Page 17

"Italian?" he asks.

"French," Diamond says.

"Ah," he nods. "Of course," as if I'm a picture of a Parisian hooker. I suppose, in my classic trench and Italian lingerie, I am. It’s the sharp bob. It’s very French.

I give him a fake name and offer him my hand.

"Enchanté." He places a kiss on the back of my hand and looks to Diamond. "What have I done to deserve this, darling?”

She beams as she catches the double meaning. Smiles like she’s counting the many things he's done to deserve this betrayal. "Just wait, darling. It gets better." Her blue eyes find mine. Communicate everything I need to know. Are we ready?

I nod.

She nods back.

And then that’s it.

Go time.

I undo the belt of my coat. The fabric spills open, revealing my bare thighs, pelvis, chest. I’m only wearing a corset and heels.

Tommy’s eyes go wide with wonder.

I reach into my jacket pocket and pull out the clincher.

Pink handcuffs. The same model I used with Matteo. Left at our last shared crime scene. Daydreamed about for four years straight. (Okay, I’ve thought about using these with Matteo since the day we met).

Thankfully, this is one of Tommy’s fantasies. And, yes, he’s shy about his submissive side, but between liquid courage and Diamond’s charm, we know exactly what to do.

Being tied up and fucked by two blondes isn’t the most original desire, but it makes my job easy, so I can’t complain. (And, of course, plenty of my thoughts of Matteo are downright cliché. Like him bending me over his lap and spanking me for being such a bad girl, killing his witness and everything…)

I give myself a moment to linger in my desire for my ex. I let it warm my cheeks. Redden my chest. Send heat between my legs.

Then I look into Tommy’s eyes and say, “take off your clothes,” in French.

Diamond translates.

Tommy complies immediately. He practically jumps out of his silk robe and matching pajama pants.

Then it’s the slippers on his feet.

This isn’t the naked, erect man I wanted to see tonight, but, hey, a win is a win.

My lips curl into a smile. This is the most fun I’ve had with a victim in ages.

“On the bed. On your back.” I point for emphasis.

Tommy doesn’t even need translation. He throws himself onto his back.

I saunter to the edge of the bed, wrap the cuff around his wrist, and bind him to the headboard.

Which leaves one hand free. That’s no good.

I go to his closet. Find a tie. Red silk. Perfect. I bind his other hand to the bedpost too. Cinch the knot snug enough to cut off circulation.

Diamond grabs his attention him by sliding out of her dress.

She slips into her role, climbing on all fours, giving him the show he expects, running her fingers over his skin as she gets into position and wraps her lips around him.