Page 88 of Wreck Me

‘On the contrary. I should have moved you into my room two months ago.’ I give her a pointed look. One that leaves no room for negotiation. ‘And we have other plans for Friday.’ I perch on the edge of the tub as the water cascades from the taps.

‘We do?’ She hops off the counter to stand in front of me.

‘Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe you have a mid-term break next week, before you start your work placement?’

‘That’s right.’

‘I’m taking you away.’

‘Where?’

‘It’s a surprise.’ I shoot her a smile.

‘I was planning on spending the week preparing for the work placement. I’m determined to make a good impression on my new boss.’ She smirks, tapping her foot on the opulent glossy tiles.

I wrap my hands around the back of her legs, stroking her smooth, silky skin. ‘You already did. In fact, he’s about to offer you a permanent position after graduation, given the initiative you demonstrated earlier.’ I nod towards the packet of pills on the bedside table.

‘Where are we going?’ Her voice hitches.

‘Don’t you want a surprise?’

‘I hate surprises,’ she admits. ‘They’re usually more shocking than surprising.’

‘Another thing we have in common.’ My lips curve upwards. ‘We’re going to Paris.’

‘No way! Seriously?’ Her palms clutch the space over her heart. ‘But what about work?’

‘I told Chantel I’m taking a few days off.’ I shrug, like it’s nothing, even though I haven't taken a holiday in… well, forever. But I do plan on tying up some important business while I’m there.

‘Are you sure about this? It seems that I’m getting so much more out of this relationship than you are.’ Her earnest expression squeezes something in my sternum. She wears her heart on her sleeve. It’s one of the things I love about her.

‘You give me more than anyone ever gave me in my life. This relationship thing is new to both of us, but I don’t make decisions lightly. I didn't get to where I am today by hesitating. I know what I want and I’m not afraid to pursue it.’

‘I thought I was your weakness.’

‘My weakness is when we’re apart. Together, we’re strong.’

‘There are things you don’t know about me. Things I’m not supposed to tell anyone.’ She sucks on the inside of her cheek.

I pull her body flush against mine. ‘You can tell me anything, Scarlett. Your secrets are safe with me. I’ll keep them with my own.’

She exhales a heavy breath. ‘I’ll tell you everything, but not now. I don’t want to tarnish the best day of my life with the trauma of the past.’

‘It’s your call, sweetheart. I’m ready to listen whenever you’re ready to talk. You’re not alone anymore. Whatever trauma you endured is behind you. You’re with me now. I won’t let anything or anyone hurt you again.

‘Your family will probably hate me.’

‘Don’t be daft.’ Yesterday’s conversation with my father forces itself to the front of my mind. He wasn’t exactly thrilled to find out about Scarlett’s previous occupation as apole dancer. Surely, there can’t be anything worse than that lurking in her past?

I can’t have her face pixelated out of the papers forever, and the second I stop, whatever, or whoever, she’s been hiding from will be exposed. Not to mention the several hundred men who could potentially recognise her from the club.

It’s inevitable. Wealth, or the prospect of it, makes people do stupid things, like selling stories.

When we announce our engagement, it will be the biggest story to hit the tabloids in decades.

And it iswhen, not if.

Because Scarlett is going to be my wife.

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