I’m expecting Duke to fetch my things before inviting his visitors into the office. That would have been the correct thing to do, but I hear voices.
“I just need to grab some things for Grace. She’ll be out in a minute,” I hear Duke explain.
It’s left to my imagination how discreetly he picks up my panties and shoes, but I suspect he won’t be subtle. When he steps back into the bathroom, I glower at him.
“You’re making it ten times worse!” I hiss under my breath.
Without warning Duke slams the door and backs me towards the nearest corner. There’s intensity in his gaze as he pins me to the wall, caging me with his arms. “No, Angel. I’m letting it be known that you’re mine. And while I can’t tell the world that yet, I’m happy to make that statementin front of people I trust,” he says. “Do you have a problem with that?”
My weakened legs threaten to buckle. “Since you put it like that,” I mumble.
I only catch the glimpse of his smile as he presses his lips to mine. His tongue demands I open up to him, and he plunders my mouth, taking my breath away. When he does pull away, he swipes his thumb over my kiss-swollen lips, seemingly satisfied with his work.
He has to adjust his thickening cock before he leaves me to my pitiful attempts to make myself presentable, but suddenly I don’t care. I’m happy to be claimed.
Chapter 25
Duke
“Sorry, but I insist,” Maddie says. “The griffin is a work of art. I have to pay you.”
Grace looks even more flustered than she did when she emerged from the bathroom. Maddie and Hunter haven’t made a single innuendo about what Grace and I might have been doing in there, but that could be because I threatened to punch Hunter if he embarrassed her. That on its own wouldn’t normally be enough to silence the bastard, but his wife backed me up and he is frightened of her.
“It was a gift,” Grace insists to Maddie.
Ed had arranged for the toy to be couriered over to the Griffins’ offices this morning, and the couple had taken it upon themselves to thank Grace personally. At least that’s the story they’re trying to sell for their impromptu visit.
I’m sitting directly opposite Hunter at the conference table, and he’s been quietly observing Grace and I while Maddie does most of the talking. His scrutiny hasn’t gone unnoticed by Grace and she keeps shifting in her seat.
I stretch my arm across the back of her chair. “Athousand dollars,” I say. “Donated to a charity of Grace’s choice.”
“Deal,” Maddie says before Grace can object. “Just be prepared for more orders.” She looks to Hunter when she adds, “Once Mace sees it, he’s going to want one.”
“There might be a bit of a wait,” Grace warns. “I’m working on a dress for Katarina’s party at the moment.”
“I hear you’re organizing it,” says Hunter far too casually. “I’m surprised Katarina wanted your help after what happened at Brimstage.”
Grace turns to me, but I don’t meet her gaze. I hold Hunter’s. “We’ve reached an understanding.”
Maddie beams a smile at Grace. “I need to see this dress you’re making.”
As Grace shows Maddie photos of her work in progress, Hunter tugs on his cuffs, lining them up with the sleeves of his suit jacket. “We’re still waiting for our invites.”
“I hate to disappoint you, but Katarina doesn’t want you there.”
Hunter cocks his head, like he must have misheard. “I would have thought you had a say in who’s allowed access to your family home.”
Grace and Maddie settle back in their seats. The conversation is about to get serious.
“I do have a say,” I reply, keeping my tone as icily pleasant as Hunter’s. “And I say it would be a mistake for the Griffins to be seen socializing with Katarina the day before she makes her bid for freedom.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much about that,” Hunter pushes back. “The plan is watertight.”
The plan in question involves Katarina sneaking out of the Excelsior on Sunday morning just before the wedding ceremony. She’s going to steal a souped-up car parkedconveniently outside the main entrance and by the time the Bratva catch up, a cloned car will have swapped places with her. A stunt driver has been employed to drive the car off a cliff, Thelma and Louise style. The car, complete with a body from the morgue, will explode on impact and Mace will work his tech-magic to ensure the remains are identified as Katarina’s.
“You’re still not going to the party, Hunter,” I repeat, and as an afterthought, I add, “Sorry.”
And I do feel some remorse. I like the Griffins. I like Hunter and I owe a debt of gratitude to Ash. That’s part of the reason why I can’t tell them about Fitz. They must surely be battle-weary after everything their family’s been through. I need to stand firm.
