Lust & Lies Box Set-Sexual Awakenings, Excess, Predator & Prey

Cedric: I’ll see you tonight.

Me: Wait. I’ll call you.

Cedric: No.

Me: I’ll call you.

I wanted to give Amber a chance to explain without assuming the worst, which was hard for me because, as far as I was concerned, everyone had an agenda. The broken little girl I left had turned into a broken woman; a woman whose past had yet to be buried and future lay in limbo.

Why had I expected any differently? There was so much to be said for the hell she’d endured. I could only imagine the thoughts that raced through her head daily. And coming off an addiction, in a new city, living with me—practically a stranger—I was sure she was shell-shocked. I just needed a little time to assess the situation. To see if her loyalty truly resided with Laz or if she genuinely wanted a new life.

I owed it to her. And I would give it to her.

“Taylor, line one,” Ross chimed into my silent office.

I picked up the phone to lay into her. “Ross, I’m out of patience. I am not to take another phone call without an announcement of who is calling and what it’s regarding. Am I crystal clear?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I waited impatiently, and soon after, she buzzed back in. “He said he’s your dance instructor and would like to schedule a lesson.” I scrambled to pick up my phone quickly with an embarrassed and curt, “Thank You.”

“Taylor Ellison,” I announced through gritted teeth.

“I take it you are having a rough day, Taylor Ellison.” I cursed the instant smile on my face and the fact he was the one capable of putting it there. Still, I kept my tone impatient.

“Daniello, I have a cell phone.”

“And I have that number,” he mused. “I think we should discuss last night.”

Interest piqued, I took the bait. “Which part?”

“The part where you asked me not to stop.”

&n

bsp; “Okay.”

“Meet me downstairs.”

“Daniello, I’m at work.”

“I know. And I am becoming impatient outside of your door.” He hung up without my reply, and I cursed as I looked at my schedule and saw I didn’t have another meeting until later that day. I briefly entertained the consequences of ignoring him altogether and dismissed it. If he wanted a quick, satisfying, afternoon fuck, I would happily rid myself of the tension building in my shoulders.

I made my way toward a different SUV than the one I had become accustomed to and ignored Rocco as I climbed in.

I narrowed my eyes as I saw the small victory in Daniello’s. He was gloating at my appearance.

“You are the most arrogant ass I have ever met.” Dark locks of hair rested neatly on the top of his head. His suit was an immaculate black. He looked every bit business as I did sitting opposite of him.

“I need an opinion,” he replied, ignoring my statement.

“Yes, you could use a new driver,” I said loudly, knowing full well Rocco had heard my comment due to the open partition.

“That is one mutt you should not tempt to bite,” Daniello reminded as his eyes darted over my dress. It was if he was visually deciding how he would remove it. Heated by his attire, his smell, his demeanor, I did my best to try to hide it.

“How can I be of service, Mr. Di Giovanni? As you know, I have a corporation to run.” Our eyes remained locked, both of us filled with renewed desire yet neither of us acting on it.

“Just a few minutes of your time.” He winked as we entered a private parking lot. When we exited, I looked around the empty garage at the construction going on then back to Daniello, puzzled.