“How did you end up with the Nobles, darling?” he asked as he took his refilled glass from me. “Ezra says your father ran some kind of operation of his own in Paradise Bend.”
I plastered another smile on my face. Trust Ezra to have used that tidbit of information to rouse Jasper’s interest. “Unfortunately my father was killed by another organization that betrayed him. I came to the Nobles because I knew they’d set things right.”
Ezra had wanted me to talk up the cause a little. I strained my mind for the best way to approach it. “The Nobles always come through on their word when they give it,” I added, in case Jasper had any doubts about Ezra repaying him for his help. “And the assholes responsible need to be dealt with quickly. I wouldn’t be surprised if they start looking farther afield for territory to steal before long.”
Jasper’s eyes hardened. He’d caught my insinuation. “I’m not afraid of any street rats.”
“No one was, and that became their weakness. These people benefit from being dismissed—it gives them time to shore up their power until they have a chance to turn the tables.” I hoped he didn’t realize that applied to me as well. “But the Nobles are smart enough to see the danger in leaving a supposedly minor threat to grow. They’re going to crush them once and for all. If we have you on our side, it’ll be done so much faster.”
Jasper simply hummed to himself. Then he threw back the rest of his drink.
“Do you want another?” I asked, already reaching for the glass.
He shook his head, his gaze turning into a leer. He wrapped his hand around my bicep—just loosely for now.
“Come here, girl,” he said.
I could tell I’d bought all the time I was going to get, but I couldn’t help grasping for another chance to delay. “Shouldn’t we talk a little more first?”
His grip tightened. “I think I’ve had enough talking. I know all I need to know about you.”
He leaned in, his lips seeking mine, and my heart lurched. My hand formed a fist I wanted to smash into his face, but the consequences of that could ruin everything I’d worked for. Anyway, he’d probably like seeing me panicked and flailing, getting the chance to—
A lightbulb went off in my head. Thanks to Gideon, I might know everything I needed to about the man in front of me too.
I jerked back, managing to snap my arm from his hold, and looked at him sternly. I made my voice as domineering as possible. “Watch where you touch me. You didn’t ask for my permission.”
Jasper gaped at me, stunned. My heart thumped faster. I was taking a huge risk, but this man did apparently enjoy being dominated. Why the hell couldn’t I be the one calling the shots, then?
Unless I’d gone too far, or he was only in the mood for that at particular times, or—
But he didn’t lunge at me. He stayed still, waiting to see what I’d do next. A faint flush had crept into his cheeks. Was he a little turned on already?
I had to keep going before I lost the moment.
“Good boy,” I said, standing up. “If you want to touch me, you have to work for it. Do you understand?”
Jasper’s pupils dilated. “What kind of ‘work’ do you want from me, sweetheart?”
Good question. I pointed to the bar. “It’s your turn to mix me a drink.”
“I don’t think so,” he said, but his voice wasn’t quite as forceful as before. I studied him carefully as he got up and walked toward me. When I circled him, always staying just out of reach as I swayed with the music, his expression became even more avid. He was enjoying the chase.
“Look but don’t touch,” I said, waggling my finger at him.
“Surely I can do something to be rewarded,” he suggested, practically drooling. Oh, he was into it now.
I shimmied a little farther away. “Dance with me. We’ll see how much you can impress me.” Would I really be able to get away with turning him down?
Jasper slowly followed me, moving his hips from side to side and matching his steps to the rhythm of the music. We made a couple of circuits of the room before I could see his lust overcoming his enjoyment. Tamping down on my disgust, I continued to smile at him seductively.
It was better if he thought this dance was going to end with sex. I knew I was walking a very dangerous line. One wrong move and…
He reached to tug me to him, and I darted out of his reach, shaking my head. My nerves were jangling, but I spoke with the most commanding tone I had in me. “You’re a naughty boy, Jasper. And you know what happens to naughty boys? They get punished.”
Jasper’s breath caught. Ugh, was that a bulge behind the fly of his slacks? Yep, he was already erect.
“Come on, girl,” he said, his eyes gone dark with desire. “Don’t make me wait for it.”