Emily Rand looked mortified as I spoke, but I wouldn’t take them back. Let the whole fucking world know that her place was next to me - in my bed. Her parents could fuck right off if that was going to be a problem.
“Your core business is security, isn’t that right?” Once again, Alan interjected, deflecting the attention away from his wife’s lack of manners.
“Yes. We run one of the largest private armies in the US.”
Emily’s gaze finally landed on me, and I watched as she scanned me with interest.
“Fascinating.” Alan almost purred. “Any new business ventures on the horizon?”
I knew I shouldn’t, but I never claimed to be anything other than a bastard.
“Actually, yes. I’m looking to expand in the diamond industry. I have a good contact in Australia - Clay only deals with the good stuff - we’re looking to ship them here, but I would have to set up an entirely new operation for such an expansion to work.”
I left him the bait, waiting to see if he would snatch it up with his hungry pick-pockety fingers.
Of course, I didn’t mention the fact that Clay was looking for a shipment of arms. It would be an even trade, our shipment for his diamonds, but I’d done my reconnaissance on Clay. By all reports, he may be a bastard, but he didn’t fuck over those he conducted business with.
“What kind of setup are you looking at?” Alan asked, and even as he tried to hide his excitement, it was evident. “I may know some people - I can put you in contact with them - that sort of thing.”
This time my smile was neither forced nor false. I grinned at Alan, enjoying the fact that I had read him correctly.
“Of course,” I nodded, “It would ultimately make sense for us to work together.”
Alan nodded enthusiastically, but I watched his brow crease as those last words hit home.
“Because of Corinne,” I offered by way of an explanation.