kisses and looks me up and down. “If only you’d been around when I was younger.”
“Nice to see you, Caroline.”
She waves a hand. “I’ve already given Winston my comments on this meeting, so I’ll be participating in absentia.”
“Have a good time.” I give her a nod.
“I always do.” She gives me a predatory smile and swans past.
I keep walking past the parlors and bar area, straight into the meeting room.
Winston’s already here talking to someone.
He turns to me. “Clark, about fucking time.”
“I was occupied.”
“With what?” Winston asks.
“I was eating a delicious cunt, if you must know.” I stare at him.
He nods. “Fair enough. Clark, this is Sebastian Lindstrom. Sebastian, this is Clark Evergreen.”
Sebastian gives me a cold stare, one I return. “I know you by reputation, of course, Mr. Evergreen.”
He’s younger by a few years, I would guess. His eyes sharp, his intelligence sparkling. But there’s also something different about him. Something that’s … off.
Winston clears his throat. “Long story short, Lindstrom is selling us one of their companies, but I wanted you here to make sure it doesn’t cause a conflict.”
“What conflict?” I itch to get back to my little princess, her taste still lingering on my tongue.
“I’m selling an aeronautics venture.” Sebastian speaks in measured tones, which tell of an exacting and particular mind.
“Will it be in competition with Eastern Air?” I get to the point.
“Only on trips between New York and DC.” Winston says, playing it casual. “But there’s plenty of demand and room in the market for both of us.”
He’s a shark. So am I. And Sebastian Lindstrom? I can’t get a bead on him, but he’s a predator.
I peer at Lindstrom. “Why are you selling?”
“My wife said something about the carbon imprint and rainforests.” He shrugs. “That was enough for me to get rid of it.”
“Your wife must be something special.” I raise a brow, shocked that he’s married.
“Camille is everything I’m not.” He smiles with the only warmth I’ve seen him offer. “The only woman I’ve ever preferred all in one piece.”
“Nonsense, Evergreen.” Winston hands me a glass, then one to Sebastian. “We also need to discuss the antiquities issue.”
Now that is something we can’t discuss over the phone. Primarily based on its highly illegal and unethical nature.
“I’ll leave you gentleman to it.” Sebastian downs his drink mechanically, then leaves the room.
“Odd guy,” I say.
“That’s putting it mildly.” Winston pours another drink. “But he’s a fucking genius when it comes to business. Like you.” He leans against the bar. “Now, tell me more about this delicious pussy you were sampling.”
“No, thank you. The antiquities?”
“A ruse. I just wanted to hear what society kitten caught your eye.” Winston isn’t known for joking. In fact, he’s often more severe than I am, which is saying something. That’s why we’re friendly. Cut from the same misanthropic cloth.
“Just a toy. Nothing serious.” I finish my drink.
“Sure.” He doesn’t sound convinced. “More on the antiquities soon.”
“Good news, I hope?”
“If our smugglers come through, we’ll be golden.” He sighs. “If not, then I suppose I’ll have to kill a few of them to make an example.”
“Works for me.” I head for the door.
“Just a toy, eh? I’ve never seen you move that fast for something so easily thrown away,” he calls from behind me.
I ignore him and put my mask on, then go on a princess hunt.
7
Lily
“Where’ve you been?” Graves finds me in the upstairs hallway and hands me a drink before downing his own.
“I just sat down for a minute.” I smile as convincingly as I can and take a sip.
It works because he takes my elbow and leads me toward the stairs.
“Going back to the main party?” I ask.
“Somewhere better.” He grins, his perfect teeth glinting even in the low light.
“What could be better than the Constantine house?”
“You’ll see.” He moves his hand to my ass as we walk down the stairs. “I’ll take that.” He grabs another drink from a passing tray, then lifts it. “To you, my lovely Lily.”
“Aw, that’s sweet.” I clink my glass with his and drink deeply. The fool is smitten just as I’d planned. Soon enough, I’ll be planning a wedding at his family’s estate in Bishop’s Landing. My only remaining problem is a potential prenup, but perhaps I can call in one more favor from my ‘benefactor’ if that comes up.
A pleasant shiver runs through me at the thought of him, of how he looked with his