the heir

Back stiff as forged iron beneath her glittering gown, she scanned the crowd until she located Pine smoking a thin cigar in a far corner, watching her react to the news with undisguised amusement.

Very well then. He wished to manipulate and provoke her? She would show him that particular game worked both ways.

Approaching him slowly, she plucked the cigar from his fingers and brought it delicately to her own mouth, holding his smoldering gaze all the while. She took one long, slow drag, tilting her head back to exhale a graceful plume of fragrant smoke.

When she handed back the cigar, Pine’s eyes had gone molten. Excellent. His hungry reaction galvanized her confidence. No matter who currently had the upper hand, she possessed weapons of her own in this duel with the billionaire power broker.

Stepping nearer, Vivian traced one fingernail lightly down the lapel of his tailored suit. “I believe we have some negotiations yet to conclude tonight, you and I,” she purred silkily.

Pine i