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Since they’d ht have won a couple of rounds, but this one definitely went to her

He’d spent his adult life avoiding relationship dra than ever He lived for another hit of her

Indeed, she’d won the latest skirmish He, however, intended to be the ultimate victor

Rafe reached for his phone one ht at Vieille Rivière in Louisiana He was nothing if not persistent

CHAPTER NINE

Hope’s knees wobbled as the express elevator she rode with Skyler and Tony whooshed to a stop on the sixty-first floor of 1 International Plaza, a stunning five-sided tower that housed soe Group had hostedvenues, they’d never used this facility

The doors parted to reveal a large lobby area with glea s A wo a black skirt suit and a warm smile stood a few feet away “Welcome to the International Club, Ms Malloy”

When the trio exited, the wo requested I take very good care of you”

With her purse, Skyler nudged Hope’s ribs Hope glared at her assistant That , Rafe had sent a bouquet of red roses, with thorns Not wanting to look at the arrangement all day, Hope had placed the vase in the conference rooe that she’dShe hadn’t been able to hide the flowers, but she’d kept the texts private It had taken resolve she didn’t know she possessed to stop herself fro

Last night, Rafe had sent her the names of two submissives he’d scened with in the past and recommended she call them as references Despite her resolve to avoid him, she’d closed her office door and made the first call to Sara Sara had said she’d adored playing with Rafe He had been considerate and fulfilled her desires Knowing he’d been involved with the sweet-sounding submissive had spiked envy in Hope But as far as references went, Sara’s words were reassuring Hope had called the next sub too and received a si recommendation

Part of her had hoped she’d learn soive her a solid reason to bolt

Skyler cleared her throat, bringing Hope back to the present She’d been lost in thought while Barbara had been speaking “Sorry?”

“I was asking if this is your first visit to the International Plaza”

“It is”

“We’re delighted to have you here Our observation deck is renowned for its city views” Several pieces of modern art adorned the wide-open area, si the inside of the building with the exterior and providing a visual bridge to the nearby arts complex