Jamie pulled it out of his mouth, dropping it on the tiled floor with a faint clatter as they entered a long gallery full of marble sculptures—busts, life-sized statues, and every size in between.“You entertain me all the time, especially when you’re on your knees.”
“I’m sure we can find a room somewhere around here to pass the time if that’s what you really want.”
Jamie ignored the politely disgusted look a passing guest gave them as they came to a stop in front of a sculpture consisting of three women hugging.Jamie reached out and grabbed Kyle’s chin in firm fingers, tilting his head back so Jamie could look directly into Kyle’s eyes.
“If I wanted you on your knees, you would be there.Tonight, we’re working,” Jamie said.
“I still find it a shame a man like you isn’t as much of an exhibitionist I originally pegged you for,” a familiar voice said.“You controlling types do like showing off what belongs to you, after all.”
Kyle’s green eyes narrowed.Can I shoot him?Please?
You don’t even have a gun on you, Jamie replied.
I can get one.
No.
Worst captain ever.
Jamie let go of Kyle’s chin and curved his arm around the smaller man in a possessive manner before turning to face Niko.The Dutchman was impossible to miss in a tuxedo more on trend than anyone else’s in the room.The dark burgundy wool paired with a black dress shirt was a spot of color in a sea of black suits.Standing next to him was a woman who looked like she’d stepped off a fashion runway—arm candy only, judging by the way Niko squeezed her ass and sent her on her way with an indulgent smile.
“As I told you at Vesuvius,” Jamie coolly said, “I don’t like sharing.”
“A pity, that.”Niko took a sip of what looked like a gin and tonic, his eyes never leaving Jamie’s face.“Are you enjoying yourself so far?”
“Honestly?I’m finding the gala a waste of my time.I’m hoping Katie is having better luck than I am in finding potential clients.I’m not impressed with half the guests you invited.”
“Most seem to be impressed with you.”
“Unless we’re talking about your employer, I don’t particularly care.”Jamie shifted his hold on Kyle, running his hand up Kyle’s back to grip Kyle’s neck.He turned his head to stare down into Kyle’s eyes, gently squeezing his fingers.“Why don’t you go find yourself something to drink?”
Kyle tongued his bottom lip, blinking slowly.“Just one?”
“I don’t want you drunk.”
“Yes, sir,” Kyle practically purred before slipping away and disappearing into the crowd, Madison mere steps behind him.
That is more about your sex life than I ever wanted to know, Donovan told Jamie in a mournful-sounding voice.
Jamie ignored the quiet laughter from the others in his mind in favor of the task at hand.
“I can see what draws you to him,” Niko said, his eyes locked on the direction Kyle had gone.“It really is a shame you don’t share.”
Jamie had to fight to keep the anger off his face and settled for a cold look that any of the Marines in his old platoon would have recognized as the equivalent of incoming mortar fire.“For you.”
“Tragically, yes.”Niko made a show of glancing around Jamie’s immediate area.“I don’t see your sister around.Will she be joining you later?”
Don’t do it, Donovan warned in his mind even before Jamie’s fist was half-formed.
One punch would be all he needed to take Niko out, but Donovan was right.They couldn’t risk making that kind of scene.Not yet, at least.Jamie shoved aside his anger at knowing Niko was the one behind Leah’s invitation to the gala.Whether the Dutchman had wanted to use her as leverage or target her for something worse, Jamie didn’t know.He was just glad he’d kept Leah away and safe tonight.
“When I explained tonight was more a business scene than a party scene, Leah opted for a night out at the clubs instead.I’m sure she and her friends are dancing up a storm somewhere else,” Jamie lied.
“I hope they chose Vesuvius.If they did, I can call—”
“They didn’t.”
Niko pursed his mouth before shrugging.“If she changes her mind, let me know.I’ll make sure they’re well taken care of.Supplying the customer with what they want is only good business.We’re both businessmen here, Jamie.You understand.”
