I sat in a wingback chair by a fireplace. It was gas so there was no smell and no crackle. Boss said something about his late wife having asthma. The whole house had been designed with minimizing dust and airborne toxins in mind.

I was listening politely to him until Camille walked into the room. After that, I barely heard a word he was saying. She looked stunning in a black silk dress that covered her front from the neck to the ankles. I scowled, annoyed that she'd covered herself up. Almost like she'd done it to spite me.

Until she went to the bar and poured herself a drink.

I swallowed, realizing her back was bare, almost the whole way down to her-

"What the hell is that?"

I almost jumped out of my seat as an enormous wild animal slinked into the room.

"Camille. Do not move."

I stood up and slowly walked between her and the creature. It looked like a cheetah, or some sort of African cat. The kind that could rip your throat out before you could even blink.

"What? Why?"

She turned and I glanced over my shoulder at her. She smiled at me condescendingly, covering a laugh with a perfectly manicured hand. Clearly she thought something about this was hilarious.

"I was about to offer you a drink. Scotch?"

"There is a very large animal in here."

Her smile grew even wider. She was even more beautiful when she smiled. Even if she was laughing at my expense.

"Uzuri. Aki, aki."

I barely saw a blur, the damn thing moved so fast. I gaped in awe as it rubbed against her legs. Camille bent down to pet it and I realized I probably had just made a giant ass of myself.

"Uzuri is a Savannah. She's part lynx and part domestic cat. She's mostly tame, as you can see."

She laughed and the cat sat down and started cleaning her paws. Huge paws with four-inch claws sticking out of them. I swallowed nervously.

"She's tame?"

"Like I said Mr. Dupree. Mostly."

I stared at her and shook my head.

"Is this some sort of rich person thing? Keeping wild animals at home?"

She nodded her head.

"Its true that Savannah's are costly to buy and maintain. But they are domesticated. I promise she won't bite."

"That thing belongs in a zoo."

"This 'thing' is a marvel of genetic engineering. And my friend."

"You don't strike me as the type that needs friends."

She breezed past me, the enormous cat following her like a dog.

"For once Mr. Dupree, you are exactly right."

She perched on the arm of a sofa and sipped her drink. I could practically hear her legs slide together as she crossed them. I realized that Mr. Rivers was watching me and sat down abruptly. I picked up my drink and ice hit my teeth.

Camille was watching me. The woman didn't miss a damn trick.

"Would you like a refill Mr. Dupree?"

I nodded curly as she took my glass.

"Bourbon."

"What kind of name is Uzuri anyway?"

"It means beauty in Swahili."

I watched her walk away, thinking her name should be Uzuri instead. She was beautiful… more than ordinary beauty. Camille was damn near perfect.

Even though she could be a real bitch.

She was getting under my skin despite her ornery temperament. Even worse, her damn cat was staring at me like I was dinner. I tried not to react when it strolled across the room and lay directly at my feet.

Mr. Rivers let out a bark of laughter.

"Don't worry Cade, it's a sign of respect."

I wasn't sure I believed that until the cat rolled onto its back and gave me a come hither look. I reached down and let my hand glide over her silky belly. It was incredible. Warm and living… she had the softest fur I'd felt in my life.

The cat started to vibrate, a loud rumble that practically shook the floor. For a moment I thought there was an earthquake. Then I realized what it was. The damn thing was purring. Well, I'd never heard the like. It was like thunder, but softer. There was something sweet about it.

"Uzuri! You traitor!"

Camille was glaring at her cat. But Uzuri didn't give two hoots. She started cleaning herself and then curled around my ankle possessively. I winced as her claws dug into my ankles.

"She likes me I guess."

Camille was staring at the cat in shock. She handed me my drink and walked away, muttering to herself about gratitude and loyalty. I smirked and leaned down to scratch the cat behind its ears.

"I've never seen that animal behave that way. Not even with Camille."

I looked at Mr. Rivers in surprise.

"She seems real friendly to me. Unlike some people."

I gave Camille a pointed look but she ignored me.

"Not with me. She only likes my daughter. Follows her around like a puppy. Camille, looks like you have competition."

I smiled and sipped my drink. He'd just given me an idea. Camille didn't strike me as the sort who liked to lose. Maybe if I could get her to play a game with me, I'd have a chance at winning… more than a chance.

Damn straight I would win.

I always did.