Page 108 of Strictly Business

Sometimes, I still catch myself avoiding my reflection, wishing certain things were different, but I’m getting there. Slowly but surely.

Then, an idea hits me. A sudden rush of confidence runs through me, and I step back, drop my panties, and reach for my phone. I quickly flip the camera on, angling it just right, and snap a couple of pictures. My teeth tug at my bottom lip as I sit on the bed, lying back and angle the camera to catch my naked body as I cup my breast.

I take a couple more pictures, my confidence growing with each one. When I’m done, I glance down at the images, scrolling through them as my heart hammers in my chest. It’s me. My body—every curve, every inch—no filters, no shame. Just… me. And for the first time, I can’t help but smile, because I look good.

I attach the pictures with a quick message.

Me:

Miss you.

I press send, and immediately, my neck flushes with warmth, wondering if he’ll reply. He’s busy, tied up with the merger, and I’m sure the last thing on his mind is me. But I still feel a little thrill coursing through me.

I shrug it off when there’s no reply a couple of minutes later, and grab a towel, heading for the shower. The water engulfs me immediately and I let out a groan, closing my eyes. I’m going to miss this shower when I have to leave.

When I’m finally done, I step out, drying off my hair as I spot one of his t-shirts lying on the bed. I used to be so curious about what he would wear when he wasn’t in the office. But, of course, Nicholas looks as amazing in a t-shirt and sweatpants as he does in a fitted luxury suit. I throw the towel on the ground and pick up his light grey t-shirt, tugging it on. I bring the soft fabric to my nose, a smile tugging at my lips as his scent fills my senses.

My eyes squeeze closed. God, I miss him. It’s irrational to miss someone this much only an hour after they left… but I do. I miss his smile, miss his kisses, miss the way he cups my face in his large hands as if I’m the most precious thing to him.

My stomach growls, snapping me out of my thoughts, and I head to the kitchen, opening the fridge as I scowl for some ingredients to make a sandwich.

The bread only just hits the counter when I hear the familiar ding of the elevator.

My eyes snap toward the doors, seeing them open, my eyes widening when Nicholas steps into the room. His eyes lock onto mine, and before I can get a word out, he’s walking towards me, closing the space between us in seconds.

“Wha—” I don’t even get the chance to speak before his lips crash into mine. His hands grip my waist, and before I know it, he lifts me effortlessly, placing me on the kitchen counter like I weigh nothing.

“What are you doing?” I ask, breathless, pulling away from his mouth. “I thought you had a meeting.”

Nicholas’s lips curl into a grin as he leans in close, his breath hot on my neck. He slides his hand onto my thigh, making me shiver under his touch. “I needed to fuck myfiancéeinstead.”

His words hit me like a jolt of electricity, his grip on my waist, possessive, claiming, and I can’t stop the smile that tugs at my lips. I love the way he says that word.

Nicholas groans. “You think it’s funny making me rock fucking hard at a business meeting, sending me pictures like that?” he asks. “You think I could handle another second without leaving that room and rushing back here?” I shiver again. “You underestimate the hold you have on me, Amara,” he continues. “God, the sight of you—wet and warm, smelling like candy, dressed in my clothes. Fuck, you’ve ruined me.”

Before I can process it all, his lips are on mine, his tongue brushing against the seam of my mouth, making me gasp. But my stomach growls loudly, interrupting the moment.

He chuckles against my lips before pulling back. “Hungry?”

A smirk curves my lips. “Kind of. I was about to make a sandwich.”

He gives me one last kiss, before straightening his tie. “Eat, baby. I can wait.”

I arch an eyebrow. “You’re not going to ravage me?” I tease.

His lips curl into a smirk as he shakes his head. “Not right now. I can wait.”

He takes over, grabbing the bread and the fillings as he finishes making my sandwich. I give him a smile as I take it from him, feeling his gaze lingering on me as I take a bite. I swallow down the sandwich, my lips tipping up into a smile of their own accord. “Stop looking at me like that,” I murmur.

His smirk widens, breathing out a laugh. “How are you so damn beautiful?”

Before I can reply, his lips find mine again, his hands sliding up my thigh, gripping my skin, and—

“Fuck,” Nicholas groans, pulling back suddenly and looking down at his leg. “What the…” I follow his gaze, my brows knitting together as I see Pumpkin, clawing at his legs, letting out a meow.

Nicholas groans, rolling his eyes. “What a cockblock.”

Pumpkin leaps up onto the counter, climbing into my arms, her purrs vibrating against my chest as I pet her. “Poor baby is jealous,” I tease, lifting Pumpkin closer to my face and pressing my nose against hers. “You want Nicholas to give you kisses, too?”

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