Player - A Deadliest Lies Novel - Michele Mannon Page 0,30
eyes. Such attitude.
“Nothing happens fast in these parts.” I hesitate, then decide to indulge her. “If my boss is correct, and he rarely isn’t, the buyer will show.”
“And then?”
“We offer him something that titillates his senses. Something he enjoys yet can invest money in for profit.”
“And what would that be?”
“Me.”
Her eyes go wide. “You?”
I sip my beer.
“This is the worst idea ever.” She picks up her pint and drinks deeply, before asking, “What in God’s name would he want with you? If he’s interested in someone pissing him off, that I can see. But buddying up to him then becoming his new best friend has failure written all over it. Or are you going to pimp yourself out and become his boy toy?”
I choke on my beer. If I were so inclined, he’d be my feckin’ boy toy.
“If so, you should reconsider given your skill set.”
“My skill set?” I sputter.
She flashes me a wide grin.
Christ’s sake. I’ve half a mind to bend her over the table and give her what for. End the assumption I’ve planted in her head. Ride her hard then send her packing.
If Hayden catches wind of my involving a civilian, there’ll be hell to pay. The world runs smoother with TORC handling governments’ dirty work. We follow a strict set of rules—Hayden’s rules. My colleague, Kylie Smith, could give you an earful on what happens when those rules get broken.
But boss did say, “By any means possible.” Involving this attractive, feisty woman into the game will help balance things out.
“We work together, you forget that night.”
She nods. “If you stop being vague and start treating me like your partner.”
“I’m going to do better than that. I’ll be treating you like my chailín.” When I see her confusion, I add, “My mot. My girl.”
“Your girlfriend.”
“That’s what I said.”
She rolls her eyes.
“Ever play good cop, bad cop?” I ask her.
“Yes.” She quickly comes to her feet. Jaysus, she’s excited. And wouldn’t you know that sparkle in her eyes is making me hard. Then her lips curl up to light up the room. She’s beautiful, in a pure and wholesome way. A person with morals. A woman on a mission to change the world as she sees fit.
Shame I’m going to disappoint her.
She laughs, drawing my attention. “I’m always the bad cop.”
I feel my cock hardening. “I bet you’re a bad one. Naughty. Filthy, even. With a mouth on you worth listening to.”
A pink flush trails up her neck to her cheeks. She’s sexy. Smart. Observant. A risk-taker. She’s got the skill set that’ll help lock down this buyer.
But I don’t want to see her killed.
I’d like her to get her happy ending, though with the lies I’ve been dishing out, it’s unlikely she’ll find one.
“A toast,” I say, breaking the moment. Focus on the job, you eegit, and stop messing with her head. “May we get what we want. May we get what we need—”
“I know this one,” she interrupts. She reaches across the table and clinks her pint to mine.
“But may we never get what we deserve.”
12
Clarissa
I’m starting to like Finn McDuff. He’s easy to be around, funny, and quick with a comment. He’s generous; the innkeeper was thrilled with her tip. He’s efficient, too, as evidenced by my new clothing from this morning’s no-nonsense, in-quickly and out-even-faster, shopping trip.
Did I mention he’s easy on the eyes?
Way easy. Black eyes and all.
And he’s a filthy, dirty talker. I’m not easily embarrassed but I’m out of my league with Finn. In intimate detail, I imagine him using his tongue on my clit or fingering me to climax while he bends me over a clothing rack. He’s relentless, too, almost like making me blush is his mission in life.
He can certainly talk the talk. Except experience tells me his version of walking the walk is more like a fumble and stumble.
The more I’m in his company, the more curious I am about him. What frazzles him? What would wipe the smile off his gorgeous lips?
We relocated to a small, dank hotel in Cork City. It’s tucked away on a side street. Fewer flowers, more dark hues of brown and black. And he’s arranged for separate rooms with a connecting door.
Tonight, we’re at The Maddest Monk, a pub located several blocks away but within walking distance. Finn informs me this is one of two places we’ll be hanging out. But we’re starting out here because “the pub draws the biggest eegits in town.”