and her skin glows like she’s finally been sleeping.
The dress reveals more of her bra when she shifts her weight. I’ve seen countless women in various states of undress in my club, orchestrated scenes of exquisite submission, but something about Ruby fully clothed yet hinting at what lies beneath affects me more than any display of skin.
My eyes catch on the leather carryall at her feet. “What’s that? Are you staying the night?” I joke.
She chuckles and hands me the bag. “No, it’s the money. A hundred thousand dollars.”
“Seriously?” I burst out laughing. The sound echoes off the marble floors, and Ruby looks startled by my reaction. “And you thought you’d just bring it over in cash?”
She grins goofily. It’s endearing. “I changed my mind about the transaction. I was worried it might raise suspicion on my account. You know, if I ever got investigated or something.”
“Investigated for what?” I can’t stop laughing. She’s so fucking innocent it hurts. Here she is, a high-powered corporate lawyer who can destroy companies, worried about a bank transfer. “And you think taking out the cash and carrying it in a leather carryall looks perfectly legit?”
“When you put it like that…” Ruby shrugs and laughs along. “Anyway, it’s done, so just take it.”
Every time I think I have her figured out she surprises me. The ruthless lawyer and the woman who watches from her window. The grieving widow and the curious observer.
I shake my head, still amused. “Actually, I was going to talk to you about that. I don’t want your money.”
Her brow furrows, creating that little line that I’m learning means she’s about to argue. “What?”
“Consider it a gift. Living next door, you don’t need the limo service, and you don’t strike me as someone who will drink me dry of Crystal or ask my runner to find you fresh sea urchin at midnight.” Used to their comforts, most members love the personal concierge service, but I suspect Ruby’s less demanding.
She shakes her head. “No. Absolutely not. You may be my neighbor, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, but I’m still cautious. I don’t want to feel like I owe you anything.”
“Because I’m a big, scary casino boss?” I stare at her, enjoying how I’m making her blush.
“Something like that.” But there’s a flirty edge to her smile that makes my pulse quicken.
This is a new side of Ruby—playful, almost daring. The grieving widow is still there in the shadows behind her eyes, but something else is emerging. Something that makes me want to discover every facet of her.
“Please. Just take it,” she says. “I don’t normally splash out like this, but it’s worth it. I can only begin to imagine what it costs to run that place.” She holds up a hand when I’m about to protest. “Don’t argue with me. Not over this.”
“Very well.” I signal to Robert, who materializes from the shadows like he always does. “Put this in the safe, please,” I tell him, handing over the bag. He nods and disappears with it, leaving Ruby and me alone again.
“Are you heading downstairs?” she asks.
“Yes, I was just about to, but—” I’m interrupted by the arrival of two women. One of our newest members, Dr. Lily Chen, the pioneering neurosurgeon behind groundbreaking clinical trials, and Captain Mari Rodriguez, one of the few female commanders in the Air Force’s elite test pilot program.
After I greet them and introduce them to Ruby, they turn toward the library, but Lily pauses at the door. “Join us for champagne later? We’re celebrating my grant approval.” She winks at Ruby. “I hear you’re quite the force in the boardroom—would love to hear about your famous takedowns sometime.”
