“So, engaged, huh?” He doesn’t look sad about it, which is good. I truly thought I’d broken the poor man’s heart when I turned him down, but it seems I held more stock in myself than needed.
“Yup.” I can’t find any other words. This is awkward as fuck. I have no clue if Tyler knows about me having a contract in place with Marco, and I’m sure as shit not going to be the one to bring it up.
“Lina? Is that you?” Tyler zones in on Lina as she comes back to the table, Vincenzo right behind her—as he has been all evening whenever she moves.
“Ty! Oh my God! I haven’t seen you for years. How are you?” Her eyes become wide as saucers as she drinks him in—I don’t blame her, he is hot as fuck. I’m suddenly forgotten as Tyler’s attention is all on Lina, and I can see the lust flying between them both, even as they pretend there’s nothing there.
A hand wraps around my waist from behind, and the unmistakable scent of Marco surrounds me.
“Tyler.” I feel him nod over my shoulder. “Eyes off my woman.”
Tyler grins, throwing me a playful wink. “Don’t worry, they’re already elsewhere.”
I know exactly where they are, but I’m saying nothing. Not my circus and all that.
“Dolcezza, let’s go. I can’t stand to watch you speak with other men any longer. Upstairs. Now.” The last word is a low growl, one that has my pussy fluttering in anticipation of what’s to come.
I wonder if he could beat Tyler’s record? Maybe I’ll have to try that one day. That’s for another time though, right now, I could internally combust with all the not-sex I’ve been having lately and I smile seductively at the asshole with beautiful deep gray eyes.
“Sir, yes sir.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
RIVER
More often than not, when people say, “I’m going to New York,” what they’re really saying is “I’m going to Manhattan.” It’s crazy how such a small island has taken center stage across the world. With barely twenty-three square miles of land, this borough is the greatest destination in the hearts of tourists. All year round, they come and go with maps on their phones and awe on their faces.
I see them now, high up on my Fifth Avenue perch, as they walk around like ants hoping to catch sight of the rich and famous of the Upper East Side. Burrowed in their coats, they ooh and aah as they walk by, crossing the street and losing themselves in the lungs of The City.
“You look stunning in that dress.” I don’t startle as he speaks. The whole time I spent contemplating the world’s love of New York City, I could feel his imposing presence behind me.
“You said that, thank you.” Without turning around, I speak to the pristine window. Absently, I wonder how many times they’re cleaned for them to look so perfect.
“You’re upset.” It’s not a question, he can feel something stirring in me.
“Contemplative, I think. I miss my family and not going home for Winter Solstice feels weird.” When I do turn around, he’s right there, his gorgeous face mere inches from my lips.
“I’ve kept you from them. I’m sorry.” One finger comes up and brushes a stray hair from my cheek, pushing it behind my ear. “It’s in our contract.”
It is. Seeing my family is non-negotiable.
“I hated seeing Tyler so close to you.” His words are barely audible as he speaks softly in my ear. “And at the funeral, I had this uncontrollable urge to hurt Nate.” My head tilts back as his mouth hovers just above my skin, down the column of my neck and over my collar bone.
“Why is that? He was just a client. And how do you know Nathaniel?” His hand is suddenly in my hair, pulling my head back with his eyes boring into mine.
“I’m just a client, too.” His words are factual but his tone is all wrong.
“Yes.” It doesn’t escape me that my second question goes unanswered.
“Hmm…” Then his mouth is on mine. Lips searching out my lips. Tongue battling with my tongue. Breaths mingling with my breaths. Nothing about this kiss screams job or client. It’s possessive and hungry. It’s all-consuming with its urgency. His entire body is kissing me as he wraps his free hand over my exposed thigh and brings my leg up and around his waist. With fingers digging into my flesh and teeth biting into my lower lip, the simple act of pulling air into my lungs feels insurmountable. My body acts of its own volition, seeking out more of his heat, needing more of his touch.
“What do you want, River?” It takes me a minute to understand the question, not sure why he’s even asking me. Fucking is part of the contract, this is a no-brainer.
“What?” My question is barely a word, just a mumbled sound spilling from between my lips.
His hand at my thigh slides over my hip and latches onto the silky fabric before pulling hard enough to rip, giving him better access to my ass.
“Dammit, I loved this dress.” Why am I even thinking about that right now? My pussy is swollen with need, hungry for his touch, yet the only thing I can truly focus on is the fact that he just ruined an exquisite garment.