Page 69 of Strictly Business

“What kind of favor?”

“I need you to take care of a cat for me.”

There’s a long pause on the other end, and I can practically hear the gears turning in his head before a dry chuckle follows. “A cat? What kind of cat?”

I let out a sigh, closing my eyes as I try to force my thoughts into some kind of order. “An orange one. With a pink bell around her neck. Possessive. Hates men.”

Ethan snorts, amusement clear in his voice. “Well, then why the hell did you call me?”

I press my fingers to the bridge of my nose. “Please, man. I never ask for favors, but I need this. I have to fly to L.A. tomorrow, and I can’t leave the damn cat on its own.”

I hear Ethan’s sigh. “Say no more. I’m on my way to buy some cat toys. I’ll swing by and grab the little beast.”

Relief floods through me. “Thanks, man. I owe you one.”

“Yeah, you do,” Ethan adds with a laugh before hanging up.

I sit there for a moment, the weight of everything that’s still hanging over me pressing down, but at least I’ve managed to sort out one thing. One small problem is handled. Now, if only the rest of my life could be as simple as getting Ethan to babysit a psychotic cat.

I exhale, running a hand through my hair, trying to calm myself. I’ve got a lot to deal with, but first things first.

I press the intercom button.

“Mr. Blackwood?” Amara’s voice crackles through.

“Can you come in, please,” I say, releasing the button a second later.

I let out a heavy breath as I lean back in my chair, rubbing a hand over my face. Fucking Alexander. He took it too far. Jeopardizing this business deal not only fucks me over but fucks him over too. He’s playing with fire, and I’ll be glad when he gets burned.

The knock at the door pulls me out of my thoughts and Amara steps into my office a second later. My gaze lingers on her a second too long, my mind flashing to last night. Her naked body, the way she felt against me, how every inch of her belonged to me.

“You wanted to see me, sir?” she asks, blood rushing to my cock at how professional she looks in her tight pencil skirt, white blouse and thin pink cardigan around her shoulders when just last night my face was buried between her thighs.

I rub a hand over my mouth, trying to hide the amusement, but the thought of my brother and the L.A. opening flood to my mind, the tension tightening in my chest again.

“Pack a bag,” I tell her. “We’re going to L.A. tomorrow.”

Chapter twenty-four

Amara

As soon as I step onto the jet, I almost forget how to breathe. The white leather seats stretch out in perfect rows, and there’s this plush leather couch in the center that screamsluxury.

Nicholas walks next to me, his hand lightly resting on my back, guiding me to the back of the jet. I try not to let my awe show too much, but the more I take in, the more it feels like I’m in some kind of dream. It’s hard to wrap my head around it all, especially knowing it’s only temporary. When this whole contract ends… I’ll have to say goodbye to all of this. I’ll have to say goodbye to Nicholas.

“Everything okay?” Nicholas asks, slowing his pace, his eyes catching mine like he knows exactly what’s going on in my head.

“I’m fine,” I say, forcing a smile.

He nods, slipping his jacket off and sinking into the couch with a contented sigh.

I sit next to him, the heat from his body brushing against mine, and my stomach flutters when he turns to look at me.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I ask, trying to keep my voice even, though his gaze makes me feel nervous.

His grin widens, and he raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Do I need a reason?”

I laugh, my cheeks warming. “You’re my boss.”

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