Revenge?

Rhemy raised a brow. There were many reasons vampires vied to be in the mecca of all gatherings, but vengeance was a new one to him.

“Revenge? Against whom?”

“I’m not giving you a name.”

“Then tell me why you’re willing to risk everything for something as serious as revenge at the most prestigious event known to our kind.”

“I won’t be able to get to him otherwise. I’ve waited ten years. The Centurias will be my only opportunity.”

That told him two things. One, whoever Taelour wanted to exact revenge upon was likely a royal or a Nine, someone with security.

And two, that she was quite possibly insane.

“What did he do to you?” Immediately he wondered if she’d been violated by some sick, elitist asshole, and cataclysmic anger took over his usual unheatable cool. He tensed at the thought.

“I won’t get into that, either.”

“Did he hurt you?”

She gave him a strange look. “It’s not what you’re thinking.”

He relaxed. “Come on, you have to give me something. What’s your main objective? To kill him?”

Taelour flinched. “Of course not. I’m just going to exploit what he’s done.”

Did he believe that?

Rhemy had enough drama without adding to his catalogue of mistakes. At some point he had to draw the line. A voice in his head told him that helping her would send his life on a course unchartered. Part of him thrilled at the thought of a new adventure. The other, more reasonable, passionless part of him said this was well beyond adventure.

Risk. Risk was written all over her fine figure.

But he couldn’t simply help her because of his manic attraction and how intrigued he was by her motive. Only a fool would do that. And his mama raised no fool.

However, when he looked into those amazing eyes, he certainly turned into one. One that would do just about anything for her. But why?

“Revenge is a powerful motivator, chéri. It can compel you to do things you wouldn’t normally do, such as the auction. You know what they say about revenge. Dig two graves.”

“Trust me, this revenge was earned.”

He wished she would tell him who and why. “And you think ‘exploiting’ him in a place among his allies and peers will balance the scales?”

The barest curve of a smile told him more than her spoken reply. “Yes,” she said simply.

Damn, who was this woman? “Listen, darlin’. I don’t know if I should have a hand in helping you achieve such a vindictive plan. If I do, I’m an accomplice to your scheme, and it could come back to haunt me. Not to mention, I could be sendin’ you to your own doom.”

Her fury turned soft, pleading. “I promise I won’t tell anyone it was you. I won’t even whisper your name. If you only knew how grateful I’d be. What do you want in exchange? I don’t have a lot of money, but there must be something we can work out.” She came closer, resting her hands on the back of a chair, and for the first time since he met her, looked vulnerable.

The urge to go to her and pull her in his arms made him clench his jaw. Was she even aware of how she affected him? “I’m not sure if there’s anything you can give me that I want.”

Wrong. He wanted her, but he would never take sex as a bargaining chip, even if she begged. Well. Maybe if she begged. “By the way, what did you offer Calvin to get you a spot in the Unavowed Auction?”

Her brows came together. “He didn’t tell you?”

“No.”

“Oh. Season tickets to the Saints.”

Rhemy huffed a laugh. “What? That is all?”

“That is all? That is a lot. He’s a huge fan and season tickets are sold out every year. The waiting list is a mile long. My brother knows one of the players who could hook him up.” Taelour’s face fell as she read the unenthusiastic expression on his. “Obviously, something like that doesn’t appeal to you?” At the shake of his head, she asked, “Then what does?”

Keeping her out of this damned auction and having her owe him instead of Porter. Those things appealed to him. What was his price for simply making a call? And he’d have to be honest with her, that was all he could do—introduce her to someone who had a Centurias key. He couldn’t fathom his friend turning her down, as long as she kept her little revenge agenda to herself.

Rhemy came to the conclusion he didn’t want anything from her, and wasn’t that just odd? He was a businessman, a bargainer, a negotiator, through and through. There was always something he could use, even if it was intangible, like information.

Hmm. Information. He knew nothing about her and wanted to know everything, especially about her vengeful mission. Could he ask for that? He didn’t see why not. “All right. There is something I want.”

She waited for him to elaborate. “Well? What is it?”

