The Devil's Game by Alex Strong Read Free Book Online

Karina said as she sat down at the only other place setting.
    Damien looked up with a frown. “You should’ve asked,” he said.
    “I was only teasing,” she said, spooning some scrambled eggs onto her plate. “It wouldn’t have been necessary.”
    “I have to attend a party this evening. I was hoping you would join me.”
    Karina paused mid-bite.
    “You mean it’s not mandatory?” she asked.
    “You think I would force you to come?” He narrowed his eyes at her.
    “I, well, I suppose not.”
    “Does that mean you’d rather stay home tonight?”
    Karina didn’t even have to think about the answer to that.
    “Getting out of the house sounds like a great idea.”
    “Good. The car will be here by seven-thirty, so make sure you’re ready by then.”
    He pulled a napkin from his lap and stood.
    “Where are you going?” she asked.
    “I have work to do. But I’ll just be in my office if you need anything.”
    He disappeared, leaving Karina to breakfast by herself. What could she possibly need from him? Maybe some attention, perhaps? The last thought shocked her. It was the boredom speaking. Getting out tonight would do her some good.
     
     
    Karina wasn’t exactly sure what to wear for the party, but judging by the way Damien dressed just for dinner in his own home, she was going to go out on a limb and say the attire wasn’t casual. Since he hadn’t given any direction, she hoped she wasn’t breaking any rules when she chose a knee-length Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress covered in black lace.
    At a quarter after seven, she headed down to find Damien in the sitting room again, enjoying a drink. He was dressed in an understated black suit over a crisp white shirt and no tie.
    His face lit up as she walked into the room, and Karina felt a slight flutter in her chest.
    “Excellent choice,” he said. “Would you care for something before we leave?”
    She nodded and he poured. This time she made sure to savor it.
    “You’ll need to be careful with the wrap-dress though,” he said as he replaced the stopper on the decanter.
    “Why is that?” she asked, worried.
    “Because one little tug and you’ll come undone.” He stared at her over the glass as he took a sip, and Karina couldn’t look away.
    A car could be heard pulling up, and Damien finally released her from his gaze. He escorted her to the vehicle, and together they rode to the party that turned out to be at a house only a couple blocks away.
    “We could’ve just walked here,” she whispered as they climbed the steps to a mansion almost as impressive as Damien’s.
    “You don’t walk this neighborhood,” he whispered back.
    “So I’ve heard,” she muttered.
     
    An hour into the party, Karina began to wonder if maybe she would have been better off spending another evening alone at the house. The event was an engagement party for the hostess’ daughter, and everyone kept telling Damien how honored they were that he was able to attend. At least all the women did. He paid more attention to one well-wisher in the five minutes they chatted than he had to Karina her entire time in Miami so far.
    A waiter walked by with a tray of champagne and she snagged one, trying to figure out why it bothered her so much. It didn’t help that Damien rarely introduced her. Only when someone asked did he introduce her simply as Karina Watson. Although to be honest, she didn’t know what he was supposed to call her. Date, maybe?
    And then she arrived.
    “Damien!” she gushed, holding her arms out as she approached him.
    “Tabitha,” he said with a big smile as she embraced him.
    Karina swapped her empty champagne glass for a fresh one as she watched Damien kiss her cheek.
    “I didn’t realize you were back in town,” he said.
    “Just flew in this morning. Can’t you tell by how jet-lagged I am?”
    “I’d never guess,” he replied. “You look flawless as ever.”
    “Oh, stop,” she laughed, giving him a gentle push on the chest.
    Karina