Chapter 73

The use of that nickname sent a jolt through me. With a knowing smirk, he pulled away and casually strolled over to the long leather sofa, leaving me rattled and trembling. Settling on the sofa like a king, he crossed one leg over the other, his shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a silver chain and the edge of the tattoo I had once glimpsed in shock. His dark eyes gleamed with interest as he sipped from a crystal glass. "Go on," he said, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Show me what you've got." I took a shaky breath as I moved forward, trying to channel confidence, but the moment I climbed into his lap, my knee bumped the glass in his hand. "Shit—sorry—" I blurted, scrambling to steady myself. He caught the glass effortlessly, chuckling. "Relax. You're not auditioning for a movie here." The music throbbed in the background as I started again. I moved with hesitation, unsure of how much contact was expected. My hands hovered awkwardly before finally settling on his shoul