“No thanks. I’ll just finish this one.” I gave a conspiratorial wink causing his hearty chuckle. “But I’ll follow.” I figured I had nothing else better to do.
At the bar I stood with Thompson as he ordered his scotch. I suddenly had the urge to pee and thought it best not to try and go once things got underway.
“Will you excuse me for a minute while I go to the ladies' room?”
“Sure. I’ll be right here,” he said as I walked off. I could feel him channeling my booty lustfully as I strutted in direction of the ballroom exit.
I was able to get in and out of the bathroom in no time. When I looked into the vanity while washing my hands, it dawned on me that I must have left my clutch at the bar. I couldn't freshen up my makeup though thankfully, it was all still intact.
Back at the bar, Thompson was still there waiting as agreed. He had one foot up on the medal rod at the bottom of the bar while resting his alternate leg on the floor with his arms folded on the bar top. I spied my clutch.
“I'm glad you stayed in place. Can't lose this,” I said retrieving it from the bar. Thompson still held his amorous gawk.
“I meant what I said. You are working that gown, very elegant.”
I narrowed my brows at him. I thought of how Azmir was so insistent that I wore this particular gown. It must be a man thing.
“Thanks again , Mr. Thompson,” I said sardonically.
“Tell me, what would you be doing if you were not obligated to be at your employer’s fundraising ball this evening, Rayna?”
Before I could think to answer, I generously and very pleasantly inhaled an intriguingly familiar fragrance that summonsed my libido. I’d suddenly become aroused in a way I'd never experienced. I’d sensed him before I heard or saw him.
“Well, I hope with me, where she belongs,” a baritone voice, twisting my stomach muscles, spoke so fluidly with hidden snarl.
I felt his arm hook my waist and his hand reached down to my belly causing me to feel claimed and secure. I gasped as I looked up to find Azmir all dapper in his dark blue Tom Ford suit. His eyes were glued to Thompson who stood with his mouth fixed in an “O” shape clearly at a loss for words. Azmir didn't smile, in fact, he peered at him with an expression that wasn't fit for words. Azmir broke his glower to look down at me and I could see almost instantly his eyes softening as he kissed me on the forehead. Those trustee currents zapped through me causing me to lose my breath.
“Azmir,” I breathed trying to steady my lungs. “You made it.”
“Of course I did. I couldn't have missed this for all the tea in China.” He couldn't hide the sarcasm.
I was winded. “But I thought—” I muttered before he cut me off.
“You're not drinking that, are you?” I looked over at my hand squeezing the martini glass giving away my edginess. “It can't be fresh. Plus, you’ve walked away from it. Let’s get you something else.” He sensually chastened in my ear, but loud enough for Thompson to hear.
“Rayna,” Thompson called out, once again allowing his arrogance to rear its ugly head. Not right now, Brian. You don't want it with A.D.. I begged in my head. “Who's your friend?” he continued.
I was in the middle of the two sitting on the bar stool as Azmir stood behind me. I could hear Azmir behind me ordering drinks, though I wasn't sure of what. I looked up at Azmir, who winked at me with a flexing jaw, before turning back to Thompson.
“Brian Thompson, this is Mr. Azmir Jacobs. Mr. Jacobs, Thompson is the practice's new attorney.”
“...firm,” Thompson corrected.
“I'm sorry?”
“Law firm. I have a team of attorneys that work for me.”
Seriously?