Page 17 of Pride & Precedents

Noah

LOL. Tell me about it.

So, if I seem a little on edge for the next few months, now you know why.

Noah:You got this, bro.

Noah:Anyway, I'm sure Camila could help take the edge off.

I look at my phone like it's grown legs. What's Camila got to do with anything?

Noah

Uh…Yeah. She's a great paralegal.

Noah:LOL! A great paralegal? What are you talking about, bro?

What are YOU talking about?

Noah:Wow. You're really going to play dumb?

Please. Enlighten me as to what I'm missing.

Noah:That woman wants your dick, bro. BAD.

Noah:And from the look on your face when Rory and I left, the feeling was mutual.

So much for always having my back. Now he sounds like Mom and Dad!

Noah

Everything between me and Camila is professional.

She happened to be there. We know each other. Nothing more.

Noah:Whatever you say, bro. I wasn't there to verify

Noah:But I'd bet my bonus on Song Kang that something happened.

Noah:Either you're lying or maybe you were too drunk

Whatever, man

I toss my phone on the neighboring seat and let my head fall back against the seat. Why is everyone so sure I crossed the line with Camila? Sure, she's beautiful. Even hidden under those cheap cardigans and too-long skirts, I'm guessing she's got a killer body. I've even seen glimpses of it over the years. But she works for me and never once have I let our attraction go anywhere. There's no way I would let my control slip now, not after all these years.

Once I get home, I attempt to skip my routine like I had at Mom and Dad's, but no dice. And after an hour on the treadmill, a hot shower, tea, and some unusually rigorous masturbation, I finally pass out asleep.

From the warmth of my cocoon, awash in blackness, I see her. Features slowly come into focus. Full red lips. Eyes as dark as the strongest espresso. Soft, round hips hidden beneath a sensible black skirt. Firm breasts that arch into my palm as she whimpers into my mouth. My hands pull her closer againstme, close enough to feel her heart racing under my touch. I'm sweeping loose tendrils aside, gripping her throat, angling her mouth until it's at my mercy.

I wake up with a start before my alarm can even go off. The pounding in my head is nothing compared to the ache in the pit of my stomach. Everyone was right. Ididcross the line.

Chapter ten

Camila

"It's not safe for you to take the subway at this hour, Camila," Henry says. His concern strokes something deep under my skin, raising goosebumps on my arm.

"It's fine," I protest. "I'm a big girl. Plus, I carry a stun gun in my purse."

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