Hacking Mr. CEO (Billionaire Heists #3) by Anna Hackett

Coming to his senses, Mav lifted his head. He saw fierce hunger in her eyes. A ferocious, possessive need rose up in him. He was a loyal friend, protective of his family, but he’d never felt like this about a woman. Not even Hannah.

“Way to keep a low profile, big guy.”

He set her down, well aware that people were looking, whispering.

“People always watch me.” He hated it. “When I’m not doing anything interesting, they make stuff up.”

“So, you figured you’d give them something to gossip about.” She slipped her arm through his.

“Actually, I wasn’t thinking about anything but you.”

She stilled.

Crap. He hadn’t meant to say that. The words had just slipped out. That seemed to happen a lot around Remi.

She went up on her toes and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

“I need more champagne.” They walked across the room.

“Have you seen Rayner?” he asked.

“No.”

“Too busy getting accosted by jackasses?”

“He had a tired pickup line. If you wanted no one to notice me, you shouldn’t have given me this dress.”

Mav grunted. He wanted to burn the dress. “I’ll cover you in a sack.”

She grinned.

He got her another champagne, and she sipped it.

“I love the jewelry,” she said.

His gaze dropped to the necklace. It succeeded in dragging his gaze to her luscious, full breasts.

Yes. Burning the dress and the jewelry.

“It’s not real gold, right?” She stroked the necklace and he noticed that her nails were now blue.

He arched a brow.

“Right. Don’t tell me.”

“I saw the necklace and earrings. I thought you’d like them.”

And he’d wanted to see them on her. Preferably while naked.

“I need a drink,” he growled.

She held out her glass.

“No, I need a scotch.”

“Well, I—” she broke off, looking behind him.

“Remi?”

She leaned in, pressing her palms to Mav’s chest. “It’s Rayner.”

Mav straightened. He slipped a hand in the pocket of his trousers, and touched his phone.

“Ready?” she murmured.

He nodded. He leaned down, his mouth brushing hers.

“The phone is set to transmit. We just need to get close enough.”

She cocked her head, looking like a feisty princess, ready to defend her realm.

He scowled. Jeez, where was his brain coming up with this stuff?

They wandered closer. He saw Leon Rayner now. The man wore his tuxedo with ease, and had the rich, entitled look that some kids from wealthy families got.

“Canapé?” Mav swung Remi close to the table loaded with food.

“Sure thing.” She popped something in her mouth. Her face changed.

He worked hard not to laugh. “Not to your liking, angel?”

She swallowed and her nose wrinkled. Then she drained her champagne flute.

“Ugh. That was disgusting.”

Mav laughed quietly.

“Quit it.” She hit his chest.

“Maverick Rivera. A pleasure.”

Mav straightened and faced Rayner. He was a shade under six feet, slim, elegant.

The man smiled. “It’s nice to see you.”

“It’s Rayner, right?” Mav said.

The man’s smile dimmed. “Right.”

Mav lifted his chin. Just a little closer.

“How are things at Rivera Tech?”

“Busy. We always have new projects on the boil.”

“He’s always so busy.” Remi leaned in with a bright smile.

Rayner’s smile widened. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Leon Rayner.”

“This is Angelica.” Mav pulled her closer.

“I’ve been busy myself,” Rayner said. “I have lots of work going on.”

“Leon!” A trio of men nearby called out to the man.

“Excuse me. A pleasure to meet you, Angelica.” With a nod, he walked away.

Dammit. Mav pulled his phone out. “Fuck.”

“Not long enough?”

He shook his head.

“Give it to me.” She took the phone. “Now look angry, say something nasty, and stride off to get that scotch.”

Maverick glowered. “I hate that every man here has a perfect view of your breasts.”

“Wow.” She put a hurt look on her face. “You’re so good at grumpy and snarly.”

“So I’m told.” He leaned over her, glaring.

“And need I remind you that you picked the dress? I think my breasts look great.”

“They do. They look very good.” He swiveled and strode off.

He headed to the bar, hating that he was leaving her alone. He reached the bar and the bartender headed over.

“Scotch. Neat. The best you have.”

The bartender nodded and turned away. Mav leaned on the bar and glanced in Remi’s direction.

She was convincingly wiping her eyes. A second later, Rayner appeared, talking to her. Remi shook her head, and offered him a watery smile.

Rayner sidled closer.

Mav frowned. The asshole didn’t need to get that close.

Remi took his arm, and angled in closer, her breast brushing against Rayner’s arm.