Page 56 of Wreck Me

I thought his expensive aftershave was intoxicating but it has nothing on this. Every single cell of my body remembers what he’s capable of. The pleasure he’s capable of giving with his touch.

It’s far easier to remind myself why we can’t complicate things when he’s away on business. Or even thirty minutes away in his office.

Here, in his house, over the breakfast table, I’m thirty seconds away from throwing myself at him. I’m not even averse to begging.

‘“James Beckett photographed with mystery brunette. Could she finally be the one to tame him?”’ He snorts. ‘You’d swear I was a wild animal or something.’

‘You two look fantastic together.’ Rosa beams, glancing between us as she backs out of the door, presumably back to the kitchen. Pride flickers in my chest.

‘It’s a nice start to convincing the Board.’ James takes another bite of his toast and I force myself to look out of the window over the immaculate grounds.

‘Speaking of which, there’s a charity function next weekend at Dublin Castle. I’m expected to attend, with a date, of course.’

‘I’ll go with you. That’s what you pay me for.’ I raise my eyes to meet his.

‘It is, isn't it?’ Devilment twinkles in his eyes. ‘So, be ready for seven o’clock tomorrow night.’

I’m acutely aware I didn't get to meet his mother amongst all the drama of the other night, and if we’re to convince his father this thing between us is legitimate, then that will have to happen soon.

‘There’s somewhere I’d like to take you.’ He grabs another piece of toast.

Somewhere he’d like to take me. Not somewhere we ought to be seen together. I try not to read into it. ‘What shall I wear?’ I mentally scan my new wardrobe for something appropriate.

‘Something loose-fitting.’ He smirks, trailing his index finger over my jean-clad thigh. ‘It’s not really a place you can dance, so on the off chance you need to let off some steam again, I’ll need access to that sweet little pussy.’ Filth rolls from his tongue like a lullaby.

The heat of his stare sparks an inferno in my panties. ‘We agreed just one time.’

‘But we didn't shake on it.’ James’s accompanying grin isn't even remotely apologetic.

Tim enters the dining room before I can form any sort of response. Dressed in a fitted black suit as usual, he looks like he’s going to a black-tie event, not driving me to college. Does he know this thing between James and me is a business arrangement? Or does he think it’s real?

‘Are you ready, Miss Fitzgerald?’

‘Please, call me Scarlett,’ I say for the hundredth time, rising from the table.

I still have half a cup of coffee left and I’m reluctant to leave it behind. Seeming to sense it, James prises the cup from my hand. Gold-flecked eyes glint with amusement as he raises it to his face and presses his lips against the exact spot mine just touched.

‘Until later, angel.’ If he only knew. I might be a virgin, but I’m no angel. I’m the former stepsister of his biggest rival.

Yep, definitely best if I don’t mention it.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

SCARLETT

I grab my gym bag before heading out the front door to where Tim is waiting for me. James might have been joking about letting off some steam, but the struggle is real. Pole dancing is perfect for fitness but there's also something cathartic about it, too.

Swinging around the college gym pole might not be as thrilling as dancing nearly naked for James in the Luxor Lounge, but it should hopefully burn off some of the wayward desire pumping through my body.

Shane’s given me a wide berth this week, opting to sit with some of his football teammates in class rather than in his usual spot beside me. It’s probably better that way, but I do miss having someone to share notes with.

I sit through a two-hour lecture on fintech and digital finance. Professor Buckley is in his usual twitchy form. I don’t dare sneeze for fear of drawing attention to myself.

When we are finally free to escape, I make my way across campus to the brand-new purpose-built gym, coincidentally funded by Shane’s father.

The scent of chlorine and cleaning solution hits mynostrils as I stride through the tiled corridors towards the gymnasium and the adjacent female changing rooms.

I pass by several workmen in hard hats. They’re carrying scaffolding poles under their arms. Is there work going on? A new wing of the gym? A new upstairs workout area?

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