Playing Pretend, page 14
I bite my lip and turn for the resort, pondering the possibilities.
I stew on what his plan might be over a panini lunch in the restaurant. I fixate while I rest in the spa’s mud bath, and through the entirety of my hour-long massage. By the time I walk back into our suite at dusk, anticipation over his plan has a stomach ulcer forming.
I dump my cell on the table and turn to Rome as he walks into the suite from the bathroom. He fixes the collar of the button-down beneath his suit jacket, his hair styled, his face freshly shaven.
He’s already prepared for dinner.
Dressed.
Suave.
And smelling like a treat.
He smirks. No words. A mere taunt of lips. Then jerks his chin toward the bed.
I raise a brow and turn in the direction he’s suggested. My eyes catch on a wrapped package in pink tissue paper at the end of the freshly made mattress, the size slightly bigger than a tissue box.
“What is it?” I kick off my shoes and pad to the bed, nervous butterflies filling my stomach.
“A gift.”
“I can see that. What’s it for?”
“Tonight.” He prowls toward me, stopping a foot away. “Call it part of the challenge. Or consider it a tool to prove you’re not the woman Julian thinks you are. Either way, it’s also punishment for leaving me alone all day.”
I grab the package and tear at one end of the wrapping paper, only to have his hand clamp down over mine.
“Before you get carried away, I want you to know I’ll be walking out of here as soon as it’s unwrapped. You made rules on this room being a friends-only zone, and what’s inside that box is far from friendly.”
A shiver skitters down my spine.
Far from friendly?
“I’ll keep up my end of the bargain, little Pip.” His expression turns intense, those hard, dark eyes quickening my pulse. “I won’t break my promises. And in return, you’ll make use of what’s in that box until I tell you otherwise.”
“I’ll make use of it?”
“You’ll wear it,” he clarifies. “At all times.”
Lingerie? Sordid underwear? “I guess this means you decided dirty words weren’t going to be enough.”
“I never said they would be. You assumed.”
Maybe it’s crotchless panties. Or edible. I could handle either. No big deal. As long as the rest of my body is covered and not scandalizing my co-workers I can breeze through a night in erotic unmentionables.
“I’ll wear it,” I say with confidence. “No problem at all.”
His lips kick, and the tantalizing thrill sparkling in his eyes grinds my confidence down a gear. “Don’t get too cocky, Pip. It’s a turn-on.”
My heart gallops. Sprints. “You don’t get to play the boyfriend role inside these four walls, remember?”
“My apologies.” He jerks his chin at the package again. “Go on. Open it.”
I ignore the goose bumps taking hold of my flesh, unfasten the tape on one side of the box, then peek around the paper to see bright pink writing against a black background.
Bluetooth. Whisper quiet. Silicone.
Excitement and nausea wage war in my gut as I inch more paper aside.
Versatile. G-spot friendly. Interactive.
I clamp my mouth shut. Aghast. Terrified.
“I’ll be waiting for you downstairs.” Rome retreats for the hall.
“Wait…” I keep my eyes locked on the box, my heart a rampant vulture in my throat.
“A promise is a promise, Pip. I won’t touch you. We won’t kiss. But you will wear it.” He opens the suite door with a whoosh.
“Stop.” I turn my gaze to his as he stands outside our room. I don’t know what to say. What to do. This is too much. The only thing I can think to ask is, “Why?”
“Because I can,” he states simply. Confidently. “It’s also the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Tonight, you’re going to prove to yourself that you’re far from cold. And there will also be valuable business lessons to—”
“This has nothing to do with business.”
“No?” He raises a brow. “Haven’t you already learned a valuable lesson—not to underestimate your counterpart?”
I swallow, my dry throat aching with the sudden moisture.
This is insane.
“I’ll be waiting at the bar.” He closes the door, leaving me alone with the monstrosity clutched in my hands.
I suck in breath after breath, the starting sequence to hyperventilation clawing at my lungs.
I tear at the remaining packaging, the paper floating to the floor as I expose a black silicone vibrator with gold edging. Fancy. Expensive. Scandalous.
