Page 79 of Parting Shot

“Oh.” His brows lifted, his interest clearly piqued. “You belong to Aaron Sutter.”

I squinted at him before pivoting to walk away.

He caught my bicep tight. “Mr. Ross?”

“If you’re just gonna fuck around with me, I’m wasting my time.”

His face hardened, and his eyes closed to slits.

“We both know Evan Polley is dead. When you got wind that Aaron Sutter was going to be in town you thought, What the fuck is that about? Why is a friend of the guy I just got rid of showing up to play in my sandbox?”

“I have no idea what⁠—”

“I know you need someone to take over what Evan was doing for you,” I explained. “And since I have access to a jet, as well as a helluva lot more money than he could have ever dreamed of, I thought I would throw my hat into the ring.”

“And why would I ever consider even talking with the kept man of a billionaire?”

“Because I’ve got bigger plans than that,” I said icily. “All I need is some start-up capital and I can walk away from spoiled little rich boys.”

He was quiet for a minute, circling, looking me over from every angle before turning to face me. “It’s a good story, but I’m not sure I buy it. How close were you and Evan Polley?”

I made a face. “Not like that. Evan wasn’t gay.”

“No. No, he wasn’t. And you are?”

“I’m whatever keeps me in clothes and cars and off the street,” I answered flippantly.

“And what makes you think I’d deal with you and not your handler?”

But I knew why, and technically, it was the same reason Aaron himself couldn’t date another rich man.

“Because you’d have no control over my boyfriend. He could buy and sell you if he wanted. But me? You know I want out. You know I want something, and I’ll do anything to get it.”

“Really?” he sneered, stepping close, two fingers under my chin. “Anything?”

All of them were the same, and it never failed to disappoint me. You said the word anything, and all thoughts went south to their dicks. Why not something more creative?

“Get on your knees.”

I did it instantly, without thought. He had to see I was serious.

He exhaled sharply, nostrils flaring. “Well, I very much see the appeal of having a man like you at my disposal. I’m sure Mr. Sutter enjoys ordering you around.”

“Do you want me to blow you or not?” I groused irritably, my heart hammering in my chest, wondering how the hell I was going to get out of it if he said yes.

“No, not here,” he insisted. “I just wanted to see if you would.”

“And so, what?” I griped, standing up. “I’m just gonna get tested over and over?”

“You’re not the only game in town, Mr. Ross.”

“I’m the best option you have, Mr. Wells.”

He studied me. “We’ll see.”

“What does that mean?”

He got close and started unbuttoning the front of my shirt.