Page 28 of Wreck Me

‘Killian will get it for you.’ I turn to my stony faced brother and speak directly into his ear. He nods before slipping away.

A security guard looks at us questioningly, but I raise a hand to convey I’ve got this.

‘I’m sorry.’ Scarlett says shakily as we leave the club. Herbreath fogs in front of her face and she pulls my jacket tighter around her torso. Thankfully, on her, it’s long enough to cover the sexy suspenders because I’d hate to have to kill every man who looked at her out here.

Scarlett shivers under the starlight.

‘Don’t be sorry. He employed you to dance, not be his plaything. Men like Cole can’t help themselves.’

‘And you?’ The whites of her eyes are luminous beneath the moonlight. Her skin so flawless. So fresh – a reminder of exactly how young she is. But despite her sexual naivety, she exudes a knowing. Like someone who has seen too much but experienced too little.

‘You’re safe with me, I promise.’ I pluck my phone from my pocket and text my driver, Tim.

‘Do you think he’ll come after us?’

‘Who? Cole?’ I scoff. ‘He wouldn't fucking dare.’

Her shoulder’s relax visibly. ‘Thank you. For coming in like that.’

‘You’re welcome.’

Killian appears with a tan leather bag and oversized coat. He holds the coat out to Scarlett and the bag to me. ‘Rian and I are going to stay for another drink.’ He holds my stare pointedly. Translation‘Rian and I are going to stay and remind Cole not to try anything stupid.’

‘Good idea. I’ll see Scarlett home. And I’ll see you in the morning.’

Chapter Fifteen

SCARLETT

James’s driver, Tim, arrives in a sleek black Mercedes. He opens the door and James motions for me to climb in.

‘Are you hungry?’ James slides along the cream leather beside me. His eyes are brimming with concern.

I shrug. ‘I haven't eaten since lunch.’

‘That’s no good.’ James says something I don’t quite catch to Tim, then presses a button to raise the partition, giving us some much needed privacy.

For the second time in my life, I’m alone with Ireland’s most eligible billionaire.

‘Are you sure you’re okay?’ He checks again, flexing his fingers and examining his knuckles.

‘I’m fine. I’ve come up against a lot worse than Cole and lived to tell the tale.’Just.

‘He’s scum in a suit.’ He says, as the city lights whizz by. ‘So, I guess you’re officially unemployed.’ There’s a hint of amusement in his tone. ‘Unless…’ His eyes linger on my lips and his throat bobs as he swallows.

‘I’ll do it.’ I eye him steadily. ‘On two conditions.’

‘Just two?’ He swipes a thumb over his strong jawline. ‘I assumed you’d have a list.’

‘What can I say?’ I sigh. ‘I’m low maintenance.’

‘One of the things I lo– like about you.’ His head dips closer to mine and I get a brief whiff of his expensive cologne. ‘What are your conditions?’

I wet my lips. ‘Firstly, I won’t have sex with you.’

His mouth opens, then rapidly closes. ‘Okay.’

I exhale a heavy breath. That was easier than I thought. Given the way he flirts with me, I assumed he’d at least try to put up an argument.

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