If he didn’t know better, she looked as though she dreaded his response. He could practically hear her pulse pounding. Did she think he’d make her sleep with him for it? He’d done many shameful things, but never that. He was a gentleman above all else. “I want—” Rhemy paused, just because he loved torturing her a little, “—to get to know you.”

She blinked. “Say again?”

“My price? Time. With you. That’s it.”

Her mouth dropped open, then shut.

“Time with me?” she repeated. “What do you really mean?”

He chuckled, uncrossing his arms and tracing his fingertips along the scarred surface of his old oak desk. “I sense you assume I’m speaking of something…” He purposely roamed his gaze over her body. “Very intimate.”

The sassiness returned. She bristled at being mocked. “Well, isn’t that what every man means when he says he wants time with a woman?”

“Not this man. I’m not inferring anything more than what I said. I want to spend time with you, get to know you, and I want as many hours as I please to do it.”

Her shoulders sagged as she looked away.

It was a blow to the ego.

Would she rather be auctioned off to some stranger who could have gods-know-what kind of intentions than spend an evening with him? Obviously, he needed to accept that she wasn’t attracted to him. She’d still given no sensa indicating otherwise. Not when they’d first met or even in the powder room when he’d caged her in and practically molested her against the wallpaper. Yet, he still wanted her.

“Do you have another option I can choose, Mr. Carrington?” she asked. “There’s got to be something else I can give you.”

Merde. Rejection hurt more than a bullet to the chest. She wanted nothing to do with him. It ought to be a turn-off. A deal-breaker. He shouldn’t bother attempting to get to know a vampiress who’d told him from the beginning to leave her alone. Nevertheless, he was the one with the power here. And he wanted what he wanted. “That’s my price. Take it or leave it.”

She bit the corner of her lip, appearing at a loss.

Seriously? He couldn’t help it. He snapped. “Is spending time with me really that impossible to agree to?”

“Yes!”

“Why?”

“I don’t know!”

“Do I disgust you?”

“No, Rhemy.”

“Is it because I’m an immortal forsaken?”

“No. But you are dangerous—”

“I assure you, ask anyone, I won’t lay a hand on you—”

“But I want you to,” she exclaimed, stunning him to silence. “Don’t you see? I want you. I don’t know why I can’t stop wanting you. All I know is that isn’t why I’m here, so I’ve been fighting what I feel, and I’m losing.”

Rhemy was confused. “I don’t understand.”

She grinded her teeth, casting her gaze away, as though ashamed by her admission.

So the attraction was mutual? How had he not picked up on it? Frankly he was gobsmacked. Guess she’d somehow mastered the ability to cloak her sensa, a nearly impossible feat for a vampire, not even worth the effort it took. They fed on energy almost as much as they fed on blood, and he’d been more than displaying his. The fact she could hide any kind of response, in her eyes or body, was astounding.

Taelour looked up. Their eyes locked, and hers glowed like two stunning pools of violet. She started coming around the desk. “Is this what you’re wondering about?”

Suddenly, a surge of intense, sensual energy pushed into his aura. Teeth sharp, he closed his eyes and inhaled, swaying, nearly falling back in his chair, high on her sensa. His cock stiffened, his senses overwhelmed, finally getting what he’d been looking for since they moment they’d met. No need to draw it in; his whole being absorbed it on impact. His hands trembled at the strength of her attraction. It was so strong, he was higher than he’d ever been on any woman’s energy.

Eyes hooded, eyes glowing, he breathed, “How? How were you able to hold it in?”

“Not hold. Control. My brothers taught me.”

Why would her brothers teach her such nonsense?

He’d never been so stoned by another before. With a quick shake of his head, he tried to focus and consume it without going numb with pleasure. “Control it? Oh, Taelour, it’s part of who we are. We need it. Just like the shifters need the scent, and the demons need the heat, we need the energy.”

“I know this, but I’ve been able to live without it. Block it. With you, it’s impossible. Although, I did give it my best. I tried. Gods, I tried.”

“And you succeeded.” Aroused beyond comprehension, he took a small step toward her. “I thought I was the only one of us who desired.” Tentatively, he brought his hand up, grazing her jaw and cupping her nape. Her skin was so soft.

