And hence the reason for my whirling thoughts all day long.
“Going radio silent on us?” Neil asked.
“No, just contemplating things.” My gaze landed on the windows of the floor where Sam’s penthouse lay.
“I was kidding about King.” A tinge of worry laced Noah’s words.
“Were you?”
“I’d rather you take someone up on a random screw than that.”
“My last random screw was Sam. Are you sure that’s what you want me to do?”
“Never mind. Ignore that I said anything. Keep being your bitchy self.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Noah, you’d make a terrible therapist.”
“That’s why I’m a horse rancher.”
“Among other things,” Neil added and then said, “Get some rest, Van. And use whatever means necessary to sort out what’s bothering you. Things are about to get intense. We need you clear-headed and focused, Director.”
I pulled the com-link from my ear as the line went dead.
Releasing a deep breath, I inclined my head to Monti in the car’s rearview mirror, opened the door, and stepped back outside into the night.
Less than twenty minutes later, I worked through the passageways leading into Sam’s penthouse. Ducking under an angled beam and cramped corner, I approached the access point.
A sense of apprehension filled me, making me wonder if he was home. Then I released a deep breath when I heard the smooth beat of a popular R&B artist humming through the wall.
Sliding the wall panel to the side, I slowly made my way inside the warmth of the hallway and into the living room.
Sam stood with his back to me. His gaze trained on something outside the floor-to-ceiling windows giving views of the New York City skyline.
I’d found him exactly like this the first time I’d broken into this place. Lost in thought, a hint of loneliness, and an aura of a caged beast lurking under the surface.
My pulse jumped as it had then. But now, it went beyond lust.
Moving closer, a surge of some energy pulsed between us, and he tilted his head slightly to the side.
“I expected a visit.”
“Is that right?”
“What I said to you must have eaten at you all day.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“You don’t like unfinished business, Highness.”
“And?”
“It will have to wait. But, first, I have one word for you.”
I swallowed as my skin prickled with awareness, and my blood surged with heat and arousal.
“And that is?”
“Strip.”