Read Online Club Prive Book 4 by M. S. Parker - Free Book Online Page A

the car. We’d be staying at Howard’s mansion for the rest of our trip. I still wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about that, but as long as Gavin was with me, I wasn’t going to complain.
     
    The drive to Star Island was pleasant, the scenery beautiful. When we pulled up to the gate surrounding Howard’s property, I leaned forward slightly. I’d seen pictures of the mansion when working on Howard’s case, and had been wondering if they’d done the property justice. As we drove up the driveway, I saw it was even more beautiful than the pictures had shown. Brilliant landscaping, elegant architecture. I had to admit, no matter what else I thought about Howard, he had great taste.
     
    He was waiting for us, a smile plastered on his face. I couldn’t give an exact reason, but I didn’t trust that smile. I plastered an equally fake one on my face and followed Gavin out of the car.
     
    “Carrie! Darling!” Howard held out his hands as his eyes ran over my body.
     
    I resisted the urge to squirm uncomfortably under that gaze and took his hands. He pulled me towards him and kissed both of my cheeks. As soon as he released me, I stepped back to Gavin’s side and reached for his hand. I needed something to get rid of the feel of Howard’s hands on mine. Gavin gave me a puzzled look, but didn’t ask what was wrong. That was good. I didn’t want to have to lie.
     
    “Leroy’s already here,” Howard said to Gavin. “He’s in my office.” He turned towards me. “I’ll take care of your lovely lady while you’re busy. I think a tour of the mansion is in order.”
     
    Gavin looked down at me. “I won’t be long,” he said. He took a step forward, stopped, then turned back to me. He took my chin in his hand, tipped my face up, and gave me a slow, thorough kiss.
     
    When he stepped back, I was breathless and my heart was racing. Had he done that for my benefit or Howard’s? If he was staking a claim, I definitely didn’t mind. I didn’t want Howard thinking I was anything close to available.
     
    “Shall we?” Howard said to me as Gavin headed inside. “I have some wonderful historical pieces that I’m sure you’ll love.”
     
    I started towards the house without giving Howard the opportunity to offer me a hand or arm. He fell in step beside me, already extolling the wonderful qualities of his mansion. I let the words roll over me, nodding and making approving noises. I took in everything, appreciating the beauty of some of the paintings and sculptures, but didn’t let myself get too absorbed in my surroundings. The more time I spent with Howard, the less I wanted to be alone with him.
     
    “And this is the library,” Howard said as he pushed open a door.
     
    I stepped inside first. The bookshelves reached nearly to the ceiling, but it was a table against the wall to my right that caught my attention. I walked over to it.
     
    “These items date back to the turn of the century,” Howard said. “The twentieth century, of course.”
     
    “Around the time your great-grandfather was alive,” I said. I recognized some of the people in the pictures that hung above the table. I’d seen them in pictures of known Mafia members.
     
    “That’s right,” he seemed pleased by my response.
     
    “I read about him.” I kept my voice carefully blank. I wasn’t sure how Howard felt about his ancestor’s criminal activities.
     
    “He was a great man,” Howard said.
     
    I wished I’d been surprised by his words, but I couldn’t, not really. Howard seemed like the type to think organized crime was a noble family enterprise.
     
    “I didn’t know him, unfortunately,” Howard said. “And most of his possessions have been lost over the years, but I do have one item of his.” He pointed at a glass case.
     
    Inside was an ancient-looking book. I leaned closer to try to read the gold-leaf letters.
     
    “ The Art of War by Sun Tzu.” Howard saved me the trouble. “It was my