Page 44 of The Mogul: Leonard

“What?”

They are so synchronized, turning toward the boat wheel, that what they are suggesting would almost be comical if it weren’t terrifying.

“No, absolutely no,” I say resolutely.

“Why are you so stubborn? We see how you look at each other. You’re already fucking with your eyes. Bring it on a physical level,” Mia pleads like her life depends on my romantic status.

“What movie are you talking about? We’re doing nothing with our eyes,” I point out.

My sister snorts. “We almost hit the dock when you took off your dress because Leonard couldn’t keep his eyes off you.”

“That’s absolute bullshit.” Is it? I turn toward Leonard and catch him checking me out.

Am I missing something here? We are constantly fighting, always at each other’s throats. Yes, I find him hot, but that doesn’t mean we have to complicate things. And when Leonard leaves the helm to Raphael and strolls toward us, I can feel all eyes on me.

Did he hear our conversation? It’s possible. I mean, the wind can carry voices. But he would have said something, right? His shadow lands over us and I’m sure I’m not breathing at all.

“We’re going to drop anchor in a few so we can eat. Are you okay with that?” he asks no one in particular.

I keep my mouth shut because I don’t trust my voice to be firm right now.

“Sure, do you need help?” Silver asks.

He smiles sweetly at her. “No, stay here and enjoy the sun. It’s just sandwiches; we can manage.”

He turns around and walks away while I’m almost purple from keeping my breath.

“You can breathe now,” Mia teases.

“Who? Me? I’m perfectly fine,” I lie.

They laugh, calling out my bullshit.

When they call us, we join them and sit around a basket full of sandwiches, fruit, and various sweets some of their chefs prepared. I’m the only one who doesn’t have a personal chef on my payroll, and I have to admit it’s something I would consider if I were rich. Preparing meals is not my strong suit.

“This is amazing,” I moan, biting on a tuna and cucumber sandwich.

“That’s my favorite too.” Leonard says, almost whispering in my ear.

I’m so close to him I’m practically sitting on his lap. There is not much space for eight people to access the basket, so I can’t complain about the situation. It’s him or one of the other men, and I don’t think their partner would be happy about that.

“Thank you for inviting me. I’m having fun.” I haven’t had a chance to tell him this yet, but I’m really relaxing and enjoying my time outside.

“I’m glad you came. I would have felt guilty knowing you were bent over the computer working on a Saturday.” He winks at me.

I don’t know if it’s the playful wink or the ‘bent over the computer’ thing, but my cheeks burn in response. The sun, it’s probably the sun, right? I can’t be affected by his flirty ways, or the image branded in my head of me bent over his desk and his erection buried deep inside me. I’m definitely not someone who lives in a delusional fantasy about their billionaire boss.

“So, this isn’t for me. It’s to quiet your conscience.” My voice comes out remarkably firm, considering the turmoil wreaking havoc in my chest.

The laugh rumbling in his chest does funny things to my lower belly. The sudden need to jump into the water to quench my dirty thoughts is stronger than ever. I can’t survive an entire day on this boat with no escape from my needs. It’s been a long time since I got laid; I have to do something about the matter.

“Of course it is. I have to keep up the appearance of the selfish billionaire.” He winks again, and I’m done.

I can’t hold his burning gaze any longer and divert mine in front of me. I meet my sister’s smug smile, Mia’s grin, and Dakota’s wagging eyebrow. I can’t believe they are focused exclusively on the two of us. Do they not have a life?

Elijah rescues me from my misery. “I’m jumping in. Anyone else coming?” he asks the group.

There is general enthusiasm for the suggestion, and I’m the first one to jump to my feet. Leonard is the only one sitting relaxed.

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