The Danger You Know

by Lily White

  I hate being social. A lot of people say that, but I mean it. People bore me the majority of the time, every one of them saying and doing the expected things, acting with a hive mindset, very few ever striking out with the audacity of being different.

  That’s what drew me to Adeline, her audacity, the splash of color she becomes in any monochrome setting. That mischievous fucking grin of hers when she knows she’s doing something wrong.

  Like now, for instance.

  Stepping back to stay near a wall and out of sight, I watch as Adeline, wearing a dress that hugs every fucking curve just right, sneaks away from a small grouping where Grant is boasting yet again. She has a look on her face that means trouble, her eyes glancing back to ensure Grant’s not watching before she hurries across the room to disappear down a hallway.

  I follow her, quickly passing through the large room to head down the hall. I turn a corner and find Adeline tapping her shoe with impatience, her finger hitting the call button of the elevator repeatedly.

  What is the little monster up to now?

  Curiosity gets the better of me. Sneaking up behind her, I stay close enough to run into the elevator behind her, but still far enough that she won’t notice me until it’s too late.

  The elevator doors slide open, Adeline steps inside, and just before they close fully, I rush forward, stick a hand out to stop them and then slide into the car.

  She has a busted expression, her eyes flashing annoyance as she steps back to keep as much distance between us as possible.

  Leaning against the opposite wall from her, I arch a brow. “Where are we going?”

  “I’m going upstairs,” she snaps. “And you’re going to stay in the elevator to let it take you back to the party.”

  “What if I don’t want to be at the party?”

  Her eyes flick to me. “Then you shouldn’t have come.”

  “You would have missed me too much if I decided to stay home.”

  She flashes me a scowl as the elevator comes to a stop and the door dings.

  Rushing out, she warns, “I mean it, Ari. Don’t follow me.”

  Well, of fucking course, I’m going to follow her. Just the way she marches down the hall like the building is on fire means that wherever she’s going is a hell of a lot more interesting than what’s going on downstairs.

  I’m a silent shadow at her feet until we reach a room door and she pulls a keycard from her clutch to swipe the lock. It beeps, popping open, but she turns before I can force my way inside to see what the hell she’s up to.

  “Please tell me you’re not cheating on Grant with two men.”

  Her eyes round with anger, lips yanking into a scowl.

  I know she’s not seeing someone else, but it’s still fun to mess with her. Plus, if she was, I would have already killed him because she’s mine and doesn’t realize it yet.

  Poking a finger against my chest, she tips her chin up, her blue eyes pinning mine.

  “I’m not cheating on Grant with anybody-“

  “I beg to differ.”

  Her cheeks flare red.

  “Anymore,” she adds while poking me with her finger as if it’s a lethal weapon.

  Snatching her wrist, I pull her hand to my mouth, and bite the tip of her finger before sucking the tip.

  Adeline stills, her gaze dropping to my mouth.

  Sliding her finger from my lips, I whisper. “Are you sure about that?”

  “Yes.”

  Except there’s no strength behind the word at all. Her answer is breathless.

  “Then let’s go in the room and find out if you’re telling me the truth.”

  Wrapping an arm around her waist faster than she can react, I move us both inside and shut the door behind me, blocking it with my body so she can’t rush out.

  She shoves away from me, backing up as if to keep me from walking into...

  I look above her head.

  ...an empty room with nothing but the standard furniture and a large computer on a desk attached to her camera.

  Lifting a brow, I almost laugh.

  “Well, this is disappointing. Your private life is very boring, Adeline. I was hoping for more whips and chains and a naked person tied to the bed awaiting your return.”

  She huffs and crosses her arms.

  “I have two weeks to get these photos done, and I’m running behind. Grant has been unbearable over the past few weeks, partly thanks to you, and I would much rather be up here working than down there with a bunch of stuffy ass people who bore me to fucking tears.”

  There she is...

  I remember this girl. Not that she would remember me, but that’s beside the point.

  The old Adeline is rearing her head, even if for very boring reasons. I can’t help but encourage it.

  Scanning my eyes slowly down her body, I drag in a breath at the sight. Her black gown falls over her hips in a waterfall of silk, cinching at the waist before lifting higher into a bodice that does nothing to hide the sensual curve of her breasts. It’s held in place by nothing more than two sashes crossing just above the swell of her chest to tie around her neck.

  One tug of the knot at her nape and she would be naked in front of me.

  “Explain to me how you managed to sneak a computer into the hotel wearing that.”

  A frustrated growl. “I snuck it in earlier today and rented the room using the trust account my parents left me. Every once in a while, I have a half hour when I can sneak away and get some work done, and you happen to be ruining this one.”

  So devious, this girl.

  She deserves a conspirator.

  My eyes lock to hers again. “Why only a half hour?”

  “Because I know at some point Grant will notice I’m gone. I’d stay away longer if I could.”

  Stepping forward, I stand close enough to send a shiver down her body, but not close enough to touch. “Do you happen to have the burner phone on you?”

  She looks away, but I tip my finger at her chin and tilt her face to mine. “I’ll take that as a yes, and even refrain from asking why you’re still carrying it around with you.”

