“It’s your phone, Rose. It’s been going off for a while now.”
“Oh, I forgot about it. Thank you,” she said, got up off of Mercury’s lap, feeling his hand glide along her hip as she met Rome. “Thanks,” she said.
Rome reached out and stroked her cheek. “I have to go lay down. You’ll be here when I wake up?” Rome asked her and she nodded and smiled. He pressed his lips to hers and she slid her hand against his chest and then watched him walk away.
She looked at her phone.
“My friends are wondering where I am and it looks like the word is out that I spent the night here with you and your brothers.”
Mercury leaned back in his chair and held her gaze.
“Good. I’ll take care of the rest of this stuff. You go finalize plans with the others for the rest of the week.”
“Plans?”
“Yes, plans. We have a first date dinner to arrange for tonight, self-defense instruction on the mats with Rylan, Falco, and Slade, and shooting lessons with Roman. Your art supplies and things should be arriving momentarily. I’ll have the staff put them in the cottage for now until you decide where you want to hunt for a new studio.” Her lips parted and she stood there speechless.
“Move it, or I’ll cash in on those punishments like Slade and Falco did.” She swallowed hard turned around and headed out of his office, feeling overwhelmed, shocked, but entirely too giddy for a woman whose life was being taken over by a control freak sex god. Jesus, he’s going to be the death of me.
She texted her friends back as she walked and then gasped when strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind. She hadn’t even heard Rylan behind her.
“We have a lot to work on with you. Being aware of your surroundings at all times is key to not becoming a victim.”
“I don’t plan on becoming a victim.”
He pressed her closer to the wall and she held on to his forearms as she looked up into Rylan’s dark brown eyes.
His hand slid along her ass and squeezed.
“I can’t stop touching you,” he said to her and she caressed his chest and then reached up and cupped his cheeks. She held his gaze and felt the desperate need to be close to him and his brothers. It was getting stronger.
“I know what you mean,” she said and then lifted up to kiss his chin but he was so much taller than her he had to lower down so she could reach his skin. She kissed the gruff along his chin and cheek.
“I need a shower and change. Any chance my clothes arrived, too?” she asked.
“Remo put a bunch of things in the cottage.”
“I should call back my friends and maybe rest a little, to get ready for dinner later. I’ll have to find something to wear.”
“Mercury took care of that. You’ll wear what’s on the bed in the cottage. One of us will come get you at six.” He kissed her nose and she smiled. As she walked away he let his hand slide along her ass and hip. She felt giddy and excited. What had started off as a tricky morning of feeling like she made a mistake had turned into a wonderful afternoon of making amends, coming to an understanding, and compromising. She already knew that after their first date tonight, she wasn’t going to be sleeping in the cottage. Hell, she might never sleep there.
Chapter 10
“Mulgoff, I’m glad I caught you. How are you?” Cassidy Monclaire said into her phone. She glanced at Weiller Onsonna, who nodded and smiled.
“I’m doing well, and how are you?”
“In need of your assistance. I’m organizing a fundraising event, a private party with about twenty-five of my close friends and acquaintances next week. We’re looking to raise money for the children’s hospital in Charlotte, and Pierre Lafue had to cancel bringing his line of exquisite brooches. I was hoping that you were available to perhaps showcase some of your own jewelry, pendants, bracelets, even rings for the occasion and maybe donate a small portion of sales to the fundraising event?” she asked.
“Why, of course, Cassidy. You know I’m always willing to help the children’s hospital. Send me the details and I’ll have my assistant gather everything I need. If I have any questions I’ll let her contact you.”