Sinful Hands (Chained Hearts Duet 3)

Wren giggles, then jumps down and runs off.

“It’s not easy to love these men. It takes a lot. I want you to remember that. They are dark, fucked-up, and not your average men who stay at home at night. They are hardly around, and when they are, they want to consume you.” She glances pointedly at her belly. “Case in point.” I laugh at her. “I couldn’t fall pregnant before Keir. I thought it was my fault. My ex made me believe it was, but as it turns out it wasn’t.” She shrugs. “I had what I believed was a normal relationship before Keir. Married to a man I thought I loved. But I quickly found out that wasn’t my normal. Keir was. Just took me longer to catch up to him is all.”

“Why are we talking about falling for stupid men?” a new voice interjects.

I spin around to a girl in red heels who’s entered the room.

Sailor gets up and wraps her in her arms. “You have the heels on.”

“Umm, of course. Who says no to wearing these beauties?” She pulls back, and I sit there awkwardly, waiting for the introductions.

“This is Chanel. She’s my assistant.”

“Hi.” I offer her a small wave.

“Hey, I’m Piper. I guess you could call me Keir’s assistant.” She laughs. “But again, why are we talking about stupid men?”

Just behind her, Lucas walks in. He glances at Piper, shakes his head, and beelines in my direction. Once he gets to the table, he pulls out the chair on the opposite side and turns it so it’s facing me. Both Sailor and Piper watch us closely. Piper is trying to work it out and Sailor is smiling, while I try to avoid his eyes but it’s a hard thing to do.

Lucas’ dark eyes are studying me. “You should spend the day with me.”

“What the actual fuck?” Piper comments.

Sailor smacks her and tells her to shush.

“I’m not here for you. I’m working.” My hands comes to rest in my lap, and I bite the inside of my cheek.

“Sailor.” Lucas says her name but doesn’t look at her. “You don’t need Chanel today, do you?”

“Nope, she’s all yours.” She smiles at my wide-eyed expression and walks away with Piper, who’s whispering to her, undoubtably about Lucas’ behavior.

“That was rude,” I tell him. “She’s my boss.”

“Technically, she’s mine too.” He shrugs. “Who cares.”

“I do. Because, unlike you, I need this job.”

“I need it too.” He smirks. “Now, let’s go out for the day.”

“No.” I cross my arms.

“Ice cream is on the agenda.” I squint at him. “Yes, I know your weaknesses, woman. Now, get up and put on some shoes so we can go already.”

“You really are annoying.”

“So annoying you’ll let me between your legs again tonight?” he asks.

“That’s a no.” I stand and head to my room, leaving him where he is. After I slip on some shoes and grab my cell, I see I got a text from Brody saying Lucas asked what I like, and he told him. Of course, he did. He thinks the sun shines from Lucas’ ass.

“Where are we going?” I question as I return to him.

He pockets his cell and nods to the door. “Anywhere and everywhere, baby.”

“What did I tell you about nicknames?” I growl at him, rolling my eyes.

“Chanel.” He smirks. “Better?”

“Much.” I smile, and he holds the keys up.

“Want to drive?”

“No, I don’t know this area. I’ve never left our city.”

“Are you shitting me? How the fuck is that even possible?”

“Because we have no money. Why else would I be selling my soul to men?” His face darkens at my response.

“I hate it when you talk about that.” He gets in his car and I follow.

“I don’t care if you hate it, it’s who I was,” I say while doing up the seat belt.

Lucas huffs at me and speeds out of the driveway.

While I have to hold on for dear life.

17

Lucas

My neck cracks from side to side. Chanel sits next to me, staring out the window, and as we come to a stop she sits up straighter.

“Why are we at a private airfield?” she asks.

“I thought you might like to go to Disneyworld for the day.” Her eyes go large, and she looks me over.

“You, in Disneyworld?” She can’t contain the laugh that bubbles up from inside, and it’s magical to see. Her head rolls back and her throat is exposed, her body moving up and down. And all can think about doing is leaning in and kissing my way up to her lips. “This I have to see.” She climbs out of the car eagerly, breaking my thoughts of all the things I want to do to her. Brody mentioned it’s one place she plans to visit when she has the money. I guess I’ll keep that kid around if I can get her to laugh like that again. “Are we really?” she asks again, still not believing what I’ve said.