Free The Arrangement 5 by H. M. Ward Page A

There are a few that are really good at what they do. They create addicts. That’s what Black wants. Guys that are so addicted to your kind of sex that they’ll pay anything to get it. So getting returned kind of screws that up.”
    “That guy was a dick.” I look out the window as I say it. I’m still mad at Sean about that, but I’d rather be on my way to see him than Henry.
    “Obviously, but that’s unheard of. Lure this new guy into a third contract and all will be forgiven. After that, it’s anyone’s guess how long you’ll last. “
    The rest of the ride passes in silence. My heart is lurching like I have to get a root canal in the middle of the mall or something equally horrific. I liked Henry. He was sweet. I need to get my head in the game or I’m going to screw this up.
     

 
    CHAPTER 12
     
     
    By the time that we pull up at the restaurant, I feel more poised. Gabe pulls up to the curb and the valet opens the door. I step from the back of the car, smooth my sexy, red, silk dress and look up.
    Henry is standing a few feet away. He waves at me and hurries over. “You look stunning.”
    I smile warmly at him and take his arm when he offers it. “So do you.” My voice is a little too deep, but that’s okay. It’s better to think I’m a sex fiend, right? We walk inside and get led to a table at the back of the restaurant. It’s an Italian place with stucco walls and a rich red carpet that matches the color of my dress. Each table has a drippy candle in the center, along with beautiful plates and a million pieces of silverware.
    When we are both seated, Henry orders wine. I smile at him from under my lashes. I decided to take Mel’s advice and pretend this is a date. “So, how has your day been?”
    He beams at me. “Fantastic. I can’t even begin to tell you what that patent has done for me. I wanted to see you again. I had to thank you.”
    “You could have done that without all this.” I wink at him and the man smiles harder. Damn, he’s cute. He’s acting like I’m a goddess or something. Every compliment lights him up to full wattage.
    “Yes, but I wanted the chance to show you off and tell everyone I meet that you’re the woman who changed my life. You tamed the beast for me. Ferro had no intention of giving me that patent, but you got it from him. It makes me wonder what you’re capable of, so I wanted to take you out, alone, to see for myself.” His gaze is dark. Henry’s eyes don’t dip below my neckline even though I’m sure he can see the little bumps from the crystals under my dress. He doesn’t look.
    Sean stares. Stop thinking about Sean .
    I lean forward and say in a breathy voice, “You will.”
    The meal passes quickly. I try not to think about later, about doing things with him afterward, but images of naked bodies flash through my mind and sour my stomach. After dessert, I excuse myself. As I pass by the bar, Gabe falls into step with me.
    “One hundred and ten percent, Stanz. I’ve already told her that the guy is eating out of your hand.”
    “Thanks, Gabe.”
    He nods and turns like he was going somewhere else. When I’m in the bathroom, I walk up in front of the sink and stare at the mirror. I want to splash water on my face, but it’ll mess up make-up. I stand there for a moment and primp until I’m alone. Then, I sigh and try to work up the nerve to do whatever I need to do with Henry. I’m not cut out for this. Sex and love are tied together in my brain. I don’t know how to tear them apart.
    That’s why you can’t be with Sean. That’s why you can’t finish your job tonight.
    I look at myself. This isn’t what I thought my life would be like. But the money, oh my God, the money is good. Does it really matter that I fucked a really nice guy to survive? I might have slept with Henry anyway. He’s sweet and funny and… not Sean.
    When I leave the ladies room, I know what I need to do. I plaster a sexy smile on my face and saunter back to the