  Her cheeks flame.

  “Why don’t I keep an eye on Grant, and I’ll text to let you know when and if he looks for you?”

  Surprised excitement fills her eyes. “You’d do that for me?”

  What the fuck am I agreeing to?

  “Yes, but you’ll owe me for it.”

  “Owe you what?”

  The barest tilt to my lips as I lean forward to whisper against her ear. “Don’t worry about that. I happen to think you’ll be very agreeable when the time comes to pay up.”

  The blush chases down her body, pale skin turning pink as my lips brush her cheek. She turns her head so that our mouths come within a teasing inch.

  I step back to deny her that kiss.

  She can fucking wait for it.

  “Keep your phone where you can see it. I’ll send word if you’re missed.”

  Without giving her a chance to respond, I leave the room and walk down the hall, an image in my head of how flushed she’d been before I left.

  I have no problem doing Adeline the favor by distracting her husband, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the game.

  After making my way back to the ballroom, I weave through the small groupings of people, nodding politely to those I pass, not recognizing any of them, thank fuck.

  Being a social creature is exhausting, and the likelihood that I’ll meet one or two of these people in a less-than-social situation later on in life is high. But that’s how it is when your world is built on money. The minute someone threatens it, they’re taken out.

  By me.

  So, it’s best I keep as low a profile as possible.

  Grant stands in a grouping of four men when I finally find him, his mouth flapping a mile a minute until he catches sight of me and waves me over.

  Slapping my shoulder as I step up, he turns to his buddies and makes the introduc
tions. I forget all their names as soon as he says them.

  “Are you enjoying the party, Harrison?” His eyes flick down to my empty hands. “Where’s your drink? Let me grab someone.”

  Snapping his fingers at a server who passes, he orders me a vodka and cranberry. I roll my fucking eyes that he remembered, but smile regardless because I’d created my own personal hell the second I decided to get involved with Adeline. I feel obligated to suffer the consequences.

  Green eyes back to me. “You didn’t bring a date?”

  “No, and I missed the dinner beforehand. My apologies for that. I had an unexpected business meeting. You know how it is.”

  The truth is I intentionally skipped it for two reasons.

  One, because Adeline put me down for the vegetarian option, and I wasn’t about to force that down my throat. And two, I was sure she’d stuck me at a table with the most obnoxious people she could find, because she’s a monster and that’s what she does.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he answers, a fake smile on his face as he turns to his friends. “Gentlemen, let me tell you how hard Harrison is to nail down as an investor. I’ve been chasing him for several weeks now.”

  The server comes back over and hands me my drink. I smile to take it from his hand, but refuse to pretend to drink it.

  Causally setting it on a table close by, I pull my phone from my pocket while Grant and his friends discuss the company and all the money they’re making.

  The coast is clear. Your husband is as annoying as ever and doesn’t notice you’re gone. I would have noticed. Just so you know.

  While waiting for her response, I glance up and nod my head, pretending to be interested in the details of a luxury yacht one of his friends purchased. My phone vibrates.

  Adeline: You notice everything, so that’s not saying much. Evil people always have to keep an eye out. Did you enjoy dinner, by the way? I’m sure the conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Huxley was a blast.

  I have no clue who she’s talking about. But it only confirms she’d planned to make me miserable.

  I missed dinner. I was too busy remembering how good your pussy tastes and took longer than I should jacking off.

  Grant nudges me with his elbow and drags me back to the conversation.

  “What do you say, Harrison? Would you be interested in a weekend aboard Henry’s yacht?”

  My brows shoot up my head. “Sounds amazing. Just let me know when.”

  Another friend pipes up about some plane he just bought, most likely to top the other guy, and I’m saved by Adeline’s answer.

  Adeline: Are you still standing with Grant? Please tell me you’re not texting shit like that while my husband is right next to you.

  The corner of my lip curls.

  He’s right here. I’m actually trying to imagine what you would look like on your knees, naked, with your hands tied behind your back while I fuck your mouth. I bet you’d be beautiful. You’ll choke at first, but that’s okay. Eventually you’ll get the hang of it.

  The little dots pop up that she’s responding. Disappear. Reappear. And are gone again. Meanwhile, I keep glancing up, pretending to listen, nodding at the appropriate times.

  If I had a gun on me, I’d shoot myself just to end this.

  Adeline: Not funny.

  I grin.

  You’re the one who owes me a favor. So, who’s laughing?

  Her response is immediate.

  Adeline: I’m working. Leave me alone.

  Chuckling at that, I slip my phone away and feign interest in the conversation.

  There’s only one person who can force me to suffer like this, but if it’s to help her find herself again, I’ll do what’s necessary.

  It isn’t all bad.

  Not when I pass the time thinking of all the ways she can make it up to me.

  Adeline

  Ari: You may want to come down now. Grant just asked his sister if she’s seen you.

  I glance at my phone when it pings, half expecting another dirty message about what Ari wants to do to my body, but then panicking when I see what is says.

  Two hours he’d somehow given me, but now that Grant is asking questions and Gloria is on the hunt, I need to make an appearance.