She melted into his touch, closed her eyes, lips parting. “No,” she whispered. “I—”

He cut her off with a kiss, slanting his mouth on hers and taking it before she could possibly find a way to stop him.

She didn’t.

And her whimper told him she liked the way he kissed, her response exactly what he hoped for. The next thing he knew, their mouths were opening on each other, a deep twining of tongues. The taste of her ignited a wildness in Rhemy, startling him with its command. Ever since he was young, he believed he owned a self-control many of his kind did not when it came to passion. For years, he snickered at vampires who eventually fell to their knees to their own personal “kryptonite,” firmly confident he didn’t have one. But oh, he knew now, he did. And she was five-foot-four with gorgeous eyes and on a path of revenge.

Regardless, he had to have her.

She arched into him, lifting one knee to his hip, and hooked her leg around him. It must have excited her, because then she lifted her other leg and climbed on him, forcing Rhemy to cup two handfuls of her sweet, ample ass. Gods have mercy. He set her on the edge of the desk, grinding his hips against her hot center.

She tore her mouth from his with a moan.

“Yes, my lady, feel that?” He rolled his hips again, eliciting another moan from her. He could do this all night, just to hear that sound, and see the look of unbridled desire in those eyes.

She crushed her mouth on his again, her tongue deep and demanding, her teeth nipping on his lips. Her hunger for him was wild and untamed. If she was like this while kissing, how would she be when he was inside her? He collapsed in his chair with her in his lap and slid one of the straps of her tank top down to her elbow. Cupping her breast, he drew the dark nipple in between his lips tenderly. With a moan, Taelour dropped her head back, moving her hips toward his, riding him.

The temptation to bite flooded his canines with saliva, nearly ravenous to sample her, even knowing she was a pürblood. He gave a low growl, fighting the craving, digging his fingers in her hips. What was she doing to him?

Taelour pushed off him and took two steps back, unzipping her leather pants. Rhemy sat frozen as she bent over and pulled them down. Keeping her hooded gaze locked with his, she climbed back on his desk, spreading her legs. “Touch me.”

To hell with the blood share.

He scrambled up to claim her mouth again. She leaned back on her elbows and he went down with her, moving from her lips and down her neck. Every inch of her skin was delectable, softly perfumed, and like silk on his tongue.

To make up for what could be a very fast ride to a climax, he skimmed his fingertips along her inner thigh, pressing kisses on her neck. When he grazed over soft, wet pussy, he groaned. “How long have you been this wet for me?”

She gasped, clenching her nails in his biceps. “Since—since I saw you on the balcony.”

He slowly smiled, circling her clit slowly, her panting breath the only sound above his hammering heart. He slipped one finger in her.

“Another,” she demanded.

He inserted two, slipping them and out of her tight core, nearly shaking with the need for his cock to be where his fingers had the privilege. She bucked her hips faster, gripping his hair, and forced her mouth on his.

He loved her openly wanton nature. Her desperation for him. It made him crazed to possess and please her for hours.

They were going to make love very well together—

“Mr. Carrington.” A hard knock on the door exploded in the air.

They froze.

A second later, Taelour pushed him off and scrambled to replace her pants while he inhaled deep, righting his thoughts and coming out of the haze. He ran a hand down his face, smelling her essence on his hand.

It took him a few seconds to mentally disconnect from the lust raging at him to ignore the interruption.

Whoever is behind that door is about to be murdered.

He waited until her clothes were in place before he opened it, and the young man who’d brought her up earlier looked as though he was face to face with the devil. “Uh…”

“What is it, Miles?” he clipped.

“The—” He glanced behind him and lowered his voice. “The meeting. They’re anxious without you.”

Damn it! Rhemy checked his watch. Quarter after nine. He’d been so distracted chasing Taelour down and cornering Porter he’d completely forgotten, and they wouldn’t start without him. Suddenly his interest on what went on with that wasn’t as important as what had almost happened moments ago. But he still had to make an appearance. “I’ll be down in a minute. Tell them I’ve—got my hands full at the moment.”

