Page 124 of Manhattan Secret

Fighting against me with determination pouring out of her, just daring me to deny her.

How can I? She has me in knots.

I’m wrong. She’s not a mouse. Laney is far from timid. She’s a warrior. So brave and strong, fighting against her own heart at times.

Even three hours later, sitting in an econ class, bored out of my mind because I know all this shit already, I glance down at the text she sent me the minute she was out of the front door.

Laney:I’ve missed seeing your sleepy boy face first thing in the morning. I love you, Lachie.oxo

My heart is on fire.

You want war, baby? Bring it on.

I’m ready for her.

* * *

Delaney

The day after, I’m waiting for Lachlan after his class.

With a coffee and a smile for him.

We sit on a bench under a tree out of the midday sun. I do most of the talking, but he’s interested to know about the houses I’ve viewed and then I watch him working on the laptop.

It’s not schoolwork.

He smirks his bad boy smile.

I don’t know why his criminal activities turn me on so much. But they do. And he knows it. But doesn’t do a thing about it. Doesn’t touch me once.

I lounge next to him; the Boston sun incredibly warm for this time of year.

But it’s my eyes that I train on Lachie.

He doesn’t tell me exactly what he’s doing but he looks hot doing it with his fingers flying over the keys and his face is sharp in concentration.

I know a lot about computers. It’s my job after all, and it isn’t bragging to say I know more than my advanced students do, but not Lachlan.

His intellect comes natural to him and that is just so sexy to watch how his brain works.

I tell him I have interviews today.

“For here?” He asks.

“God, no. I have no desire to be your teacher again.” He only smirks and returns to his insanely unlawful activities like it’s child’s play.

Finally I ask. “Are you going to be my boyfriend again, criminal boy?”

“Didn’t you declare I was already?”

“That was me making sure those girls knew who I am. Staking my claim, baby.”

His half smirk gives me hope.

“So, are you?”

“After one day of working for it?”

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