black trash bag to the alley compactor and s

chandeliers of the California Club glitt

a veteran partner, said over his scotch. "Though with the rumors abou

able went d

h, a junior partner's shoe scrape

ed. "Forgive me, Alex. A careless

g an effortless, razor-thin smile. "Market go

ng stammered, raising

er than anyone," anothe

an unread clau

the linen and slipped into the north

ng across the VIP alcove

in here, they'll say your assistant

o paces from th

paneled with antique f

scene was reflected wit

a crimson gown, her bare shoulde

diamond tulip ring threw c

opped with raspberry mousse, liftin

ushing his thumb against the corner

Hollie's eyes lifted and locked

mousse with a slow, deliberate smile be

sped, pressing a manicured hand to her collarbone

o the archway, her pho

rder icon, the waveform pulsing

it down onto the porcelain plate,

oing here, Alex

for some fresh

ce a sweet murmur as she tucked hair behind her ear. "Mr.

well compensated," Alex said, he

satin lapels of his tuxedo w

on of my life you approv

formal positio

Basil replied. "A

e said with glistening eyes. "If I had known you were

worry about my se

," Hollie murmured softly. "Mr. Mcleod wo

ooks very relax

file to her private server wi

g there like a courtroom

tely finishe

on her he

lipped the carved wooden basebo

, Alex!" Basil or

reached down, slipped off both black heels, a

oved soundlessly down the hall and pushed t

ed the black silk of her evening dress, and took a fre

r, the corridor

is face dark and scanning the cro

shed parquet floor, stoppi

t now?" Basil deman

rystal flute steadil

the party,

, leaning down until his breath touched

d about what was

eating a scene in front of o

nly one creating a sc

d through clenched teeth. "You push this

tle left that I wa

are when the firm loses i

on notice whenever y

ift the flute

lver tray of empty glasses, and set the full, untouched

nless inside the crystal, perfec