I take a few sips, each one clearing my head more. I can see my reflection in a mirror on the wall. My lipstick is smeared. My hair is wrecked.
I look like a woman who got fucked senseless and isn’t sorry about it.
Tony pours himself a whiskey and sits in his office chair, one ankle crossed over his knee. He looks satisfied, like a cat that’s finished playing with its prey.
“Adrian thinks you’re trouble.”
I turn toward him. My brain is finally working again. “What do you think?”
“I think he’s right.” His mouth curves. “The best kind of trouble.”
“Should I be worried? About him?”
“Adrian?” Tony considers. “He doesn’t trust anyone. Takes him a while to warm up. But once you’re in?” He shrugs. “He’s loyal.”
“And until then?”
“Until then, he’ll watch you. Try to figure out what game you’re playing.” Tony’s gaze glitters. “He’s very good at figuring things out.”
The hair on my neck stands up. His conversation with Adrian. Suppliers and payments and someone who doesn’t like to wait. A secondary account for overflow. Contacts who need to be handled.
I need to tell Robert about that part, and I’m supposed to tell him everything.
The thought rises and I push it down. Not tonight. Tonight I want to give him the good parts. Getting fucked over the desk with my dirty panties in my mouth.
The questions about what Tony and Adrian are really doing here? Those I’ll keep.
The first secret I’ve hidden from my husband.
“Tony. What—“
“Go play some cards.” He cuts me off, gentle but firm. “Your credit is good here. Have some fun.”
He’s done with me. Whatever he and Adrian are involved in, it’s better that I don’t know.
“Okay.” I slide on my heels. “I’ll see you.”
“You will.” Not a question. “And Shannon?”
I pause at the door.
“Next time you’re here, make sure you say hello to Adrian. He’s going to want to get to know you better.”
Chapter 4
The elevator deposits me onto the casino floor.
I’m a mess. My thighs are slick. I carry Tony’s cologne like a second skin. The new mark on my inner thigh throbs with every step. A secret pulse that only Robert will see.
Heat coils between my legs. I should go home to my husband, but my body isn’t ready to leave yet. Plus, Robert told me to come home broke and I have cash burning a hole in my clutch.
The orgasm Tony gave me is humming through my body. Warm and satisfied. But underneath it there’s an edge. A new hunger.
A hunger with a name: Adrian.
Tony sees me as a prize he’s already won.
Adrian sees me as something to figure out.
