Cassie coughed. "Excuse me, please."
"Covering the table." She saw Cruz moving a bit closer.
"Settle down, eyes alert," Galloway warned.
Cassie walked with purpose to the ladies' room. Managing to avoid Anyone she knew, she imagined cracking a bottle of red wine over Wilds' head. A silly grin broke out across her face. "Mr. Wilds, are you aware this channel is recorded? Let this be a formal request to you and all others on this feed to cease and desist any commentary not related to the operation."
The restroom anteroom was decorated with gilded mirrors. She was greeted by the smells of foul perfume and Aqua Net. Women jockeyed for mirror space, repairing their perfect makeup. Leaning on the gold faucets, she peered at her reflection. Sebastian's touch set off the same reaction she had in the bookstore. The Whitmans and Ian. Wilds. Four more hours.In one, two, three, out.She set her chin and ground her teeth.
When Cassie washed her hands, the attendant handed her an engraved towel. "Too pretty a lady to be so sad." The older woman cocked her head.
"Thank you." She left a generous tip.
Agent Brice Walton was standing at the restroom door upon her exit. "We lost your signal. The room is a dead spot. What were you saying to Wilds? We lost you, mid-transmission?"
"Nothing. I'll make sure I have coverage if I head in," Cassie said.Damn.
"Brice, give me one more moment." She stepped back into the restroom and dialed Sophie." Leaving a message, she said, "Alright, you win. Instead of the email, I'm reporting him tonight." Then she squared her shoulders and exited.
Brice walked with her to the ballroom doorway. Before she entered, he placed a confining hand on her elbow and cupped her earbud with his palm. "Cassie don't let him distract you. It's clear to me there is more going on than his bad behavior during Tuesday's brief. When this is done, I'll go with you to report him. Don't let him get away with this."
Cassie formed a fake smile. "Thank you for caring. I promise."
Brice watched her walk away. "Ladies' bathroom and corridor outside the Sequoia Room is a dead zone. Will make the same assumption for men's restroom. Coverage required."
"Roger that," Wilds responded.
* * *
Ian tried to relax. The adrenaline rush of the triumphant return of Susie to her parents and the impending safe return of his brother and the team was ebbing. The unexpected presence of Cassie thrilled and worried him. His training warned him there was a substantial operational flaw: the Whitmans, Monique, and he were not expected. He caught her deer-in-the-headlights look when she greeted her tablemates. The Whitman women oozed with hatred, and Garett was still in love with her. Leaning back in his chair, he sipped a glass of single-malt Macallan, gazing about the room, awaiting her return.
"See, darling? There are lots of sights to enjoy." Monique patted his thigh.
His eyes fixed on the regal beauty, walking across the room to rejoin the table. His pulse picked up when he caught the full effect of the powder pink dress against her creamy skin. He imagined what was hidden underneath and what it would feel like to run his fingers across Cassie's soft skin. His daydream dissipated as he watched her remove Sebastian's hand from her knee.
She hissed, "Don't."
Sebastian brimmed with anticipation. When the other couples rose to dance, Cassie accepted his invitation. As he and Cassie moved to the music, Ian saw him slip his hand to the crest of her bottom. He bit his lip when Cassie slid her hand to just between his legs in return. Sebastian stepped back.
Ian read Cassie's lips and chuckled.
I don't know what you think you're doing, but I have no interest in you. Take your hand off my behind, or I will make you a unicorn by planting your dick on your forehead.
Cassie maintained a sweet expression the entire time.
* * *
"Behave, Modine. He just wants to cop of a feel of your hot ass," Greg Wilds barked at her over his com. Cassie gritted her teeth, moving mechanically.
Sebastian edged his hand to her hip. "Tell me, Cassiopeia, are you always this uncivilized? Such uncouth words for a cultured young lady."
Senator and Betty were heading back to the table. "I think this dance is over."
The feisty behavior did not deter Sebastian. Rather than release her, he pulled her hips toward his groin. When Cassie felt his hardness press against her, she placed her hand on top of his. With a slight adjustment of her grip, she bent back his thumb. Beads of sweat broke out across his forehead.
"Walk me to my seat now with a smile on your face," Cassie said with clear command.
Chapter Eight