A thrill shoots through me. One that shouldn’t exist.
I can’t do this. Can I?
It’s too much. An edible G-string—yes. A fully functioning vibrator while seated at a formal dinner with my colleagues? No. It’s not possible.
I dump the box on the bed and snatch my cell from the table to text Rome.
Piper
What if I don’t wear it?
Rome
Lesson two—a verbal contract is binding. But you should already know that. Maybe you aren’t ready for this job after all.
He’s baiting me. I won’t sink my teeth into the trap.
Piper
I propose a renegotiation. Let’s take things back to the way they were. No toys. No promises. Just a simple agreement to play boyfriend and girlfriend for the final night.
Rome
You want to concede that I can touch and kiss you?
Rome
All night.
Rome
Because that’s what I’ll do.
Rome
Relentlessly.
My stomach twists in knots.
No, I don’t want that either.
“Shit.” I bite my lip. He’s got me backed into a corner. One that’s based on pride.
There’s nothing to stop me packing my bags and walking out of here without a goodbye to my friends or a farewell to Rome.
I know he wouldn’t deny me the job I’m owed if I refused this stupid game. The problem is he’d make a silent judgment. He’d place me in a box marked fun-free zone. And maybe that would be for the best when trying to initiate a working relationship. But my fluttering stomach and reckless pulse give me pause.
What’s the worst that could happen?
Cassidy’s question comes back to haunt me, and for the first time I don’t want to dive headfirst into considering potential problems. I’ve already war-gamed the risks of losing my heart to Rome a million times. The only harm that can come to our friendship is from my messy thoughts. My tangled feelings.
If I keep this sterile—emotionless, nothing more than a wicked game, just like Rome does—it could be the perfect way to build my confidence in areas I can’t seem to fix on my own.
It would also give me the opportunity to get Rome out of my system. To take one huge bite of indulgence before I’m forced to rebuild my walls against attraction.
It’s only one more night. One more thrill.
Piper
Fine. I’ll wear it. But once tonight is over, that job is mine and Julian is never to be mentioned again.
Rome
Deal.
I suck in a breath, side-eying the package on the bed.
Rome
And just so you’re aware, I’ll be in control of the device. I’ll know if you turn it off or remove it.
I’d already figured as much.
Rome
Now hurry up and get ready. I’m excited to play with my new toy.
I scowl and dump my cell on the bed, determined to do the opposite. I take my time showering. I curl my hair. I do my makeup with meticulous care, perfecting an exquisite smoky eye. Then I finally step into my evening dress, the black sparkling bodice tight against my breasts while the loose, layered skirt falls from my hips.
My shoes are the last piece of the distraction puzzle before I’m left standing at the end of the bed, staring at my fate.
I snatch the package off the coverings. Any plastic wrap has already been removed, I assume so Rome could sync the device to his watch. Or phone. Or whatever other device will be the source of torture he plans to use.
I take the vibrator to the bathroom, wash it thoroughly, then clamp my teeth as I hike my skirt and insert the device into a place no friend should ever insert another friend’s so-called gift.
The worst part is how the toy slides in without friction.
My body is prepared for what’s to come even though my heart is worried and my mind is a mess.
I’m not going to overthink it anymore. I’m going to play the game. Enjoy the fun.
I grab my purse and cell, then walk from the suite with my head held high, ignoring the intrusion between my thighs as I descend in the elevator.
I’m on edge, the anticipation for the first buzz of vibration quickening my breaths.
I stride from the building and around the pool, confident in my attempt to appear natural when my gaze finds Rome at the bar.
He stands between the stools. Pete on his right. Cassidy on the left. All of them with a drink in hand as they chat.
Alcohol seems like a great option right now. A row of ten shots would be perfect. But sobriety is key if I plan to get through the night without being humiliated in front of my colleagues.
As if sensing my approach, Rome turns, his expression unreadable as he takes in the sight of me.
Is he surprised I showed? Had he been bluffing?
