Sweet Like Sin

Shadow Nymph

The moment they’re out of sight, I let out a slow breath. As much as I’d love for this night to be over and done with, I have a feeling it’s far from it. The second I step outside, I know Jake will be waiting with questions.

Questions I have no patience for. Just thinking about it makes my heart ache.

So for now, I focus on the man beside me.

Elezar Mendoza watches me with his dark gaze, his flawless, warm tan skin practically glowing beneath the chandelier lights above.

I turn to face him as whispers spread like wildfire across the room. It’s a good sign. I’ve dropped enough hints to make people question Jake and Jessica’s integrity.

It's the first step in their downfall.

And I don’t plan on stopping until they’re both on their knees beneath my heel, begging for forgiveness.

Something God will have to give them.

Because I sure as hell won’t.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Elezar asks, his voice smooth and deep. It’s pleasant enough to tempt any woman into his bed.

I inhale sharply, catching the faint scent of his expensive cologne.

“Nothing important.” I tuck a loose curl of brown hair behind my ear. “I’ll admit, I’m grateful you had my back just now. I’m just not sure why.”

His lips lift into a wicked smile. For some damn reason, my heart skips a beat.

“Oh, that?” He leans in, dark eyes swirling with something magnetic. “It wasn’t for free, kitty cat.”

My breath hitches, goosebumps rising, but I keep my composure.

“And what exactly would a multibillionaire with enough influence in this city to get whatever he wants need from me?”

“Mmm,” he hums, his smile turning downright dangerous. “I’m honored you think so highly of me. But even kings require more than riches.” He leans closer, warm breath carrying a faint scent of vodka. “I need you Esmeralda.”

My heart nearly stops, heat rising to my cheeks.

“What on earth are you talking about, Elezar?” I stutter.

His eyes sharpen, savoring my reaction. “To be more precise, I need your skills.” He smirks. “But that’s something we can discuss later. For now…”

He leans closer, lips near my ear as if about to pull me into an embrace, only to reach past me for the bottle of scotch I left on the table.

He straightens, lifting the bottle. “I’ll be taking this, as promised.”

He moves to leave, but I stop him. “Wait. What do you mean by skills?”

Elezar does not pause as he turns away, a low chuckle escaping him. “Don’t play dumb, kitty cat. Or should I say…” He glances back, eyes turning dark. “Shadow Nymph.”

My jaw drops.

He knows. How the hell does he know?

Not even Jake knows that part of my life.

“How did you…”

“Devil’s Fork. Tomorrow at five,” He says dismissively.

Then he disappears around the corner, leaving me frozen.

What in the actual f**k?

Before I can process my shock. A buzzing sound cuts through the air.

Bzzt. Bzzt. Bzzt.

My phone vibrates inside my purse. I mindlessly pull it out without looking at the contact, heart still racing from his words.

“Yes?” I answer.

“Esmeralda.” Jake’s voice carries an edge of anger threaded with something that almost sounds like concern. “I’m waiting in the car. Jessica already left. You and I need to talk.”

Rage flares in my chest at the sound of his voice, but I force it down. If I want to find out everything Jake has on my father, I need to play this carefully.

“I’ll be right there.”

I hang up and slip my phone back into my purse, my fingers brushing the cool steel of my King Cobra. Elezar’s words echo in my mind as I close it and head for the exit.

I will meet him tomorrow.

But first, I have to deal with Jake.