“A bathhouse?” My voice bounces off the tile. Rows of teak chaise loungers line the walls, along with shelves of folded towels. The place is empty, but it’s big enough for a hundred-person mermaid-themed orgy.
“It’s perfect for my needs.”
I walk to the largest pool. The air is balmy, so the water must be heated. “For a late-night swim?”
“And other things.”
Across the room, Rex opens a hidden panel on the wall and presses a button. I half expect the pool to open and a sea monster to come out. Instead, the air around me ripples. The hair on my arms rises like I’ve been shocked with static.
“What was that?”
“Anti-surveillance technology. Patented by the military contracting arm of Roy Enterprises.”
“Knight Corp,” I recall the name of the company.
“Exactly. I told you I’d tell you everything. This will make sure no one can listen in.”
“You think your playroom is bugged?”
“If I were St. James, I wouldn’t let an opportunity like that pass me by. I have it swept every so often. But this way, I can be sure.” He paces to the side of the pool. We’re on opposite sides, our reflections rippling between us. “Now. Strip.”
“Excuse me?” Heat rises between my breasts.
“You heard me.”
“I thought you said no games—” My voice dies as he shrugs off his suit jacket and lays it on a nearby lounge chair.
“I did, and I meant it. But I need to be sure you’re not wearing a wire.”
“Seriously?”
He undoes his cufflinks and rolls up his sleeves.
At the sight of his veined forearms, my mouth goes dry.
He slips off his belt and makes a show of winding it around his palm. “Do you need help?”
“No.” I turn away and peel my top over my head, taking care to slip off the collar. The leather skirt is more of an issue. It’s tight, and the zipper snags. “Next time you buy me a wardrobe, make sure I can reach all the zippers on my own.”
“Or I can make sure I’m always available to undress you.” His voice comes from a few feet away. I glance over my shoulder and get a view of thickly muscled shoulders and a set of powerful pecs.
“No,” I yelp. “Go back to your side.”
He chuckles.
I get the zipper down and wave my arms to show my bra and underwear. “Happy?”
“Very. But as much as I love the sight of you in the lingerie I choose, this conversation only happens when you’re naked. Keep stripping.” His velvet voice tempts me to look at him. I know he’s naked and enjoying the show.
I’m soaking wet, and I’m not even in the water.
I wriggle out of my undergarments and toss them on top of the pile. I head to the edge of the pool and pause to gather my hair. He tossed away my hair tie, but maybe I can improvise so I don’t get my hair wet.
I’ve piled it onto my head when he barks an order.
“No.” His voice comes from a distance. He’s back at the other side of the pool. “Leave it down.”
I let my hair tumble down my back. I don’t want him coming over here or insisting on a cavity search. It’s bad enough we’re both naked in this exotic, private space.