  After slipping my heels on, I leave the room and hurry downstairs, my eyes meeting Ari’s as I sneak past a group of people to walk to the bar.

  Champagne in hand, I begin making rounds of the room, engaging in small talk here and there as I slowly wind my way over to my husband’s group. They stand near the dance floor, most of them ignoring the elegant couples who are slow dancing.

  I slip my hand into Grant’s, making effort to ignore Ari’s dark stare, and tilt my face up to smile at my husband.

  “There you are,” he says, hand squeezing mine. “I’ve been looking for you all night.”

  Liar...

  It hurts to think he hadn’t noticed my absence until recently, but then, that’s Grant. Ever the businessman, his focus on generating money.

  “I was making rounds. Ensuring the ladies are having a pleasant night.”

  Giving me a brief smile intended to coddle, he releases my hand and returns his attention to the group.

  Another ten minutes and I’ll be able to sneak upstairs again, just as soon as Gloria catches sight of me with Grant and goes back to whatever she’s doing.

  Moving away so I’m not in the middle of his conversation, I startle when Ari steps up behind me.

  He’s a wall of heat at my back, but manages to keep from touching me. Anybody who might look over won’t see anything wrong with how close we are, but to me it’s far too intimate a proximity to be comfortable.

  “Did you get a lot of work done?” he asks, his voice a soft purr, like satin rubbing between my thighs.

  I don’t turn to look at him, my stare locked on the dancers.

  His scent wraps around me, and I wonder about the type of cologne he wears. It’s compelling, and I breathe deeper as my eyes close for a second, so earthy and distinctly male that I tremble against the memory of it.

  “I’ve been meaning to tell you that your dress should be illegal. One tug and I’d have your entire body exposed. I’d take my time enjoying the view. And when I’ve finished memorizing every part of you, I’d spend another hour tasting every inch. I don’t think I’d stop until you’re a quivering mess that will let me do anything I want. So wet and ready that you’d beg to be filled.”

  My heart is a drumbeat in my throat, my legs weak. I manage to appear unaffected, but on the inside, I’m already a mess. Already begging.

  I quickly glance at Grant to see he’s oblivious to what’s happening, his attention focused solely on the group of men around him.

  Clearing my throat, I whisper, “I’m a married woman.”

  “You keep saying that, but I’m not sure I care.” A pause. “I’m not sure you care either.”

  He runs a fingertip along the curve of my hip, and I jump, my throat slamming closed as I attempt to hide the reaction.

  “Are you planning on having any fun tonight, Adeline? Or has your life become so boring, you’ve forgotten what it is?”

  I don’t answer him, but it doesn’t stop Ari from having his fun.

  Another soft slide of a fingertip, this time down the center of my nape, the secret touch hidden by the fall of my hair.

  “I hope you know I plan to wrap my fist in this hair the first time I sink inside you.”

  My entire body shivers, my lungs struggling to breathe as he pulls his hand away.

  Voice a low croon, he asks, “Will you dance with me?”

  Swallowing several times before I can answer, I lie to him. “I don’t dance.”

  But it makes me remember when I used to lose myself to the beat of music, the hours I would spend happily working myself into a full body sweat, my hair wild, my heart pounding. I’d felt so free then. So unencumbered by the weight of responsibility that came with being the wife of Grant Cabot.

&nbs
p; “I think you do,” he whispers.

  “My husband doesn’t dance,” I say, my voice firmer because it makes me angry to admit it.

  A soft chuckle. “Then it’s a good thing I’m not your husband.”

  He steps away from me, and it’s like being doused with ice water, the loss of his heat leaving me cold and empty.

  It’s unfair the way Ari affects me, the pull he has, as if he’s attached strings to every part of my body and can so easily manipulate me into a puppet who worships only him.

  My eyes round with panic when Ari moves to stand beside Grant. “Would you mind if I dance with your wife?”

  Grant, ever the sycophant who will do anything to land an investor, smiles, his eyes shooting to me before he answers Ari with a practiced, obsequious voice.

  “Not at all. Please, both of you enjoy yourselves.”

  Something glimmers behind his green eyes, though. I still at the sight of it, my head shaking on a weak refusal as Ari takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor.

  Turning to look over my shoulder, I notice Grant’s stare following us, suspicion narrowing his eyes before the odd expression is gone and he returns his attention to the group.

  I wonder if I imagined it as Ari pulls me close, his left hand moving to my lower back as his right grips mine. I melt against the heat of him, the hard planes of his chest pressing against the soft weight of my breasts.

  We haven’t taken the first step yet, and already he’s the embodiment of raw sensuality, the rough, jagged promise of male sexual aggression that calls to something oh so feminine inside me.

  And when we do finally begin to move, my head isn’t in this moment. Instead, I’m learning through the grace of his body just what this man would be like in bed.

  It doesn’t help that his mind is in the same place as mine, the deep purr of his voice whispering against my ear, stroking me in places that are forbidden.

  His knee brushes the inside of my thigh as we turn through a move, the room melting away around us. A bead of sweat slips down my spine, and I press closer to him without thinking of how it must look.

  “Do you miss dancing?”