Miles looked like he couldn’t wait to deliver that message. He nodded and made a dash for the stairs. Rhemy could imagine the shifters restless and impatient, as they were an easily irritated lot if the routine was even a little askew. He raked a hand through his hair and turned around.

Taelour was leaning against the front of his desk, head down, hand lightly covering her mouth. She looked up, as though coming out of her thoughts. “I don’t know what came over me. I’m usually not—actually, never—that forward.”

It pleased him that he was the exception. However, her sensa was closed off. There was a wall between them again, the magical passion lost, though he’d do anything to recapture it. Papers and books and his candies were all over the floor. They’d made quite a mess and hadn’t really gotten past second base. Hell, he’d never even removed a piece of his own clothing.

“We got caught up in the moment,” he said. “And how could we not? Once you released your sensa, I was blind with lust.”

She nodded. “Me, too.”

Did she regret it? Because she had the face of a woman who did.

He took a step, and she moved away from the desk, hand up. “I think we should pump the brakes. Maybe you’re able to deal with this chemistry between us, but I find it overwhelming.”

“That’s because you’ve been blocking it. Just let go.” Though it pained him not to reach out and pull her in, he remained where he was, to give her space. But by the gods, she would be in his arms again.

“Speaking of, don’t you have to go?” she asked.

Gods’ sake! Two seconds with her and he’d forgotten about the meeting again. “I do. But I’ll be right back. Promise me you won’t leave.”

He yearned to bring her face to his and kiss her, even though he’d be gone a matter of minutes.

“Yes,” she said. “I’ll stay.”

He turned around and strode to the hallway, muttering, “Kryptonite.”

It was like she’d become someone else in Rhemy’s arms.

Reckless. Demanding. Needy. Sexually depraved.

Taelour rushed to a chair, eyes wide, lungs tight with the need to breathe.

The whole reason she’d learned to hide her sensa was so she wouldn’t succumb to—and be lured by—the desire her kind thrived on. At times she wondered if suppressing hers and blocking others had made it disappear altogether, but, obviously not. Had smothering hers only increased its strength? Because it should never be that uncontrollable, that unmanageable, even if she hadn’t learned to cloak it.

When a vampire evoked his, and a vampiress received it and sent out her sensa in return, it was supposed to give a pleasant, erotic mutual exchange of energy. Nothing more. Sure, sexual feelings could arise, but not to the point where time lost all meaning.

She finally exhaled.

I have to remember why I’m here in the first place.

A way into the Centurias.

Not to be seduced.

The vibration on the floor caught her attention. It was her cell phone, which must’ve stumbled out of her pocket. She reached down to grab it.

Hey sis. Checking in. What’s the word?

She bit her bottom lip and groaned. What should she say? Well, it wasn’t necessary to give her brother a play by play. He just wanted to know she was okay, since she’d insisted on meeting Porter alone at a club so far from home.

She quickly responded: All good! Don’t worry. I’ll call you when I’m on my way back.

His reply was short. Cool. Be safe.

If he’d known what she’d been up to minutes ago, he would’ve added, and try to keep your fucking pants on. With a sigh of relief, she set her phone down. Her brothers knew she wanted to attend the Centurias, they just didn’t know the real reason, otherwise they probably would’ve stood in her way long before she ever would’ve crossed paths with Rhemy Carrington.

She ran her tongue over her lips, could still taste Rhemy on them. The scent of his cologne and musk saturated her skin.

However, she couldn’t allow lust to take the wheel of her journey. While the attraction between them was undeniable, it had to be pushed aside.

Thirsty, she went to his mini-bar, grabbed a bottled water, and guzzled it down. She entertained herself by looking around his office, finding history books, volumes of poetry, biographies. She picked up the bowl of sweets that’d toppled over and put it back in place, then made a job out of gathering up the candy, finding them everywhere from under his desk to near his umbrella stand by the door. Since they were wrapped, no harm no foul, and she treated herself to one.

At the two-way mirror, she watched the club crowd for a couple minutes, enjoying how no one could see her. Night creatures of all kinds, even a human or two, convened in one space, getting along, drinking, having fun, enjoying the music.

