Sweet Little Lies (Dirty Little Lies Duet 2)

“Shit,” he growls, falling over me, battling to catch his breath. “You okay?” I can’t answer. I’m not okay. Quickly he sits up and lifts me, cradling me in his arms. “Hey, stay with me here.” He gently taps on my cheek to keep me awake.

“Am I dead?” I ask, fighting to keep one eye open.

His chuckle confirms I may be in heaven. “No, little bird. Just slightly wounded.”

“Up we go.” He lifts me off the bed and carries me to a side door that leads to an attached bathroom. “Let’s get you cleaned up.” He turns on the water and walks us into the steaming shower. “Put your hands on the wall and bend forward.”

“Gabriel, I don’t think I can—”

“Relax, pet. Take a deep breath.” I do, the air lodging in my throat when he removes the plug. “Absolutely breathtaking.” He places the plug on the ledge and proceeds to wash my entire body, then my hair, until there’s not a spec of sin left on me. When he’s done, and I’m dried off, I begin to feel like myself again.

“How do you feel?” he asks.

“Better. Thank you.”

“Good,” he says, then walks away, putting distance between us. My heart plummets. I fear this is where he rejects me. My throat tightens, ready to spew out reasonings and excuses—anything to fight for what we’re creating here. “There needs to be rules set.” He turns to face me, his once relaxed smile gone. “You coming to the club is unacceptable.”

I take two frantic steps toward him but stop. My mind takes a dark turn. If this isn’t because he doesn’t want me, it has to be because he doesn’t want me interfering with his other prospects. Worry transforms into anger. I eliminate the remaining space between us, looking him in the eyes. “Why, because this is where you bring all your women? Don’t want us to cross paths?”

His eyes flicker with anger. “Watch your mouth. It’s where your father is, for one. What would he say if he caught wind that his daughter, who’s supposed to be at school, is walking into his private club demanding to see me?”

My stomach drops. “I didn’t think—”

“You didn’t.”

“You were ignoring me, and when I called my dad, he said—”

His hand raises, his thumb gripping at the vein pulsating in my neck. “I don’t do petty jealousy. I don’t cater to insecurities. If I don’t answer your call, then you sit and wait longer.”

There’s a moment of silence before he continues. “I have my reasons for everything I do. None of which I will explain.” He stops, then retracts his hand. “I was with your father all day. I couldn’t answer.”

I feel like a complete idiot. My cheeks flush with humiliation because he’s right. I reacted because of petty jealousy. My head bows in shame. “I’m sorry. This… it’s still all so new to me. I was losing my mind.”

His thumb reaches for my mouth to caress my bottom lip. “I know you are. But this isn’t something I will let slide. When it’s time, I will punish you. And you will show me in other ways how sorry you are.”

His words aren’t threats. They’re promises that stimulate this carnal being inside me I never knew existed. I widen my lips, his sensual touch working me up. I’m so close to begging for my retribution when he speaks.

“It’s time to go.” My eyes widen. My words are swallowed down. He’s dismissing me. “Don’t look so wounded. It’s for the best. If your father catches you, we’ll both be in a heap of trouble.”

The thought of my dad finding out sobers me up. I stand straighter, nodding. “You’re right.” I redress while he makes a call. Feeling like an intruder in his conversation, I walk away and wait for him by the door. The imprint of his thumb is still warm against my bottom lip, and I suck it into my mouth, wishing I was sucking his finger into my mouth. My thoughts become indecent, and I blush, turning away, fiddling with a strand of hair. He ends his call and dominates the space between us until he’s hovering over me. He takes claim of my chin, gripping it with less gentleness than before.

“You’re in luck. Your father seems to be occupied at the moment.” His pressure hardens. “You will never again put me in the predicament you did tonight. Understood?” I nod. “No more alcohol. I want you clearheaded and sober. Always. What I have in store for you, I need you aware at all times.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t—”

“Again, pet. You will pay for your sins. I have rules for a reason, and I won’t change those. Even for you.”

I nod once more. He opens the door, and I’m surprised to see the woman from the door waiting outside. “Clara will escort you out the private exit. Be well, little bird. We’ll talk soon.”