Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 88182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88182 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“No more secrets.”
He slips his hand into mine.
CHAPTER 18
DEANNA
Iunzip my dress.
Prime shrugs out of his jacket and hangs it carefully in the closet. He unbuttons his cuffs and watches as I wriggle the file from the small of my back. I toss it down on the bed, the paper like a terrible secret revealed.
He undoes his top.
I try not to stare at his chest, but it’s hard. He’s so damn beautiful. The tattoos, his tanned skin, his sculpted and gorgeous torso. It’s unfair but I have to focus.
“What is it?” I gesture at the folder, holding my dress up with my other hand.
“That’s a list of contacts.” He pulls the shirt off the rest of the way and adds it to the drycleaning pile.
“Did we go to that party tonight for you to steal it?”
“No, not that in particular.”
“But we went so you could get in that office?”
He unbuckles his belt. “There’s a lot you don’t understand.”
“Enlighten me. And stop stripping.”
“I’m getting changed. It’s my house too, remember?”
God damn him. He steps out of his trousers and folds them neatly, standing only in a pair of black boxer briefs and his socks.
The socks make it even sexier.
I rub at my eyebrows to try to block my view of him, but Prime doesn’t seem in a hurry to cover himself. Instead, he sits on the bed and starts paging through the folder.
Fine. Screw it. He wants to play? Then we can both play.
“Start with any you stole from Ricardo tonight.” I let the dress fall from my body. It pools around my ankles. I stand before Prime in a pair of black lace panties and matching black lace corset bra.
I struggle against a flush of excitement as Prime’s eyes widen. The file in his hands droops as he looks at me, gaze ravaging over my skin like a herd of starving beasts.
I snap my fingers.
“Focus, asshole.”
“You’re stripping. And that lingerie you’re wearing—“
“It was a fancy party and you better be thankful I had this one. It’s the only reason that stupid folder stayed in place.” I put my hands on my hips, out of my depth but fighting to tread water anyway. I’ve never used my body in a battle like this before, but it seems to be working. “Ricardo. Stealing. Start talking.”
“Take the rest off.”
“Maybe if you’re good.”
He lets out a soft groan and I swear my knees almost buckle. It’s the sexiest sound I’ve ever heard.
“Fuck, baby. You don’t know the game you’re playing.”
My brow arches as I look at his visibly hard dick. “Pretty sure it’s not very subtle.”
He sucks in a steadying breath. “I don’t care about Ricardo. He’s important only as a means to an end.”
“That folder’s the end?”
“No, Ricardo’s boss is the real big fish. But he’s a very private man and very hard to find.”
“You think Ricardo’s contacts will help?”
“If Augustus isn’t on this list, someone here will be able to help.” He tosses the file aside. “Now come here. Leave the lingerie on.”
“Stop it. Talk more. Who’s Augustus?”
“His name is Augustus Fontana, and if you make me talk about him, I’ll lose my beautiful erection.”
“I’d say it’s average at best.”
His fist grips the outline of his cock. “Far above.”
“Prime.”
He lets out another groan as I put one hand over my chest to cover the swell of my breasts from him. “Fine. Fontana runs an organization. He’s a very dangerous man and we have history. I want to find him.”
“For what reason?”
“You don’t need to know the rest.”
“Prime—“
“I mean it, Deanna. Some of my life is better left unspoken.”
I take a tentative step toward the bed. “Like your special deal with David? Don’t act like I’m an idiot.”
“David’s the fucking idiot for speaking out of turn,” he murmurs angrily.
“Prime, who are you? No, don’t give me the bullshit answer. Tell me the truth. Where does all your money come from?”
“Parking lots and real estate.”
“No, your real money. The money that pays for all this—“ I gesture around us. “And everything else.”
“You don’t want to know.”
“Tell me, damn it, Prime, or I’m getting dressed and getting the hell out of here. Who did I marry? What did I get myself into?” I reach down and grab the folder from the bedspread, gripping it tightly. “I’ve seen your books. I know what you earn. Hell, I’ve practically been running your business for years now.”
“I wouldn’t go that far—“
“Don’t mess with me, Prime.” I wave it at him. “I’ll shred this stupid thing if you can’t be straight with me for once in your life.”
He doesn’t move. His muscles are tense and glorious and a dangerous aura rolls from his shoulders. “I wouldn’t threaten me, wife. I’ve been nothing but honest.”
“Bullshit. Who are you?”
“My name is Prime Spadaro. I carry my scars like medals. I am not a good man and never have been and you are not entitled to my secrets.”