A lock of hair tumbled over her face as she shook her head. “I’m not dressed for this. I don’t fit in with them… I don’t belong in your world, Jamie.”
A low growl rumbled in his throat, sending a skin-tingling shiver down her spine.
“My world? I started with nothing and worked my ass off for years to get here. Having money means nothing if you’re an asshole with no dignity or self-control. This has nothing to do with cash and everything to do with enjoying the evening together.”
His breath, thick with alcohol, lingered in the air between them.
“Come up to the party with me, and if you’re notcomfortable, tell me and I’ll escort you back down here. No pressure.”
She gulped, barely able to focus when his cheek dented.
“Fine,” she whispered, though every instinct in her head screamed to run.
His hands slid down her sleeves, finding her clenched palms.
“Like you said, there are a few assholes up there tonight who’d probably fit your expectations, but I’m not one of them, okay?”
His molten amber eyes darkened, lingering on her lips with a hunger that sent a tremor through her. She waited, her breath caught, thoughts swirling, craving another taste of him.
For a second, insanity took over. Being held captive by him stirred crazy sensations, and she jolted back, yanking her hands free.
“I’ll have to take your word for it.”
He owned half a hotel, and she owned nothing but the clothes on her back. Shannon cursed herself. Somewhere along the way, in her inexperienced heart, the lines had blurred and broke her rules.
Jamie swiped her cash from the table, uncurled her fist and placed every penny back in her palm.
He towered over her, blocking out everything, except for the rapid beat of her heart. His masculine scent hung in the air, thick and intoxicating.
“Take the rest of the money and grab a taxi home later. If you decide not to come back to my place, that is.”His voice was a silken drawl, every word coated with a dangerous promise. “Though, that’s highly unlikely.”
“Really?” She smirked. “You seem pretty confident about that, Jamie. The last bus is at midnight, so if I decide to go home alone, I’ll just use my return ticket. Take the money.”
His eyes fluttered shut for a moment as he inhaled deeply. “You’re not sitting on a bus alone in the middle of the night.”
“I’ve taken the bus home from Belfast before. It’s fine.”
His head lowered, but he peeked up at her from beneath thick lashes, his lips curling into a sexy half-smile.
“I can tell how much you appreciate your independence. Or is it stubbornness?” he asked. “Let’s have a wager. I’ll bet you twenty-four pounds that you’ll be with me tonight.”
“I already am, aren’t I?”
“Yeah, and you’ll be at my place later, too.”
Shannon gulped, the surge of his wickedness pulsing deep within her core. “So, you’re a betting man?”
“I don’t bet against the odds. And I know you’ll end up on my face, tonight.”
The truth hung between them, raw and undeniable. This wasn’t about a date. It was about him, about shameless sex and the memory of that game-changing kiss in the hotel restaurant.
“Let’s see how the party goes. At the moment, the odds are stacked against you, Jamie.”
13
Jamie
There was unfinished business waiting upstairs. Loose ends he should’ve tied off with a single command. Shannon showing up had flipped the script.
