Master No (Masters and Mercenaries, #9)(132)

“What?”

He gave a negligent half shrug. “Well, they didn’t suit you, dear. It looks like some old man picked them out, perhaps trying to de-tart his ‘much too young for him’ girlfriend.”

Matt apparently really didn’t like my current lover. That was no reason for him to leave me without pants. “You *. How am I supposed to get home in this?”

“That’s your problem, dear. I’ve done my level best to help. You can’t expect me to solve all of your problems.” Matt’s mouth turned up in a slow smile. “And now my date for the evening is here.”

A thin young man with curly blonde hair and blue eyes was walking toward us. He kept his eyes downcast and sank to his knees when he reached us. “My Lord, how may I serve you this evening?”

Matt looked down on the young man, his lips thinning as he reached out to touch his hair. “I’ll think of something, Tristan. And tell the colorist your hair should be a bit lighter to get it just right.”

Tristan didn’t look up, merely kept this head down. “Of course.”

“Come along, now. I know public sex is all the rage here, but I prefer a bit of discretion. I’m going to take my sweet little puppy somewhere private to play our games.” His face turned serious as he regarded Gray. “I’m making do tonight, brother, as I have every night for the last ten bloody years. The object of your affection is in your grasp. I suggest you don’t let her go.”

With that I was left alone with the man who had lied to me. I was left alone with the first man I ever loved. With the man I couldn’t get out of my head.

“You’re supposed to be in Italy.” Gray made it sound a little like an accusation.

“I just got back yesterday.” I really wished I had more clothes on. I noticed that the man Gray had been talking to was watching us now.

“So it only took you twenty-four hours to get into serious trouble,” Gray complained.

It wasn’t how I expected the reunion to go. I was the injured party. I was the one who had come to save him even though he’d treated me like crap. The least I expected was a little gratitude. “I’m on a case.”

“That’s your excuse for everything, sweetheart,” Gray said flatly.

Tears welled in my eyes and I f*cking hated that. Only Gray ever made me lose control. That mask was coming in handy. I should have been happy. He was making it easy on me. I could go home to Marcus and cuddle up and know that I was in the right place with the right man. The time I spent with Gray had been a huge mistake. “Then it can be my excuse for leaving. I can see you have everything under control here, Sloane. I won’t bother you again.”

His hand wrapped around my upper arm and drew me close to his body. Every inch of my skin came to life the second he touched me. “You bother me every second of every day, Kelsey mine, and it’s far too late for you to leave.” He pulled me into the confines of his muscular arms. His mouth went straight to my ear and he whispered. “I’m undercover, sweetheart, and now you are, too. You know how to play this role. Keep your mouth closed and look submissive. Please don’t fight me on this. I’m trying to keep you safe. You have no idea what you’ve gotten into. Play along with me and I’ll explain everything in a while.”

I nodded. I knew exactly what he wanted. I was capable of keeping my mouth shut when the occasion called for it. I’d been in the business long enough to know that listening was way more important than talking.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes, gorgeous.” His hands slid along the curve of my hip. “I missed you, Kelsey mine.”