Page 64 of Painting Her Fate

Do not get me started on how amazing of an Irish accent he can do. That alone will make a man swoon. He reminds me of Devon Murray with his fun-loving attitude. Don’t be fooled; like Gavin, he has taken on Ford’s, ‘I’d like to get you out of your nickers’mannerisms.

I place my mobile back in my pocket then resumed wiping things down whilst Trent took to the sweeping and moping. I said I’d help but he just waved me off, saying he’s got it.

“I owe you big time for saving my ass, twice now.” He turned my way with a snarky grin, “or better yet, thebosswill owe you.” He thinks about it as he moves the broom around, “yeah, I think Zander’s way of thanks trumps mine.”

“Oi! Come off it!” I bellow and take my bar rag, twisting it a few times, then I snap his thigh with it. His shock is my amusement as he jumps away.

“Hey!” This has him shuffling things out of his hands and grabbing the towel from the bar.*Irish*“Oh-, You’re go ‘in to pay fer that, lassie.” The way he said it had me transported back in time; Patrick would say those exact words right before chasing me around Tally’s with his towel. After a truce was called, the comparison of our welts then took place.

At Harbor’s Edge, a rapid firestorm mini battle ensued between the two of us, and soon enough, Trent finds out that I am the master snapper.

*whispers*You didn’t hear this from me, but a wet tipped rag is the trick to it all, and mine might’ve been primed just in case the need did arise.Shhh.

Ten minutes later I’m sat alone on my heels with my back facing the entrance of the bar, filling the smaller refrigerator. A shiver skittered through me that had nothing to do with the coolness of the beverages in my grasp.Alexander is here.Call me crazy, but I can tell. For so long I have closed myself off, knowing the monster was always near, coming to take from me and brandish me with its claws. I damned near lost my only friend that way. No more. I cannot stay closed off to those who care.

My body zings to life from his nearness. Too many hours have gone by without him holding my hand, touching me to assure me he’s there, and tempting me with his mouth- his body- that damn dimple.

“Lili.”

I look over my shoulder finding him propped against the bar, staring unabashedly at my bum. Emma was quite right; this outfit has her brother drooling. His eyes trailed over my body then stopped when they met my stare. I smile and send him a wink for good measure before standing.

“Like what you see, do you?” I tempt, feeling power hungry and ready to getdirty.

“You have no idea.” He reveals a bit awe-struck.

I stride to him, making sure he observes the slow purposeful sway of my hips.Hello mistress, let’s have a bit of fun, shall we?I reach him, blazing hot hunger pouring off him and permeating the air around us.

I wish he would kiss me already, the tease.Take want you want, Lili. Bring this man to his knees. You have the power.

Our bodies close in, mere inches away and I’m tempted, so damned tempted to sift my hands in his hair and draw him down for what would be one scorching kiss. But we are in public, a place I do not show affection.Tsk- Tsk, Lili. Quit being a cunt- show your mistress you have the upper hand.

I palm the back of Zander’s head, pulling him to me to place the lightest of kisses to his lower lip.

“You’re driving me crazy.” His body is rigid against mine, a man on the precipice of giving in.That is what we want, is it not?

My lips quirk, “Am I? I never realized.” I say unabashed as I rest my hands on his shoulders and whisper seductively, “what should we do about it then?”

Next thing I know I’m swirled around, my back to the bar top, Zander’s arms around my waist, locking me in, allowing me to feel what my teasing has done to him. He is hard,everywhere.

“So many things come to mind,mistress,” he teases, his stare boring into me as his lips quirk, “most involve those boots you have on right now.

“Fuck, woman.”

I bit my lip and eye him skeptically, “oh really? Care to share yourdirtythoughts?”

The kitchen door swings open and smacks the wall, Trent taking that moment to pop back behind the bar, empty rubbish bin in hand. Zander and I break apart as if burned. I locate Trent’s knowing gaze behind Zander and curse inwardly. He. Saw. Everything.The cheeky bastard. His grin only widens as he mimes, ‘get on that!’behind Alexander’s back, pointing at his boss. I roll my eyes. Everyone loves to be in other people’s business around here, don’t they?

That picture will not be the only thing talked about for the next few days, I’m sure…

Trent parachutes a new bag in the bin then goes about his business, finishing the stocking of the cooler I abandoned, leaving Zander and I mystified and in need of a private location.

The sizzle in my veins is now a scorching inferno from the lingering question being unanswered. I wonder if I ask him, will he join me back at my flat? The mistress is ready to drag him to his office and have her way with him.

Not a terrible idea.

Emma and Wyatt make their way over, giving a good distraction from my thoughts. These two are absolutely worn out from the evening, but they seem to have a glow about them. The sparkle in their eyes when they catch their person staring at them is electrifying. Pure love at its finest.

“You two will be dragging at work later.” I exclaim, wiping down the already clean bar top, trying my best to ignore Zander’s silent calling. Deep down I’m giving myself a pep talk on how to behave. The wood was spotless before now so, with nothing else to do, I set the rag down and shift my body ever so close to Zander at my left.

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