My brows lift. “Careful?”
She nods, swirling her finger around the edge of her empty glass. “I just don’t want anything to happen to you.”
A tingle of awareness that feels a lot like a premonition passes over me. My spine straightens as goosebumps break out along my skin. It takes a lot to bother me or make me worried. Especially when it comes to my job. If I were one to spook easily, I wouldn’t work with the accused and, oftentimes, criminals. It’s not a career for the faint of heart. Luckily for me, I’m typically unbothered. However, Addy’s words give me pause.
What could Sutton do? Have me fired? My firm would have to be daft to lose me, and though they may be a bunch of pricks, they aren’t stupid. Would he come after me? For simply doing my job?
No. No way. He may be a horrible person, but he has to know where to draw the line.
Regardless. I’m not dropping Tinsley’s case. She’s had a horrible life, and I’m not letting anything else spoil her future.
“Let’s talk about something else,” I groan, shaking the worry from my mind. “This is girls’ night. If I wanted to talk about work, I would have accepted one of Brandt’s twenty offers to go on a date.”
She gives me a knowing look as her hand darts out, gripping a waiter’s arm as he passes. “Excuse me—” Her gaze trails over his young, handsome face, then to his nametag. She gives him a sultry smile that has me rolling my eyes. “Jason,” she purrs. The waiter’s eyes go comically wide, and I swear I see him almost faint from the power of her attention solely focused on him. “Please bring us another bottle of thePieropan Soaveand,” she glances at me, lifting a perfectly manicured brow. I nod once, and she smiles, turning back to her toy. “And a charcuterie board, please.”
“Y-e-s-s,” he stutters. Swallowing thickly, his eyes dart to mine before homing back in on the blonde beauty before him. “Of course, ma’a—”
She scowls, shaking her head rapidly before tutting him like a child. “Don’t you dare finish that word Jason, or you’ll ruin all our fun before we’ve even had a chance.”
“A chance?” he squeaks.
I barely stifle my laughter as I watch my friend bring this poor young man to his knees. Though he’s been checking her out all night, he hasn’t made a move. Not that his lack of aggression bothers her. In fact, it’s probably why she’s set her sights on him. This is her thing. She’s a domme and can spot a willing and ready submissive with just a look. She loves younger men, but honestly, I think anyone willing to give in to her desires is on the table, as long as they’re tall and sweet.
“Are you single, Jace?” she murmurs, shortening his name like they’re old friends. His head bobs up and down mechanically as though he’s in a trance. “That’s good. Now run along.” Again, he responds without thought, a heavy breath whooshing from his lungs as he jogs back to the kitchen.
“Must you?”
Addy cackles, her eyes still on Jason’s retreating ass. “What? He didn’t seem bothered, did he?”
My phone vibrates on the table. It’s face down, and though I have the urge to flip it over and check my messages and emails, I ignore the impulse, focusing on my friend. “No, and judging by the very prominent tent in his slacks, I’d say you stand a good chance,” I sigh, my nails drumming along the wood.
She grins, showing no sign of remorse for using our girls’ night, which washer idea, to score men. “You could follow my lead, you know? Use me as your wing woman.” My mouth opens before snapping shut once more. I glare at her, noticing the calculating gleam in her eyes as she zeros in on something orsomeonebehind me.
“Addison Hughes,” I hiss, sitting up straighter. “Absolutely not.”
“What is your deal, Rayvn? You’re fucking stunning. You’re built like a model. You’re brilliant and accomplished. What in the world do you have to be awkward about?”
The fingers of my left hand tighten around the stem of my empty glass, and I barely stop myself before snapping it in half. “I’m not awkward,” I growl. “That’s not why—” I break off, exhaling heavily. Shaking my head, I lean back in my chair. “That’s not why, Addy, and you know it.
“Look,” she breathes, “I know you have…” she pauses, her eyes bouncing around like she’s actually searching for the word she needs before continuing. “Oddtastes where men are concerned, but fuck Ray, at this point, you’re practically a virgin again. Just get laid. You don’t need to look for Mr. Forever, just Mr. Rearrange-My-Pussy-Please.”
Groaning, I rub the space between my eyes even as my lips tip up in a half-smirk at her word selection. “I’ve tried. There’s just no point, and no, not because I’m looking for a husband. I just don’t see the need to sleep around for subpar sex.”
She scoffs. “How do you know it’ll be subpar? That guy over there looks like he could rail you into next month. Sure, he’s balding, but look at his size. He’s definitely got a massive cock.”
“Jesus Christ,” I whisper, searching for some divine intervention or angel to pick me up and rescue me from this woman. “I’m not going to look.” Shaking my head, I resist every single impulse to do exactly that, knowing it will only give her permission to further her mission to score me amassive cock. Not that I wouldn’t love one, but— “How bald are we talking?”
Addison claps like an excited toddler, dancing in her chair with glee. “Yes!” She wiggles in her seat, her hand flapping about as she tries to get Mr. Big and Bald’s attention. I sink deeper into my chair, regretting every decision I’ve ever had which led me to this point. Am I seriously going to give her permission to pick my next lay? My first in—shit—how many years has it been? 3? 4?
Well, fuck. Time sure does fly when you’re climbing the law-infused ladder.
Addison’s smile widens as she begins to wave like a lunatic, clearly having caught his attention. My phone vibrates again, and though it’s against our rules, I flip it over, if for no other reason than to distract myself.
Logan Huxley-Shiloh’s Man:Meet your nephews
Logan Huxley-Shiloh’s Man: (Photo)
Logan Huxley-Shiloh’s Man: Asher on the left with the big feet, Archer on the right with the glare.