She exhaled, anticipating his return. Pretty soon, she would be even closer to her goal, and the only thing Rhemy asked for in return was to get to know her. Just one night of her company. And yes, she continued to wrestle with agreeing to it, but she’d have to. Besides, there probably wouldn’t be much “getting to know” each other after five minutes, except sexually. Would they really be able to spend time together without tearing each other’s clothes off?

Now that she’d released her sensa, and sampled his skills as a lover, she was very interested in spending a few hours to sample all of him.

A few taps on the door caught her attention.

Rhemy came in, his mahogany-brown hair mussed and run-through, his vest slightly wrinkled. A flashback of the feel of his physique crossed her mind, of when she’d clutched his waist with her legs, how hard he was, and how wrong and inaccurate she’d been. Though he wasn’t a bodybuilder, there was nothing basic about his body. Even with him clothed, she’d felt nothing but hard, toned muscle.

“You cleaned up,” he commented with a sexy half-smile.

Her knees threatened to knock together. “Yes. I thought I’d make myself useful. How…was your meeting?”

“I just had to get it started. It’s not necessary for me to attend the whole thing.”

“Oh.” Eager to dissolve an awkward bomb of silence, she sought small talk, and gestured behind her. “You have every kind of group representing out there. Vampires. Humans. Fairies. Even a demon.”

“Good music appeals to every soul.”

“I didn’t notice any shifters, though.”

His brows came together slightly and he moved away from the door toward his bar, but said nothing in response.

She hesitated, but was too curious. “Do you ban them from the club?”

He poured a clear liquid into a stemless glass from a decanter. “Care for a little moonshine? The oldest recipe in Louisiana.”

“No, thanks. Well, do you?”

“Why do you ask? You like keeping the company of shifters?”

Face pale, she exclaimed, “What? How can you even ask that? They’re disgusting! Barbaric, vulgar beasts of modicum intelligence. They’re beneath us. Always have been and always will be.” Was that too much? Did he believe her? She said it because that was what she was expected to say. She said it with such revulsion because that was how she was supposed to say it. “What do you think of shifters?”

He stared at her oddly while he took a sip of the moonshine. “I don’t.”

“But if one wanted to be a member?”

A pause. He set down his glass with care. “No amount of money would persuade me to let dogs in my place.”

Of course he felt that way. Time to get back on the subject at hand. “Anyway, the Centurias. I’ll agree to your offer. Time with me for a way in. You can guarantee me entry?”

It was then his gaze moved from hers for the first time since he’d returned, and her stomach dropped with heavy dread.

“About that…” he began.

Oh, gods. Did he change his mind? At the guilt in his expression, she realized he hadn’t been completely truthful. “Can you get me in or not?” she asked.

Pregnant silence hung in the air. As soon as she heard the word “no,” she marched for the door.

Rhemy caught her arm. “Taelour.”

She yanked out of his hold. “Let me go.”

“I didn’t lie. Listen to me, darlin’—” He swiftly got ahead of her and blocked the door, hands up. “I can still help you.”

“After you lied? Like I’d trust a word out of your mouth now.”

“I understand you’re angry. Just listen. I can’t guarantee a way in, no, but I do know someone who has a key and who would be willing to take you with him. You won’t have to give him anything for it. I’ll owe him.”

The soothing tonic of his voice and beautiful brown eyes with thick lashes proved to be quite the temper tamer. “How do I know you’re not jerking me around?”

“I’ll prove it to you. I’ll introduce you to him, and I’ll insist he bring the key. He’s a very good friend of mine so he trusts me, and he’ll have no issue with showing it.”

Now she’d have to convince a third man? Part of her longed to go home and forget the entire night, and the other part screamed she had to at least consider his offer. Especially if he was willing to pay for it. “Who’s your friend?”

He gestured behind her to the chairs. “Sit down and I’ll tell you. You can have a glass of my moonshine and we’ll talk.”

Reluctantly, she went back and took a seat. “All right,” she said. “On the rocks. I like my moonshine cold, s’il vous plaît.”

He smiled. “As you wish.”

Seconds later, her request was in her hand. Instead of taking a seat in his big chair, or the one next to her, he chose to half-sit on the corner edge of his desk, gazing down at her while she sipped.

