Page 153 of Obey

She hesitates, clearly considering an argument. I glance toward the open car door. “Slone, baby. Get in the car.”

After a moment, she gives me a small nod and slides inside.

Preston tries to wrench himself free. “Let me go, or I'll sue your ass.”

He goes still when I tighten my grip and I lean close enough that only he can hear me.

“You're going to listen very carefully, Preston, because I'm only going to explain this once. Your father has a merger approaching its final approval. A rather ambitious transaction, considering how many questions an independent review might raise about the money moving through his offshore accounts.”

His breathing changes.

Good. He recognizes the problem.

“Now, I'm sure everything is perfectly legitimate on the surface.” I loosen my grip just enough to straighten his jacket. “But regulators can be terribly thorough when someone gives them a reason to look.”

“You wouldn't.”

I smile.

“I would, Preston. And I'd sleep perfectly well afterward. The difference between you and me is that you need an audience to feel powerful. I prefer results.”

I give his shoulder a final, almost friendly pat.

“Touch her again, contact her again, or so much as arrange an accidental encounter, and I'll make certain your father spends the next several years explaining his finances to people considerably less patient than I am.”

Preston stares at me.

“And you can explain to him why.”

I release him and he takes an unsteady step backward, his hand going to his collar.

“One more thing,” I add.

He freezes.

“Don't mistake my restraint for mercy. You've already exhausted that.”

I turn away before he can answer.

The valet opens my door, but before I can climb inside, Sloane catches my arm and tugs me toward her. The fire in her brown eyes is one I recognize all too well. “Get in the car, Nathaniel.”

I raise an eyebrow.

“Please,” she adds, smiling in a way that promises I'm going to enjoy whatever comes next.

I have a feeling Preston Lane has inadvertently done me a favor.

I follow her inside, and the door closes behind us. The privacy partition begins to rise, but Sloane is already turning toward me, eyes bright, breathing fast, the controlled composure she wore outside beginning to fracture.

“Sola—”

She climbs into my lap and kisses me before I can finish.

thirty-eight

Private Indulgence

“Sloane.”