Page 8 of Good Girl Gone Bad

Chapter Three

Marco thinned his lips to keep from saying yes.

Did she know how much of a hassle she’d created by refusing to sell them her space? Or hell, refusing to do what was best for her.

If they didn’t make a deal, she’d lose her shop in a matter of weeks because of her mounting debts. He’d had a corporate investigator look into them—she had lost clients because a competitor opened across the street, but even before that her clientele had fled because she’d taken care of her father during his illness. Her mother had health problems herself, so Lily ended up taking care of both parents, thus not making enough money, and not showing up at work enough, canceling on clients.

She’d sacrificed for others, which was commendable and naive. He looked at her now, half naked in his office, and a rush of desire seared his veins. Her past and how many lovers she had before him didn’t matter, but he believed her words. Despite the bold way she’d started her act, taking off her shirt and bra and almost sending him to the nearest ER with a heart attack, she wasn’t a woman who did this every day. The challenge in her eyes had an undercurrent of fear, of vulnerability, probably because she questioned herself. Her beautiful hair stayed in a low ponytail when it should have been framing her striking face.

Lily’s adorableness complicated things. She wasn’t a sex toy, but a smart, kind, caring woman. The kind of girl one brings home to meet one’s parents.

The kind of girl… An invisible light switched on inside his brain. His mind raced, a bolt of adrenaline rushing through him. Yes. How had he not figured this out before? After Elizabeth had declined his offer, he’d contemplated calling an actress, but even unknown actors had social media accounts and artists were, by nature, attention lovers. Meanwhile sweet Lily… “I’ll meet all your conditions, if you agree to a small one of mine. Something new.”

“What is it?” she asked, her voice unsteady.

He fixed his collar. Asking her to step in and pretend to be his fiancée seemed more preposterous than having her in his bed for a month. Of course, their chemistry resulted from an organic attraction, and there certainly wasn’t anything organic about a pretend engagement. Hell, he’d had a short-lived, real engagement in the past, and that one didn’t bring good memories, either. “In two weeks, I have a party to attend on an island in Italy. My grandmother is celebrating her last birthday,” he said. Why beat around the bush, when Nonna’s heart wouldn’t see another year? From what he’d heard, she was still quite functional, even though her level of activity had decreased, and she had nurse technician who she introduced to friends as a simple companion.

She shrugged. “Oh. I’m sorry. Is this your way of telling me you want to use those days outside of the thirty days? Or does it mean I get a break from all the sex?”

“Means you’re coming with me.”

She blinked. Twice. “To Italy?”

“Yes. As my fake fiancée. I want to give my grandmother the gift of thinking I’ve…settled down. That’s a parting present from me,” he said after taking a deep breath.

She rubbed the back of her neck. “Wow. That seems a lot more complicated than being in a room with you.”

“My family will adore you. All I ask is for you to remember this is just a farce,” he said firmly. Not that he expected her to fall for him, but he needed to be honest about his intentions. His doomed relationship with Angelica had shown him he wasn’t ready for marriage yet, or maybe ever. When that time arrived, he’d choose someone who was a good match in his life, using requirements that didn’t include an untamable attraction. Excess of passion had been what ruined his parents’ marriage, amongst other things, and he’d never subject himself or his future kids to the same fate.

“Oh, trust me, I’ll know that every second.”

He erased the distance between them and angled closer. “I hope not every second.” He made an effort to keep his focus on her face and not slid his gaze down her soft neck and unbelievably full, large tits. His mouth watered at the sight of them, and he’d nibble and suck them in good time. Now they had logistics to worry about.

“So if I pretend to be your fiancée, you’re all in? I get to keep my salon and you settle my debts?”

“Yes. Deal?” he asked, offering her his hand.

She glanced at his hand before stretching out her own for a handshake. “Deal.”

He pulled her close until her naked body rubbed against his, and she gasped but didn’t fight him. He inhaled her gorgeous fragrance and whispered in her ear, “I’ll email you the contract in a couple of hours. Are you safe?”

“As in I won’t steal your expensive watch when you’re napping and sell it for cash?”

“Safe. Clean,” he repeated, in a tone that left no room for misinterpretation.

“Yes, of course I am. I’m also on the pill. I did a routine check with my girl doctor last month, and if you want—”

“I believe you,” he said. “I also saw a doctor recently, but I’m emailing you the results just so you know I’m telling the truth.” He rarely embarked in an affair with a woman without using condoms. With Lily, though, he wanted nothing more than to be inside her completely. The idea stirred his groin. “Tonight, we’ll go out and celebrate our agreement,” he said, and couldn’t resist lowering his hand down to her cute tattoo, slipping a finger inside her underwear.

She looked up at him, desire gleaming in her eyes. She shivered under his touch, a moan escaping from her sensual mouth. His whole being tingled, his body sending him signs of arousal he couldn’t deny. Dio. He had to deny…for now. He couldn’t take her yet—not without the confidentiality agreement in place, or the other contract he’d have his lawyer modify. “Get ready, gorgeous. Tonight, your butterfly will soar.”

…

“Is she here?” Marco asked the hostess of one of the best restaurants in Manhattan. Dio, he hoped Lily liked sushi.

“Yes.” Karen smiled. “She arrived twenty minutes ago, and we sat her at your favorite table.”

He nodded. A habitué at the exquisite eatery, he knew exactly what that meant—the booth located on the second floor, in an intimate area. He strode through the soothing ambience formed by a miniature cherry blossom tree and several statues throughout the area. Low music played, more sounds than lyrics. He enjoyed coming to this place to relax after a long day.

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