Lara (Reynolds Ranch 1)

“Relax. Lara’s working the room, and we have eyes on her at all times,” Danny's voice chimes through my earpiece.

“I know. I know.” I can’t help but grimace when I see the way motherfuckers look at her. Dickerson is here tonight, but at least he learned his lesson when he came across my good friend Jack and has minded his manners. We haven’t had a problem with him in over a year. I’ll have to send Jack a nice present. Although clocking Dickerson when he insulted his wife, Petra was probably good enough.

“I need to go speak to her.” A bastard is chatting with her now, and I can’t stand that he’s too damn handsome. As I approach, another woman is standing with them, easing the tension in my body just a fraction. “Hello, my love.”

Lara looks up at me with a beautiful smile and sparkling eyes that calm the raging monster in my chest. “Well, hello, Mr. Black. Fancy seeing you here. I wondered when you’d come find me.” She winks, humor laced in every word because she reads my jealousy a mile away. I drop my head down to hers, snagging her lips with mine and reaching around to give her ass a nice squeeze.

When I back off, she introduces me to the couple. “This is Derek Baines and Ava Henry. Derek works for Ava’s father, who is also here somewhere—DA Henry from Indiana.”

“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I see you’ve been keeping my wife company.”

“She’s been telling me about your boys. They are adorable,” Miss Henry says, smiling sweetly. I can see she truly means it. I wonder if she’s waiting for the guy next to her to give her the same thing.

“Do you want another drink, Ava?”

“Just water, Derek.”

“Okay, I’ll be back. Can I get you two anything?”

“No, thank you.”

“So how long are you in the city for?” I ask, wanting to know what brings them here.

“Oh, only for the gala. We leave tomorrow. My father wants to schmooze with potential backers and all that. I have to get back to school by Monday.”

“Oh, yes, you mentioned you were in college. Where at?”

“Purdue.”

“Fine institution, and it keeps you close to home?” I ask, wondering if she chose to stay close to home. Something tells me Daddy rules the roost. Men like him in his position usually make all the decisions, and girls like her are unfortunately not given much choice.

“Yes, it does. There you are, darling.”

“Hello, Daddy. I was just speaking with Mr. and Mrs. Black.”

“Please, call me Lara,” she tells Miss Henry.

“Oh. Well, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Black. I hear your company is one of the best in the world.”

“We most certainly are, and I take pride in protecting those closest to me.” I don’t trust this fucker as far as I can throw him. If he’s looking for a backer, he’s looking up the wrong alley. I want nothing to do with him in any way, shape, or form.

“Sir, there’s an issue,” Danny says in my ear. “You’re needed at the entrance.”

“Excuse me, I’m needed elsewhere.” I turn to my wife and say, “Love, please go check on the Hugheses for me. Thank you.” I kiss her cheek before reaching out to shake his hand. “It’s nice to meet you both.” I walk straight to the front without looking back because I don’t want to give DA Henry any reason to believe I don’t trust him or that I’m leaving because I have a distaste for him. I’ll save that for after the event, when I have no intention of letting him contact me further.

After the matter is attended to, I locate my wife, who is exhausted. “We need to get home. You are worn out, Lara.”

“I am tired, but the party isn’t over.”

“I don’t care. It’s my job and pleasure to look after you.” I sweep her up into my arms and carry her out toward the exit. That’s when I spot the Henrys with an elegant older woman and Mr. Baines.

“Everything okay?” DA Henry asks.

“My wife is tired. It’s time to take her home and call it a night.”

“He spoils me.” She waves to them as we head out of the ball room.

“As it should be.” I kiss her softly and lead her out to the elevators. We’re staying in the hotel for the evening. The boys are with a sitter, and we get to enjoy some time alone.

As soon as we hit the entrance to our hotel room, I set Lara on her feet and she kicks off her heels with enthusiasm and a sensuous smile on her face. “Mr. Black, please take a seat in that chair.”

“Lawless, what are you up to?”

She runs her tongue along the edge of her top teeth. “You’ll see. Now be a good husband and sit.” Fuck, my dick is so hard that it’s painful to even take a step with these slacks on. Seeing my dilemma, she approaches. “It looks like you have a bit of a situation here.”