Page 75 of Playing Pretend

She focuses on the front of the room, silent, trying her best not to look at me.

Lesson five, Pip. I don’t like being ignored.

I slide a hand into my pocket and press the remote.

She doesn’t respond.

I do it again.

She grabs a glass from in front of her plate and a pitcher of water, pouring herself a drink.

I do it a third time, wondering if the device could already be low on charge, when her face snaps toward mine, her eyes narrowed.

Nope, the batteries are still fully functioning.

I snicker. “I wanted to make sure it was working.”

“It is,” she grates.

“You’re handling this far better than I’d anticipated.”

“It takes a lot to unravel me.”

“It didn’t yesterday,” I counter. I’d give a small fortune to be back in that pool with her grinding on my thigh. Just a taste of those lips would be worth millions.

“Then I guess you picked the wrong implement of torture.” The glare vanishes with a theatric bat of her lashes. “Vibrators are a single girl’s best friend. I must have grown accustomed.”

I lean closer, my dick eager for details. “Tell me more.”

She rolls her eyes, her cheeks darkening. “Maybe another time.”

“Tell me more, little Pip, or I’ll increase the vibration.”

“To what end? What’s the plan?” She lowers her voice to a harsh hiss. “Do you want to bring me undone in public again? Is that the aim?”

“Without a doubt. I can’t get the first time out of my head.”

“Well you better cling to the memory, my friend, because it won’t be repeated.”

My friend.Fuck,I hate when she says that.

“You sure?” I slide a hand into my pocket, palming the remote.

Her eyes narrow, staring me down. She’s a fighter, that’s for sure, but in this she won’t win.

I press the button to increase the vibration, my pulse thrumming as she closes her eyes and scrunches her nose.

“Are you sure it won’t be repeated?” I taunt.

Her jaw ticks as she takes a slow, deep breath. Once. Twice. Three times. Then her eyes open, and a tight smile curves her lips. “I’m sure.”

“Impressive.” I incline my head in praise, pretending lust doesn’t have me by the balls.

“Okay, everyone,” her boss calls over the soft chatter. “Take your seats. We’ll be served our appetizers shortly while I introduce our entertainment.”

Max, Vanessa, and Cassidy claim a spot at our table, leaving the sixth chair empty.

Piper focuses on the vacant spot with trepidation for long heartbeats before scanning the room in tepid fear.

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