Page 110 of Release Me

With a headshake more to himself, he calls out, “Remember the deal.”

“Huh?”

Peering over his shoulder at me, he meets my gaze, and athousand different things seem to flitter through those eyes, none of which I can read. “The signs.”

“Oh, right. Yeah, they’ll be down.”

He hesitates. “Good doing business with you.” With a wink, Ronan slides into the driver’s seat. The engine purrs a moment later and then he’s gone, his taillights disappearing around the bend of bramble.

Frank’s arms haven’t uncrossed and now that heavy glare is settled on me. “What kind of business are you doing with the hotel?”

There’s no avoiding this. I may as well confess. “I have an arrangement with Ronan. He won’t hire more Sea Witch staff, and I’ll clean up the property line.”

Frank shakes his head. “I regret asking.”

“We were going to loseseven morepeople. Seven! We wouldn’t be able to operate like that. Now, it’s only two.” I break the news about Amanda and AJ.

He seems to consider this. “Does Gigi know about this plan you hatched?”

“I told her, yeah.”

“And?”

“She said to take the wins when we can.” Who knows how many more losses are waiting for us down the path.

His lips twist with displeasure. He’s still not convinced.

“Look, Wolf Hotels couldn’t care less if they don’t get these specific hires. But losing them all at once will break us.” I echo Ronan’s rationale.

“Yeah, I don’t like it, but …” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “The signs were theonlycondition with that guy, right?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?—”

“Yes.” I hold his gaze so he can see the truth in my answer. “Ronan’s actually a good guy.” And fucking me against the wall was not part of the deal.

“I’d make sure none of them find out about this or there might be blowback. It definitely won’t be good for morale.”

“They’re not going to. I’m not telling anyone except you and Gigi.” Not even Rebel and Skye need to know.

With another headshake, he ambles for his truck. “You’re gonna be late for your sail.”

“I’m leaving in three minutes.” I run for the door.

“Hey, Sloane!” Frank calls out.

“Yeah?”

“Your clothes are on inside out.”

43.Ronan

“What the fuck, Ronan.” I navigate my bird-shit-coated car down the lengthy dirt driveway, veering to avoid the worst of the potholes as I berate myself. “What the fuck!” I’veneverlost control like that when it comes to my dick. I’ve never kissed a woman like my lips had to be attached to hers for me to get off. Is this what happens to me after months without getting laid? And even longer without truly enjoying it? I turn into a feral humping two-pump fuckboy? Two-pump may be an exaggeration, though, it isn’t far off. Twenty might be more accurate.

She whispered “Try me” with challenge in her eyes and I snapped.

Then she stripped in record time, and I was a goner.

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