Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
I watched the sway of her ass for ten steps before looking elsewhere—especially when I started comparing it to another ass that I more than enjoyed watching walk away earlier. A man walked into the room, and I turned to find just the man I was looking for. I gestured Corbin over with a scowl.
“What has you looking so dark and ominous?” The question was ironic, coming from a man who looked just as dark and ominous as I did. Although, he held an air of joviality—probably from being with a woman almost half his age and running an erotic club together. “No one gets to look that pissy here—not with a playground of fantasy spread out around you.”
“I can look as pissy as I want when I find out that you’ve been talking about me.”
His easy smile never wavered. “Oh, yeah? And what have I been saying? Hopefully, no one overheard how in love with you I am.”
“Hah,” I barked. “More like someone overheard you discussing the promise I made when I was young and stupid.”
“Oooooh, that one,” he recalled. “Yeah, that might have come up when I was talking with Rose last week. I assumed no one was around to overhear.”
“Well, someone was,” I muttered.
“Is that someone a blonde you’ve been playing with for a while?” he asked knowingly.
“Yup,” I answered, putting all of my annoyance in the pop of the p.
“And what did she say to increase the dark shadow looming over you more than usual?”
With a curled lip and narrowed eyes, I made sure he saw my irritation over his false concern. “Nothing specific. She merely asked about it, but I can only imagine what thoughts that information has placed in her head.”
Corbin had known me for years. We’d run into each other at business conferences and became closer once he took part in shaping The Berkshire into the adult playground it was today.
“She’s probably just curious more than anything,” he explained away. After years of friendship, he knew all about my darkest corners and jaded beliefs.
He also knew about the promise I made to my godfather when he bailed me out. I’d been young and naïve and in need of help after a woman took everything from me. He’d offered me the salvation I needed—as long as I promised to marry before he died. At the time, I’d agreed easily because he was barely fifty and healthy. I had years before thinking about marrying someone again.
But now, he had cancer, and he was dying. Now, the deadline on my promise loomed closer than ever, hanging over my head like a noose.
“Or she wants more out of our casual play sessions. I can imagine her thinking it’s a way for her to wedge her way into my life outside of the club.” I shuddered at the vision of Emily wrapping a rope around my neck and pulling me in.
“Maybe,” Corbin said with a shrug. “Or maybe not.”
I offered a noncommittal grunt because when it came down to it, no matter who I found to fill the void to accomplish my promise, I wouldn’t be suckered like last time. “Either way, maybe use a little more discretion.”
Before Corbin could respond, Emily reappeared with a drink carefully balanced in hand and a sultry smile in place.
“Will do,” he assured, nodding to me and Emily before making his exit.
With only the slightest slip in her sexy aura, she laid the glass on the table and knelt back at my feet, waiting to rest her head on my knees like before. “I’m sorry for bringing anything up, Sir,” she said with downcast eyes.
Part of me wanted to turn her away, start over with another woman completely. Another part of me was tired and just wanted to forget the weight on my shoulders.
“Thank you,” I muttered, taking the easier path—at least for tonight. With my decision made, I fisted her hair again and leaned close. “Now, let’s put that mouth to something a bit more useful. Make me come.”
Doubt fled, leaving behind need, want, and the desire to please expanding her pupils until they swallowed the blue. “Yes, Sir.”
I forgot my promise. I forgot my fear of the woman at my knees pushing for more. I forgot everything beyond the pleasure.
Except—maybe—I didn’t quite forget earlier.
Maybe, instead of a blonde head over my lap—there was a dark one.
CHAPTER 3
ASPEN
I made it to my apartment with a few spare minutes to tidy up. Not that I needed it. My apartment always stayed clean. Other than cooking, I didn’t do much there, and if I did, I picked up immediately after.
The intercom dinged, and when I saw the familiar dark hair and scruff, I let him up. Before unlocking the door, I tossed a folded blanket on the back of the couch for the extra padding. It’d been a while since I’d called him over, but I remembered the way the edge dug into my hips.