Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 67966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
He hadn’t made out, lingering at third base for hours, since high school.
They kissed until the night broke into the next day, their hands doing the talking as they got to know each other the natural way.
Thorn licked and teased at Lucas’s mouth and massaged his stiff shoulders until the sky turned multiple shades of purple and orange.
“I should go,” Thorn murmured against Lucas’s chest. “Before your staff starts to arrive.”
Lucas was damn near asleep with Thorn on top of him, his face relaxed, his arms around his waist. “I don’t give a fuck who sees us. It’s not like I’ll be reported to the boss, Thorn.”
“My gentlemen will be concerned if I don’t return soon. It’s not like me to be away all night.”
Lucas smirked. “That’s nice to know.”
Thorn placed a soft, lingering kiss on Lucas’s scruffy jaw until a slow smile spread across his face.
“When can I see you again?”
“Soon.” Thorn gave Lucas one last peck before he stood and straightened his clothes.
When he looked respectable enough, he placed his card in the center of Lucas’s huge desk.
“Be at Belladonna tonight at eight. We’re having a masquerade.”
Lucas sat up higher. “Excuse me. A what?”
“You heard me. My assistant will call you with the details.” Thorn winked at him before he walked out the door.
Thorn made it successfully through the executive wing, down the elevators, and through the immaculate lobby without encountering a soul.
His victory was short-lived when he pushed through the pristine glass doors and saw Detective Kelly and her perpetually scowling partner, Sharpe, leaning against their car, drinking 7-11 coffee and eating goddamn breakfast sandwiches.
Thorn wanted to cover his face and slink down the side alley, but it was too late for that. And the way Sharpe was leering at him made Thorn feel as if he were making the fucking walk of shame.
He made his way to where they were parked on the curb, ignoring the obnoxious way Detective Sharpe devoured the last of his greasy double sausage and egg biscuit.
Thorn bet the guy had never even heard of egg whites, although the detective’s body was all chiseled hard angles beneath his tattered jeans and worn leather jacket.
“Top of the morning to you, Mr. Blackwell. Fancy finding you here at this hour,” Detective Kelly said as she eyed him up and down, no doubt noticing Thorn was in the same clothes he’d worn to the station last night. “It’s a little early to be making a deposit, is it not? Or did you have other business to handle elsewhere—dare I say on the top floor?”
Thorn stood with his spine straight instead of giving these assholes the satisfaction of seeing him squirm.
“I’ve answered all your questions regarding your case, Detectives. Whatever business I handled inside was my own.”
“It sure as fuck looks like you had a good time handling that business.” Sharpe chuckled as he tossed his empty cup and sandwich wrapper in the trash can a few feet away.
“I guess this is as good a time as any to speak with the CEO.” Sharpe pointed at the towering skyscraper. “All the way up, yes? Corner office, I presume? Or should we wait until he showers?”
Fuck you! Thorn blared in the back of his mind, but on the outside, he gave the police his most charming smile.
Sharpe seemed like the type of guy who had to get the last word. He was full of himself, lacked self-control, and had a fuck-the-world attitude.
No wonder Lincoln likes him.
Thorn ignored him, buttoning his wrinkled suit jacket.
“Be safe out here on these streets, Detectives,” he said in exasperation. “There are real criminals out here to be concerned with. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Oh, Mr. Blackwell, one last thing.” Detective Kelly called at his back. “Did you know about Evan Scott’s two-million-dollar life insurance policy?”
What the fuck?
Thorn spun on his heels. “No…why would I?”
Kelly cocked her head to the side, her dreads falling to her bicep. “Because you’re listed as the beneficiary.”
Thorn’s stomach sank to his loafers.
“Be seeing you soon, Mr. Blackwell.” Sharpe smiled.
Thorn ignored the puny threat, got into his Mercedes, and quickly made his way back to the coast.
Evan, what have you done?
Belladonna Mansion
Casey’s Condo
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
3:30 a.m.
His lips trembled against Galan’s mouth as their kiss deepened, soft at first, then hungrier, wetter, until Casey was moaning into it.
Galan closed his big hand around his wrists and pressed them over his head into the pillow, pinning him down with just enough restraint to remind him who he belonged to.
“Sir…” Casey whimpered, arching beneath him, already burning with need.
“Patience, boy,” Galan rumbled as he brushed his beard over Casey’s cheek. “I’ll take care of you.”
Casey panted as his Sir trailed his lips along the curve of his throat, licking at his frantic pulse.
He writhed against the silky sheets, pushing his hard cock shamelessly against Galan’s hard thigh, desperate for contact. Galan gave him the reward he was begging for, grinding down hard enough to make him cry out before pulling back and watching him shiver.