Page 81 of The Penalty

“Did you want to come in for a sec? Is that okay?”

“Yes, please.” I dart under the arm he’s got outstretched, holding onto the frame. “It’s fine. No one else is up here. But maybe close the door.”

The door clicks shut behind me, and then my feet leave the ground as strong arms spin me around, lifting me up for a kiss. His body is heated and still a little damp from the shower. It’s fine. It will steam out the wrinkles.

His lips find mine, hands sliding under my ass to get a good grip.

“Cupcake, I’ve missed this.”

“Me too.”

He backs up to the bed, dropping down, and my legs fall to the side, straddling his muscled thighs. I press myself closer to explore his mouth. Desperate for the taste of his lips. His tongue sends shivers down my spine, and I reach up to cup his cheeks.

His hands trail a tingly line up my sides, and he hovers near the sides of my breasts, not quite making contact.

Then he pulls away eons before I’m ready. My breath is coming in rapid pants, and I’m all hot and squirmy everywhere.

“We can’t do this.” He’s even raspier than before.

“I know. I know. Sorry.”

He chuckles. “What are you sorry for? I’m the one who started this.”

“Yeah, but I shouldn’t have come in here. I know how dangerous it is. I always want my hands on you. Especially when you’re naked. What are you doing answering the door in a towel? That part is on you.”

“See. I told you it’s my fault.”

“I came up here to grab some clothes, and I told Beau I’d fetch you. He’s busy with our father.”

“Don’t say stuff like that. Makes me think we’ve got time for more.”

“Maybe... no. We don’t have time for that. A little? No. Terrible idea. Get dressed before I lose control again.”

“You’re going to have to get up.”

Right, he can’t go too many places with my ass planted in his lap. He helps lift me off with a groan and places me gently on my feet.

“Let me throw some clothes on. Then I can help you carry stuff downstairs.”

“Cool.” I swallow hard, debating whether I should watch the show or shut my eyes. I’m already hot and bothered, but if I catch a glimpse of the full package, I might lose any last grasp of my self control. He just does that to me.

I squeeze my eyes shut, listening to him pad around the room and the rustle of clothes. When I sneak a peek, he’s got on dress slacks and a button-up shirt.

“You came prepared for every Whitaker family occasion I see.” I love him in his hockey gear, or sweatpants, but there’s something about a suit clinging to the beast of a man that gets me going. A sense of barely contained civility.

“Beau told me what to pack. I’d rather be wearing my jeans, but I guess the place we’re going to is fancy.”

I snort. “You could say that. Still, I’m not complaining. You look hot like that. Let me help you.” My fingerswork away at the buttons on his shirt, taking their time to slip them home. Every inch of skin covered is a shameful waste.

“Want me to help with your tie?”

He growls in complaint. “I have to wear a tie?”

“Yup. Sorry. The elite white dude energy is powerful at the club.” He reaches down to snag a silky blue striped tie from his bag, and I slide it around his neck.

“I can do it,” he says, stilling my hands.

“I know you can, but I want to.”

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