“Which is why the fingers are being pointed in our direction.”
Robert nodded. “From what I can tell, the shipments must be coming in under your noses, which surprises me.”
Yeah, well, the man had no idea just how surprised I was, but I was determined to get to the bottom of it. “Keep the heat away from my men.”
“I’ll do what I can, but the mayor is itching for a takedown.”
I sucked in my breath. No wonder he’d sent me an invite. “Of course he is. You ever hear of Church Exports?”
“Sure. Who hasn’t? Heavy players in the export business.” Robert took another sip of his drink, waving to several people as they walked by. “I really need to get going. We can talk about this in private. Why don’t we meet for a drink in a couple of days?”
It seemed word on the street regarding Peter Church hadn’t gone very far. That would give me some time to do explorations of my own. I lifted my glass without saying a word. If I knew the man, he would dig into every dark alley and crack house in order to get the answers he wanted.
The answer I required.
I had a bad feeling that things were just starting to heat up. Whatever the case, Peter Church wasn’t going to continue doing business in my ports.
My head was aching from the garish music and the growing crowd. Seemed everyone had a reason to celebrate. As I walked out onto the balcony, the chilly night air was instantly refreshing. I walked toward the protective railing, passing by the whimsical candle-laden tables, only then realizing that I wasn’t alone. The scent was instantly intoxicating, exotic spices and musk with just a hint of vanilla wafting into my nostrils. I took several deep breaths, realizing that I’d never felt so damn alone.
I had my reasons, most of which only a few closest to me knew about. Remaining unattached also was necessary given past circumstances. A rush of anger swelled from deep within as memories flooded my mind. I took a long pull on my drink, holding the liquor in my throat for a few seconds before swallowing.
I certainly didn’t need to remember the damning past. Not now.
“Interesting party.” Her tone was soft, utterly feminine with an air of confidence.
“Why interesting?”
She shifted, allowing me to hear the rustle of material from her dress. Only when she walked two feet closer did I realize who the mysterious woman was. My reaction was instantaneous, desire killing off every hint of sadness.
Her stiletto heels clipped against the smooth stone, her hips swaying back and forth, and her eyes firmly locked onto mine. Even in the shadows, I could almost catch a slight iridescent shimmer in her pupils.
“Because the attire of just ten guests is worth enough to fund all the homeless shelters, and food programs in the city and the fuckers don’t give a damn.”
I lifted my glass out of respect. “Bold words from such a lovely woman.”
“How can you tell I’m lovely?” she asked, crowding my space even more.
“I can spot a beautiful woman a mile away.”
“Are you one of those wealthy yet abominable men who care for no one but himself?” Willow moved toward the railing, leaning over and tilting her head toward the moon. The slight shift allowed me to see her exquisite features; high cheekbones and luscious full lips. Even her skin held a glow.
“Some would call me ruthless.”
“And what do you call yourself?”
“Formidable,” I answered in honesty.
The answer brought a laugh, the sound just as charming.
“At least you’re honest. Integrity is something rare and quite valuable,” she half whispered. If the woman was trying to seduce me, she was actually doing a very good job.
“Then I must ask,” I said quietly as I leaned over the railing next to her, “why are you here?”
“For the free food and booze.” She laughed once again, the ice in her glass tinkling.
There was something quite formidable about the woman herself, a force to be reckoned with. She was testing the waters, determining what I was made of.
“Ah. A truthful woman herself.”
“Yes, I prefer no secrets in a relationship.”
“And are we in a relationship?”
Turning slightly, she held out her glass, inching even closer. Everything the beautiful woman did was a lure, and she was very good at her job. I allowed my fingers to float across hers as we clinked glasses. While her single purr was practiced, it had the reaction she was hoping for.
My cock was now pinched against the tight confines of my far too expensive trousers. Maybe her methodology was to get me into bed before shooting a bullet into my brain.
She pulled the glass to her lips, taking the time to trail the tip of her tongue around the rim, purring again as she took a sip.
I was fascinated by just how far this would go.
“There is nothing like excellent Russian vodka,” she mused, turning her attention once again toward the city lights. “Smooth and elegant in a rough and tumble manner.”
As the band began playing another song, this one louder than all the others and allowing for the melodic sounds to float in our direction, I decided to turn the tables. “Would you care to dance?”
“Here?”
“Why not? Is there also nothing better than being in the beautiful moonlight on a chilly night, listening to a marvelous band butchering one of the finest jazz songs in the world?”