Thousands (Dollar 4)

“Oh, I don’t know.” Tucking her hand in mine, I slammed the door and guided her toward the ramp. “I’m sure I could mimic you on my cello.”

“Is that right?” She tiptoed over the gritty pier, her feet bare and vulnerable.

I wanted to scoop her up, but that damn dress of hers would probably suffocate me if I carried her up the gangway.

“I might need you to recreate said scream to get it perfect, though.” I chuckled under my breath.

Her eyes heated. “I’m sure that could be arranged.”

I’d never indulged in banter like this. Never hovered in the sexual joy of falling in love and being so fucking happy just talking to a person.

Not that Pim was just a person.

She was my reason for existing now.

She’d taken reign of my misery and loneliness and given me something to hoard and worship. I missed my family, but for once in my life, I wasn’t crippled by it.

How could I ever have thought about leaving her here? I didn’t care if it took me months or years to eradicate the Chinmoku, I would find a way with her by my side. She would remain safe. She was my newest addiction, and unlike my other unhealthy obsessions, I was determined to stay level-headed and sane even as my heart twisted into a lovesick fool.

The car engine revved. I glanced back at Selix who wound his window down. Pointing down the length of the Phantom where the garage to store the car was open, he said, “I’ll park up for the night. Catch you on board.”

I nodded. “Thanks.”

He grinned. “Expect an early wake-up call, Prest.” He waved, sending a silent message that he’d want to know what the hell happened when we had our regular sparring season.

I’d tell him pieces, but I’d also tell him I’d had enough of him being second best. He was never my staff—he was the one who chose that role. I wanted him as my equal if we were to fight the Chinmoku together. That was my war…not his. If he was to be a part of it, then he needed to accept my terms.

Mainly inheriting half of my company once the lottery debt was paid.

Squeezing Pim’s hand, I guided her up the ramp, inspecting the looming giant of the Phantom. Its bulk far outshone any of the smaller crafts around the pier. Her hulking presence granting a false sense of invincibility.

A chilly breeze whipped around us as we reached the top. My tux’s fly was broken, allowing air to circulate around yet another growing erection. My shirt and jacket flapped around my waist, untucked.

I wanted a hot shower and fresh sheets.

I wanted them with Pimlico.

I wanted her beside me instead of behind a lock and key a deck below.

Climbing on board, I spun her to face me, desperate to kiss her.

She smiled as my lips touched hers, her cheeks pinking with the same desire infecting me.

Forcing myself to break the kiss before I took it too far, I breathed, “Spend the night with me.”

Her eyes flared. “Are you asking for more sex or…?”

I fucking loved that she gave me the choice. That she didn’t turn me down, beseeching that three times was enough for one evening. She merely smiled so pure, so sweet, and gave me anything I needed.

Christ, this woman.

What could I do to ever repay her…to ever deserve her?

Tucking wild chocolate hair behind her ear, I laughed quietly. “Sleep with me.”

Her lashes fluttered, her gaze dropping to my chest seductively. “Sleep, sleep?”

I laughed harder. “Sleep. You know? Where you let me hold you, and we both try to rest so we’re not zombies tomorrow?”

“Ahh, sleep! Yes, I’ve heard of it.” She wrinkled her nose. “Then again, it is rather boring, don’t you find?”

Nuzzling into her neck, I groaned. “God, don’t tempt me again, Pimlico.”

She pressed against me, her arms whipping around my waist. “Where’s the fun in stopping?”

My fingers captured her jaw, holding her still as I pressed my mouth to hers. The kiss had a life of its own, managing to somehow stay innocent but dirty at the same time. Our tongues touched then retreated; our hearts swelled then softened.

I was so fucking in love with this girl.

Kissing the corner of her mouth, I murmured, “I’m sure another kind of sleeping could be arranged.”

She shivered in my arms. “Let’s go then.”

Breaking apart, we stumbled over the main deck, impatience and desire turning our limbs jerky. She glanced at me with my flapping ruined tux and laughed. I looked at her in her rippling, torn dress and didn’t know if I’d make it to the room.

Laughing together was one of the best things in the world. I was enraptured by her, completely addicted, and for once, I didn’t care or try to break the spell.

She was all mine.