His sensa was hypnotizing her again, but she fought it. She fought it so hard, and successfully rejected it. Stay focused, Taelour. “About your friend?” she prompted.

By the look in his eyes, he’d realized she was blocking him again, but said nothing. He crossed his arms, clearing this throat. “His name is Aleck Trevyn. A pürblood. Old money. Despite the fact he’s wealthy, he’s not that social, and is pretty picky about who he spends time with.” He moved his large hands to brace behind him on the desk. “Usually his brother goes, but this time around, it’s he who has to attend, and he needs to bring a companion. It helps, especially with alliances. Some socials a vampire can’t even enter unless he brings a woman with him, so that the ratio is even.”

“Oh.” She held her glass with both hands. “So he’d have to like me, like me. As in—be interested.”

The desk creaked.

She glanced at his hands. Why were his knuckles white?

“In a matter of speaking. Obviously he’d have to enjoy your company if he’s going to spend nine evenings with you. You have my word he won’t expect anything. I can vouch for him.”

Well, if she was willing to escort a total stranger from the auction to accomplish her goal, might as well be someone she could actually meet first. “Okay. But I’m not getting my hopes up. Someone like that usually doesn’t have a problem finding a date.”

“He prefers to take a mutual friend over a stranger. That’s why he asked me to let him know if I had someone in mind. Now I do.” He reached back and pulled the black, retro-style phone and rested it on his muscular thigh. “When do you want to meet him? I’ll set it up.”

Was it just her, or were things different between them, as though those desperate, passionate moments before had never happened? True, she’d dismissed his sensa, but she told him they had to pump the brakes. He should’ve expected that.

It was as if he was making an ordinary business deal, already forgetting what they’d done on the same desk he so casually leaned against. It felt weird to talk about being set up with his friend, when half an hour ago she was clutching Rhemy and thrusting her hips while he strummed her pussy.

Why was she so drawn to him? She wasn’t a fateblood, so there was no chance they were meant to be together. Even if she was his fated, she wouldn’t exactly rejoice, for a couple of really valid reasons.

“Taelour?” The receiver to his ear, Rhemy raised his brows, waiting on her reply.

She snapped out of her reverie. “Oh. Uh, as soon as possible. Tomorrow. If that works.”

He nodded, then someone answered on the other line. “Aleck. It’s Carrington. I’m good, thanks. Say, I know you’re busy, so I’ll get to the point. Are you still in search of a date for the Centurias?” He listened. “Good. Because I have someone I think you should meet.”

Taelour couldn’t finish the delicious but strong as hell moonshine. One more sip and she would be begging for him to put his hands on her again. She set the cup on the desk, acting nonchalant, while she burned to crawl in his lap, wrap herself around him, and put her finger on the hang-up button.

“What’s she like?” Rhemy repeated.

Taelour shot her gaze to his.

“She’s…she’s…” he trailed.

Heart pounding, she waited, some insane part of her hoping he’d say “she’s mine”, end the call, then tell her there was no way he would ever let another man take her to the Centurias.

Their gazes locked for what had to be way too long.

Suddenly, Rhemy picked up the dialer, got off the desk, and turned his back. “She’s more than worth the trip. Trust me. Just what you’re looking for. Gorgeous, well-spoken, intelligent. Charming. Do you even need to ask? You know I have exceptional taste.”

Taelour briefly closed her eyes.

Whatever Aleck said had Rhemy chuckling. “You’re right about that. Anyway, how about tomorrow night? It’s a quick flight. And bring your key. Ten o’clock. My apartment? See you then.” He didn’t face her as he slowly hung up the receiver.

Staring at his broad back, she despaired at the pain banging in her chest with every heartbeat. Though she told him to keep his distance because his sensa was overwhelming, she felt adrift without it. Hungry for it.

Gods. Why him? Answer me.

They didn’t.

“Thank you,” she said.

He set the phone on the desk with a hard bang and she jumped at the jarring sound.

“You’re welcome,” he said softly.

“Where’s your apartment?”

“On this floor, at the end of the hall.”

