Incentive (Infidelity Universe)

She shifts her weight from one foot to the other, her long legs and toned backside encased in tight yoga pants. A thin t-shirt hangs off one pale shoulder, and her golden hair falls in a sexy ruffled mess midway down her back.

I’ve only ever seen pictures of her in floor-length gowns, with her hair all done up, heavy makeup, and jewelry. The sight of her makeup-free and away from the flashing lights is more captivating than any airbrushed photo. My God, she’s a stunning woman. Graceful bone structure, perfect-sized ass, just enough curves to hold on to. She can’t be real.

“No, I don’t care.” Her hand balls in a fist. “This is a personal trip, and I want to be in and out of the city without the circus.” She turns, and her huge blue eyes lock on my face. “Listen, I need to go.”

She hangs up and drags her gaze away to look at Reese. “The vultures are circling.”

“You knew they would.” He perches on the arm of a chair. “You haven’t traveled in a while. They’re hungry.”

“Yeah, I know.” She tosses the phone on the bed and walks toward me. “You must be Decker.”

Fucking hell, she isn’t wearing a bra. The pale green shirt may as well be transparent. Dusky nipples brush against the fabric, peaked with tight little buds.

I focus on her polished smile and hope to God my dick behaves. I should’ve worn looser jeans. “Forgive me. I’m…a little caught off guard here.” I throw another glare at Reese and offer her my hand.

She doesn’t shake it. Instead, she holds my palm in the cradle of hers and trails her fingers over the scars on my knuckles, exploring, caressing. I feel every stroke as if she were teasing the length of my cock.

“You’re really young.” She glances at Reese with grooves in her brow.

“So are you.” I curl my fingers around hers, drawing her attention back to me.

“I’m forty.” Her tone is as bitter as her smile. “That’s a decade past old in my profession.”

She’s twelve years older than me? I’ve never been attracted to older women, but goddamn, her flawless beauty threatens to bring me to my knees.

“You’re ageless,” I say lamely.

“Hmm. Well…thank you.” She releases my hand. “My beauty regime costs sixteen grand a month.”

My head hurts at the thought of spending that kind of money on anything.

“Don’t let her fool you.” Perched on the chair behind her, Reese crosses his arms. “She’s never done Botox. Never gone under the knife for any kind of cosmetic surgery. She’s a rare natural gem among her peers.”

She shakes her head, sharing an intimate smile with the other man.

My hands fist at my sides. I feel like an intruder in a private relationship. Doesn’t matter who she is or what he means to her. I’ve been assigned to her, to her bed, and I don’t share. For the next year, she’ll be with me and no one else.

CHAPTER 7

LAYNEE

I keep a camera-ready smile arranged on my face while every nerve in my body shivers and heats. I’ve never in my life encountered a man this unbelievably gorgeous. It’s astounding really, since I’m in the business of beautiful people. But it’s not Decker’s sex appeal that makes the hairs on my nape stand on end.

Reese knows my requirements in a companion, and I was very clear in my profile and conversations with Infidelity. No overbearing alpha types. I have enough people in my life ordering me around. I can’t even sneeze without someone telling me how and when to do it.

And this man…this brick house of muscle and intimidation is already clenching his fists and staring at me like he owns me.

“Reese.” I give my best friend a look that spurs him to stand from the chair. My smile tightens. “Can I speak to you in private?”

Decker glances between us, his brows dangerously dark over narrowed brown eyes. “Whatever you need to say to him, say it in front of me.”

“That’s not how this works.” I give Decker my best glare.

He grabs the wooden desk chair, plants it in front of the loveseat, and tosses the decorative pillows to the floor. “Sit.”

My breath hitches with indignation. Where does this guy get off?

“Should I leave?” Reese takes a step toward the door.

“Yes,” Decker barks at the same time I say, “Stay”.

“Stay,” I repeat in a stronger voice and direct my gaze to the loveseat, punctuating my order to Reese.

He steps over the scattered pillows and lowers onto the small sofa. With a flutter in my stomach, I sit beside him.

Decker perches on the wooden chair directly across from me, leaving less than a foot of space between our knees. I don’t know what his problem is with Reese, but he scowls at the other man for an uncomfortable moment before turning his attention to me.