Page 41 of Wreck Me

‘Mother, what a wonderful surprise.’ If she notices my dry tone, she doesn’t acknowledge it.

‘I was in the city getting a blow out for tonight and I thought I’d call in. Dad says you’re working too hard. You’ve been halfway around the world over the past few weeks.’ She slides into the seat opposite my desk and crosses her legs.

‘Well, a few weeks before that I was partying too hard, according to the tabloids. So, I can’t win.’ I relax back into my chair.

‘Oh, darling.’ She swats the air in front of her face. ‘Let’s put that distasteful business behind us. Dad says you’ve been dating.’ Her chocolate-coloured eyes twinkle. ‘Tell me, what did you think of Lady Harrington?’

I clasp my fingers together and rest my hands on my desk. ‘I thought she was as boring and bad mannered as the others.’ My nose wrinkles in distaste. She’s a million miles from the woman I’ve moved into my home, but now might not be the best time to drop that bombshell.

‘Her mother is exactly the same. It’s impossible to get a word in edgeways. Talks incessantly.’ My mother chuckles.

‘The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.’ I wonder if Dad ever borrowed the company yacht back in his day.

Chantel knocks and enters with a pot of tea and two china cups. I glance at my watch wondering if it’s late enoughfor a whiskey, and how much longer I have to sit here before I can get home to Scarlett.

I had three hundred velvety, scarlet roses delivered to her college today, because it’s Valentine’s Day, and because I wanted to make her smile. Okay, I also wanted to remind those college boys that she’s spoken for.

‘So, Dad said there was a girl with potential?’ My mother resumes the conversation as if Chantel isn’t in the room.

‘Woman,’ I correct her. ‘She’s young, but she’s all woman.’ My lips lift in a smirk as my mother's nose crinkles.

‘I don’t need those type of details. If you could try to keep your penis out of the press with this one, your father and I would really appreciate it.’

‘Don’t worry, Scarlet’s notthattype of woman.’ Pride tinges my tone. We might only be faking this relationship, but I can’t help but admire her integrity. Her pride. The way she knows her own worth and how she’s not prepared to sell herself out.

There’s something about her that’s so intriguing. The way the platinum pools of her eyes flit between a knowing depth, and a naivety that I’m dying to fuck out of her.

I’m a bad man. I can’t help it. Even when I’m pretending to be good, all I want to be is bad.

My mother’s mouth drops open as she lifts her teacup. ‘Is that genuine warmth I detect in your tone?’

‘You know, I think it is.’ My phone vibrates on the desk. I snatch it up.

Scarlett.

There was no need for the embarrassingly large bouquet, but thank you. It is gorgeous.

My thumbs dart across the screen.

You’re gorgeous. Happy Valentine’s Day.

You are a shameless flirt.

My mother’s brow creases as I type.

Role play–remember? : )

You should come with a health warning.

Why? Are your panties on fire?

My cheeks are.

We’re going out tonight. There’s somewhere I need to take you–other than heaven,that is ; )

I bite back a smile, but not before my mother catches it. She clears her throat pointedly.

‘Sorry. Just a second.’ I tear my eyes from the screen and fire her an apologetic look.

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