She’s jealous, Fairchild thought. Unbelievable. How could someone actually have feelings for a piece of shit like Slayn? As for being late, Fairchild knew she couldn’t be more than a minute behind schedule, and that was the fault of the guards who had taken their sweet time guiding her to this room. She didn’t say any of that, however. No point starting shit.
“I’m sorry,” she replied, lacing her voice with an extra-large serving of artificial sweetener. “I hope Victor will forgive me.”
“You will refer to him as Mr. Slayn,” the woman corrected, “unless he gives you permission to do otherwise. And hehatesto be kept waiting.”
A second voice spoke out of the darkness behind her, as smooth and luxurious as silk.
“That’s right, Inga. I hate to be kept waiting. So stop badgering our guest and invite her inside before you scare the poor girl away.”
The blonde glowered for a moment, then turned and walked back into the room, gesturing for Fairchild to follow. She did.
The door clicked shut behind them.
The room was cozy but luxurious, with wood-panelled walls and expensive-looking furniture upholstered in rich leather. The lights were turned down low, allowing deep shadows to congeal in the corners. There were doors in every wall, leading to other, darker rooms. Fairchild was tempted to activate her optical augmentations, but she knew if she did so, her eyeglow would give her away, so she probed the shadows with her other senses. Theyseemedto be empty.
The three of them were alone, her and Inga…
And Slayn.
The arms dealer was sitting in a high-backed leather chair, his body lit by the glow from an antique stained-glass lamp on the table beside him. He was dressed in a satin robe that draped like liquid over his athletic form. It was obvious he had nothing onunderneath. When he smiled, his teeth looked about as bright as white phosphorus.
“My, oh my,” he said. “Don’t you look delicious?”
Though it filled her with disgust to do so, Fairchild gave him a spin, just as she’d done for her teammates back in her suite. She could practically hear Inga rolling her eyes. Slayn chuckled softly.
“Very delicious. We may have to skip dinner and go straight to dessert.”
Fairchild forced a flirtatious look.
“I hope you don’t think me a cheap date, Mr. Slayn.”
Another chuckle: “Of course not, my dear. I have no interest in cheap things, and I believe there is no better form of foreplay than a fine meal and a stimulating conversation. However, before we get started, there is something we must get out of the way. You see, a man in my line of work can never be too cautious. Inga.”
The blonde stepped in front of Fairchild.
“Raise your arms,” she commanded. “I need to pat you down.”
Fairchild couldn’t even begin to guess what they thought she might be hiding beneath her skin-tight dress, but she went along with it. Inga slid her hands up and down Fairchild’s sides. She fondled her breasts, then her butt. And then, before Fairchild had a chance to protest, Inga raised the hem of her dress and slid a hand between Fairchild’s thighs. A finger parted her folds, pushed inside. Fairchild gasped.
Slayn tented his fingers and watched, his eyes sharp and intense.
Inga pushed her finger deeper inside, stroking Fairchild’s inner walls. Fairchild didn’t enjoy that intrusion, but she pretended that she did, moaning softly and trembling, even bracing her hands against the blonde’s shoulders as if her legs might give out from pleasure.
“So responsive,” Slayn said with amusement. “Perhaps we should invite Inga to stay?”
Fairchild cursed inwardly. She’d oversold it. She needed Slayn alone. She brushed back her hair, pretending to recover from her fake almost-orgasm.
“I wish,” she replied. “But my partners only give meonefree pass per cycle, and I like to be faithful to them, even when I’m not.”
Slayn seemed to like that.
“Of course,” he said. “Besides, if we only have one night together, I’d rather have you all to myself.” He flicked one hand, a gesture of dismissal. “Inga, leave us.”
“But sir,” Inga blurted, “I haven’t finished—”
“No need,” Slayn interrupted. “Our guest isn’t hiding anything inside her pretty little ass.” He fixed Fairchild with his gaze. “Are you?”
“No,” Fairchild answered with a flirtatious smile. “But I wouldn’t object to a search.”
