Page 16 of Savage Prince
“If you could please step out for a moment, Mr. Lyle, I’ll be right with you.”
His half smile widens, and my creep-o-meter climbs. “Or I could give you a hand with that zipper you seem not to be able to reach. After all, that’s what a gentleman would do.”
“I’ve got it.”
“I’m sure you do, but everyone could use an extra hand now and again.” He steps inside my office and closes the door.
Gritting my teeth to keep my placid expression in place, I have to force myself not to tell him to open the door right this second. If he tries to make a move, I’ll break his fingers.
“I appreciate yourgentlemanlyoffer.” I almost choke on the words, but he doesn’t seem to hear anything after I give him my back. Probably hasn’t seen a woman in a state of undress in the last decade. Then again, he flaunts his money and power, so I’m probably wrong.Blech.
His shoes scuff on the concrete floor as he strides closer, and I tense with every scrape.
“You’re a very beautiful woman, Ms. Ransom,” he says, and I do my best not to cringe.
His breath on my ear gives me the urge to bolt, but I keep my stocking-covered feet firmly in place. I won’t give him the satisfaction of knowing that he creeps me out so much. That would give him too much power, and I refuse to allow it.
The zipper begins to inch its way upward, but he stops around the area where the band of my bra would be.
“You know, I have a limo coming to pick me up after the event, and I’d be happy to take you—”
I whip around, yanking the zipper out of his hold and reaching behind my back to tug it up the last couple of inches.
“I got it from here. Thanks so much. Feel free to show yourself upstairs. The bar should be serving shortly.”
My office door opens again.
“Temperance, did you need help ...” Keira’s voice trails off when she realizes I’m not alone—and not wearing any shoes. “Mr. Lyle, I didn’t realize you had business with Ms. Ransom. Is there something I can help you with?”
Lyle steps back and clears his throat. “No. Not at all. I was just telling Ms. Ransom what a wonderful job y’all have done so far, and how excited I am to see what kind of money Mary’s House is able to raise to help those poor women.”
The lies roll off his tongue so easily, making my creep-o-meter ding again like someone hit the jackpot.
“I’m sure it will be absolutely fabulous,” Keira says, and I can’t help but wonder if she senses my unease. “Would you like to accompany me up to the restaurant so you can personally taste the Phoenix label I know you’ve been wanting to purchase? I think Ms. Ransom would like some privacy so she can finish getting ready.”
Lyle turns back to me and his gaze traces my body. “Of course. I’ll see you soon, Ms. Ransom.”
Chapter 7
Temperance
I’m working the crowd with a smile as guests partake in Seven Sinners’ best whiskey, but inside I’m having a minor meltdown. Ronnie Lyle keeps trying to corner me, Gregor Standish hasn’t shown up yet, and the auction starts in ten minutes.
Leaving the crowded restaurant, I slip into the alcove near the bathroom where the noise of conversations is muted to a dull roar and pull out my cell phone to call him again.
It goes straight to voice mail.
“Where the hell is he?”
Spinning around, I search the room for Keira. I need to update her on the situation so we can make a decision.
I catch a glimpse of a face in the crowd that freezes my feet to the floor while it sends a pulse of heat through my body.
I know that mouth. That jawline. Those broad-set shoulders.
No. Impossible. My mind is playing tricks.
There’s no way the guy from the club can be here.