How convenient. She should go. Standing up, she waited for him to turn around, but he wouldn’t. “Do you still want a night with me? As—payment?” She flinched at the word.

Finally, he turned, face expressionless, grabbing his worn leather chair to sit down. “Forget it. You don’t owe me anything.”

Forget it? Why? “Yes, I do. Because of you I have a chance at going to the Centurias without putting myself in the Unavowed Auction. Who knows how that would’ve turned out.”

“There’s no guarantee. Aleck could say no.”

Obviously by his attitude, she’d blown it with him, and she didn’t know how. Maybe he didn’t like the thought of getting to know her now that he was setting her up with his friend, which would make sense, but Aleck was only a means. She didn’t want him. “Even if he does say no, I owe you, Rhemy.”

“You don’t owe me a thing.”

Gods, she was so confused. “We’re done then?” she asked. It was a loaded question, and she knew he was smart enough to hear it.

A few beats of charged silence went by. “We’re done,” he confirmed.

She drew in a deep breath, hoping she hid her crushing disappointment. There was no reason to be upset, right? She barely knew him. Raging lust aside, they were from two different worlds, probably had zilch in common. Fortified with that insta-reasoning, she steeled her spine. “Okay. Before I go, any advice?” Stalling. All you’re doing is stalling.

“Advice about what?” His tone was so disconnected as he shifted his gaze, she wondered if he was bored with her.

“You practically made me sound like a walking, talking goddess to your friend. I want to make sure I give a good first impression. What will attract him? Every man has a type. Even though this is platonic, he has to like what he sees.”

Rhemy leaned back in his chair, turning his ring, considering her question. “Good point. For the most part, you will impress him on your own, but you could…” He seemed hesitant to continue, looking her up and down.

“What?” she clipped.

“Look less vampiress-noir. No need to go overboard or anything, but it’ll help if you wear a dress, instead of those...”

“They’re pleather.”

“It’s August in Louisiana.”

“They’re comfortable.”

“Fine, but not feminine enough.”

She gaped at him. “Rhemy—”

“Curious. When did you hit maturation age? Twenty-seven?”

“Twenty-eight.”

“Well, sexy as you are in those fake leather spray-ons, they won’t turn Aleck on.” Just when she was about to assert she didn’t want to turn Aleck on, he added, “Maybe that isn’t your goal, but you catch my drift. He wants to take a woman who can wow. Ninety-percent of the parties you’d be attending are formal in some fashion. You should give him a preview of what to expect. Show off that fine figure of yours,” he drawled sexily.

A pretty dress. Check.

“He’s tall. About my height. So I suggest heels.”

“Fine.”

“Color. No black. Men like color.”

Color. Check. “Okay.”

Rhemy cocked his head, evaluating her more. “Hair up, maybe?”

“Sure thing.”

She waited for another slice of advice while he traced his gaze over face, down her breasts, her legs. However, he didn’t do it like he had before. There was no hunger, no heat, as though he were evaluating her like a contestant for a pageant.

“Anything else?” she asked, trying not to sound irritated.

He sharply removed his gaze. “No. I’m sure you’ll look great.”

It sounded like a dismissal, and when he checked his watch, she knew it was time to go home. “Thanks.” She took her cell from his desk. “I’ll be back tomorrow at ten.”

“How are you getting home?”

“Ride share.”

He frowned. “Maybe I should drive you.”

Uh, no. She couldn’t let him see where she lived, and she definitely couldn’t have him running into one of her brothers. Two of them had their own place, but she shared a house with the other two, and it was Friday night. There was a big chance all of them were home watching ESPN or entertaining friends. It was a huge old house with five bedrooms and they were known to throw spontaneous parties.

“Thank you, but I’ll be fine. I live far.” She pulled up the app and ordered her ride. A message popped up her driver was less than five minutes away.

He stood up, looking as though he wanted to argue with her. “Come on. I’ll walk you out.”

As they left his office and entered the club, he remained just behind her, his fingertips brushing the small of her back. Her spine tingled, and the tender place between her legs started to throb again.

But she held the need to evoke her sensa with all her might, smothering it, and damning him.