He grinned, wrapped in shadow in the expensive limousine’s interior. His teeth were white, his face rugged and handsome. “You wanted to know—I’m showing you.”
I blinked, trying to make sense of everything that’d happened today. My mind skipped backward, reliving up to this moment.
The package.
It all started with the package that’d arrived a few hours after Arthur had left.
“Yours, I believe.” A Pure Corruption brother stood on the stoop, holding out a large box. Dressed in his uniform of jeans and cut, he looked the part of a biker but seemed too baby-faced to be dangerous. However, his nickname Switchblade said he wasn’t exactly as cherub-like as his features suggested. “Deliveryman just left. I signed on your behalf.”
“Uh, thanks.” Taking the package, I closed the door and scurried up the stairs to open it. What on earth was going on? Where the hell was Arthur?
As I sat on the bed and stroked the black silk ribbon wrapped around the large white box, I suddenly felt as if Arthur were beside me—an apparition waiting for me to open the mysterious parcel.
Slowly, I undid the bow and cracked open the lid.
Inside was a simple note.
For you. For tonight.
My heart skipped, trying to keep up. I’d made a mistake believing I knew everything there was to know about Arthur. I knew the boy, but not the man. And I’d forgotten one very important thing: Arthur was a planner. An arranger. He never stopped orchestrating or plotting.
I can’t believe I forgot that.
And this was a prime example how his body might be in my arms, his heart might be nestled snugly beside mine, but his mind … that was off busily constructing world domination.
I had no clue what would happen tonight.
But that wasn’t new. Being with Arthur was always a surprise. From daisies in my shoes to impromptu picnics on the Clubhouse roof. Everything was always a shock. But a nice shock, nevertheless.
Inside the box, sleeping in decadent purple crepe paper, was the most incredible dress I’d ever seen. I’d never been a dress-wearing girl. I favored jeans and T-shirts. A no-nonsense wardrobe when dealing with puking puppies and scratching kittens. But this … wow.
I didn’t feel worthy pulling such resplendent material from its bed of crepe. Holding the strapless gown toward the window, I fell in love with the intricate turquoise beads on the lacy bodice, flowing down the front to form a jagged lightning bolt teasing with the black tulle of a full-bodied skirt.
Along with the dress, there was a strapless bra and matching G-string in black and turquoise.
“Where on earth did he get this from?”
With serendipitous timing the phone rang, and, with infinite carefulness, I tucked the dress away and ran to answer.
“Did it arrive?”
I beamed as Arthur’s voice pooled into my ear. “Yes. It’s stunning.”
“Good, I called a local boutique. They assured me it would fit you after I gave them jumbled descriptions on your height and weight.”
I giggled. “Well, I think they’re mind-readers, because it’s perfect.” Silence fell. I asked, “Where exactly are we going?”
A masculine chuckle sent my heart skipping. “No questions. We have to work tonight and I need you looking astonishing so I can gobsmack the men in the room.”
I plopped onto the bed, fingering the crepe. “So you’re pimping me out? Have you no shame?”
“None when it comes to you. Is it bad that I find you fucking incredible and want to show you off? I want other men to stare at you and know that you’ll never be theirs because you’re mine.”
I sucked in a breath.
“I have to run another errand. I’ll be home later. In the meantime, have a bath, do your hair—do whatever you womenfolk require to get ready for a party. I’ll see you later.”
Before I could say goodbye, he hung up.
“Cleo? Cleo, for God’s sake, are you listening to me?”
I jumped, skipping from the past and back to the present. Bringing Arthur into focus, my eyes trailed from his chiseled jaw to the exquisite sight of him wearing a dark grey suit, complete with the tie he’d used to blindfold me. My core melted at ensnaring someone so beautiful—both inside and out. “Sorry. You were saying?”
He laughed softly. “I was saying what to expect tonight, but seeing as I was boring you, let’s just go in, shall we?”
I swallowed hard. “Go in where?”
With glowing green eyes, he shifted in his seat. “Not my fault you weren’t paying attention.”
I pouted. “It’s entirely your fault that you’re far too distracting and delicious. All I want to do is tear off that tie and put it to other uses.”
His knuckles turned white, clutching his thighs. “Don’t.” He sent me a warning look that sent electricity scattering to every cell. “I’m struggling to keep my cock in order without you saying things like that.”
Sliding over the glossy leather of the backseat, I fluttered my eyelashes. “At least people can’t tell what I’m feeling.”
His breath turned shallow. “And what are you feeling?”