MR. GENTLEMAN: Send me a picture of you then.
Crap. I didn’t see that coming. If I refuse, it’ll give me away. I reread his text. An idea pops up in my head. He wants a picture, fine. I send him an old selfie of mine.
ME: Here. Happy?
MR. GENTLEMAN: I asked for a picture of you right now, not an old one.
My jaw drops.
How’s that possible for him to know?
ME: What makes you so sure?
MR. GENTLEMAN: Your hair is shorter. And I can see the neckline of your sparkling dress, which you’d never wear to work.
MR. GENTLEMAN: Since you’re not sending a picture of you right now, I know you’re lying about not blushing.
He pays that much attention to me? Butterflies take flight in my stomach. If I wasn’t before, I’m blushing now.
ME: Fine. I was lying.
MR. GENTLEMAN: Bad girl. I’m going to punish you for this.
ME: I look forward to it.
MR. GENTLEMAN: I was easy on you last time. Don’t expect it this time.
A shiver skates down my spine at the sensual threat. Before his dirty words make me too hot and bothered in a room full of people, I switch the topic.
ME: Aren’t you getting late for your meeting with Sanjay?
MR. GENTLEMAN: He’ll be here in a few minutes.
MR. GENTLEMAN: Tell me… are you going to cheer me up since I’m going to lose today?
ME: Is your ego that hard to bruise?
MR. GENTLEMAN: Answer me, Ari.
My pulse pounds harder just imagining his authoritative tone from his message. I wish I was hearing it in my ears.
ME: Yes, I’ll cheer you up. Any way you desire.
MR. GENTLEMAN: Good girl.
An address comes through below it. It’s not his mansion in the suburbs, but a high-rise apartment building in one of the richest areas of the city.
How much real estate does he own?
MR. GENTLEMAN: Meet me here tomorrow night at 9.
MR. GENTLEMAN: Wear nothing but your coat.
Chapter Thirty-One
Nathan
I can’t remember the last time anticipation buzzed in my veins.
