“You were discussed at my club.” I reach down for the bottle of bourbon I have waiting for me on the center table and then hand her my glass so she can drink from it. “Here. It looks like you could use a drink.” I take a long swallow straight from the bottle, my eyes never leaving hers, before I add, “Naughty, naughty. You pissed off some extremely vengeful and ruthless Russians. You’re all the talk right now.”

Her eyes dart from mine as she looks around the room, maybe searching for her enemies to enter, but then just as quickly redirects her attention to me. She holds my glass of bourbon but has yet to drink from it.

“So yes, my girl,” I continue. “You’re in danger, and even more so being in such a public setting. You and I both know that Daddy Dearest won’t save you.” I tilt my head and take her in from head to toe. Fucking beautiful. “So, why come here? I’m curious. I’m sure you aren’t on the guest list.”

“I should be,” she says too fast. She takes a deep breath and crinkles her adorable nose for the briefest of moments, but then paints the Ice Queen face on once again. “I don’t see why this is any of your business.”

“I made it mine,” I say with a smile as I drink again. “At least for the night.”

“Excuse me?”

“I called off the hit for the time being. I had my men spread the word that you’re off limits tonight. You’re under my protection as long as you’re by my side.”

“I don’t need your protection.” Her bottom lip trembles, and she bites it back. Her teeth… fuck I want to feel those teeth. “I can take care of myself.”

“It’s only a matter of time until every hitman on the East Coast learns you’re here.” I clink my glass to hers. “And I have a feeling based on how you came running into this study, that you know Maxim has already arrived.” I walk to the heavy door, hearing the murmured voices, the clinking of champagne flutes, and the muffled music from the other side. Locking it, I turn to face her again. “You’re welcome.”

The color has drained from her face, and her already dark eyes seem to blacken more. “How much was the bounty for?”

I swallow back another swig of the bourbon. Such an ungentlemanly way to drink, but then I’m not exactly a gentleman at all times. “Tsk, tsk. It’s a celebration tonight. Why talk of such things that leave a bad taste in our mouths?” I lick my lips as thoughts of tasting her pussy run through my mind, down my body and straight to my hardening cock. “There’s so much more fun things we can do… and taste.”