Page 26 of Entangled
I tamp down the lust-fueled thoughts taking over my mind and focus on the practical solution she offered. “That works. Thank you.”
She points to the ceiling. “There’s a spare bed in my studio you’re welcome to use.”
“Should I be concerned about Knife Feet murdering me in my sleep?”
“No. I’ll make sure he’s confined to the laundry room. I’ll grab more clothes and a new toothbrush for you.” She tilts her head to the side. “Is there anything else you need from me?”
Your naked body.“I’m good. Thanks.”
She smiles and pats my arm. “Sleep well, Henry.”
“You too.”
“Oh, I’m not going to bed yet—I’ve got work to do. My client wasn’t too thrilled with the interruption. Don’t worry, I’ll keep the music down.”
Every muscle in my body tenses. “No.”
“Excuse me?” She peers up at my face, and the look in her eyes tells me she knows exactly what she’s doing.
“Don’t call him back tonight.”
“But I have to. Mr. Maximus is a very important man.”
“Who the fuck is Mr. Maximus?” It sounds like a porn star’s stage name.
She rolls her eyes. “Are you dense? He’s my client.”
I clench my jaw. “Right. But whoishe?”
“Why does it matter?
“Because I want to know.”So I can kick his ass.Who am I kidding? I’ve got no claim to her, and even if I did, it’s not in my nature to be one of those hotheaded dickwads who likes to start fights.
Rowan purses her pretty pink lips. “To tell you the truth, I don’t know. He’s a mystery. No one has any idea who he is. Except for Esme, I’m sure. Well, I’m notactuallysure, but it would make sense if she did.” Her big green eyes meet mine. “She’s my boss.”
“Where do you work?”
“That’s classified. If I told you, I’d have to kill you.”
I step closer to her, our bodies inches apart now. “Answer the question.”
Her eyes widen with my growled command. She hesitates for a moment, then whispers, “I work for The River.”
“What the hell is that? The Fish and Wildlife Commission?”
“No. The River is a water-themed pleasure spa—aka kink club—based in New York City. I’ve never been there, obviously, but I work remotely as a River Myst cam girl.”
“River Myst?”
“Oh my God. What’s wrong with me?” She grips the front of my shirt, her eyes widening into saucers. “No one is supposed to know anything about the cyber network. Most of the people who work there don’t even know it exists. Esme will kill me if I compromise Myst’s security. I’m so dead.” She releases me and spears her fingers into her hair. “Oh fuck. I’m so screwed. What if—”
I press my finger to her lips. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
“Thank you.” She nearly collapses with relief, bracing herself with a warm hand on my chest. “You’re a lifesaver. I don’t know what I’d do without that job.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll keep my mouth shut.” Then, because I’m the biggest asshole who ever lived, I add, “As long as you tell yourclientto fuck off.”You’re mine tonight.
“I can’t. He’s—”