His gaze rakes the length of me as I eat the distance between us, his leisurely appraisal making my skin burn while his free hand slides into his pocket.
I tense, predicting the soft hum of vibration that awakens in my core.
It’s light. Endurable. Not enough to falter my stride—only my pulse.
I hold my chin high, my shoulders straight, and stop a foot from his side. “Good evening, everyone.”
Pete turns to face me with a smile. “Good evening.”
“Evening.” Cassidy beams.
Rome inches closer, our shoulders brushing as he murmurs, “You’re stunning.”
This time my cheeks don’t heat at his attention. My heart does. It squeezes and twists with warmth. “Thank you.”
He slides a palm across the curve of my back.
“No touching,” I whisper.
“No unprofessional touching,” he counters. “Lesson number three—you need to be more aware of specifics when negotiating.”
Touché.
“You really do look amazing,” Cassidy gushes. “I wish I could pull off a dress like that.”
Rome snickers, his mouth moving near my ear as he murmurs, “Should I tell her I’ll spare her a thought when I’m pulling it off later?”
“Don’t you dare.” I elbow him in the ribs, then smile at my friend. “Thank you. This is the first chance I’ve had to wear it.”
Pete finishes his drink and places it on the bar before retrieving his cell from his pocket. “Should we head inside? I think my lovely wife is already on her way to the conference room.”
“Well, we’d better not keep her waiting.” Cassidy leads the way toward the building.
Pete keeps pace at her side.
I follow, attempting to gain a breather from Rome’s touch, only to be pulled back by his hold on my wrist.
“Can I get you a drink first?” He drags me around to face him.
“No, thanks. I’m not drinking tonight.”
He raises a brow. “And why is that?”
Self-preservation. “I don’t want to lower my guard when you’ve gone to great lengths in an attempt to push me off-balance.”
“This isn’t a push.” He releases my wrist. “Merely a nudge.”
“It’s overkill.” I hold his gaze, acting unfazed by the toy that continues to gently vibrate inside me. “And entirely inappropriate. But you already know that.”
“You agreed I could play the boyfriend role while I was here, didn’t you?”
I don’t answer. Not only because it’s a rhetorical question, but because I don’t want him to point out another lesson I need to learn.
“I’m still within the scope of my role.” He raises a hand, placing his fingers beneath my chin, gently sliding his thumb back and forth along my throat. He slays me with those dark, deep eyes, his infallible confidence making my chest hum. “If you were mine, I’d constantly be placing you in positions not only similar to the one you’re currently in, but far more illicit. Am I wrong in thinking you should’ve expected this type of behavior?”
He’s wrong in thinking I could participate without getting emotionally invested. That I’d be able to brush it off with a laugh and pretend like it was all fun and games instead of a major complication to our friendship. But it’s only one night.
I can do this.
“It’s another valuable lesson learned,” I purr, pretending he has absolutely no hold over me. “I’m hungry. I’ll meet you inside.” I turn and walk toward the main building.
He doesn’t follow.
I don’t sense him at my back.
Good. I release a heavy exhale, thankful for the reprieve. The more space I can get, the better.
I reach the door leading to the function center, my fingers pressed against the glass panel when the vibration of the sex toy jolts up a notch.
I freeze. Fight not to gasp.
I squeeze every muscle in my core against the hum filtering through to my clit as the casual rhythmic clap of Rome’s expensive shoes approach behind me.
He closes in against my back, his heated breath brushing my ear.
“Lesson number four,” he murmurs. “I prefer when people don’t walk away from me in the middle of a conversation. Especially important ones.” His palms claim my hips, staking ownership. “If this is too much, you need to tell me.”
“I’m more than capable of handling you,” I lie.
“Then be aware I don’t take kindly to being dismissed.” His tone holds a delicious warning. “That device has sixteen different settings, little Pip. Each one capable of educating you on a far more productive level.”
I shudder. Swallow.
“And let me assure you…” A hand falls from my side as he leans forward to push the door open, his chest brushing my shoulder. “By the end of the night, you’ll be fully versed on how to work seamlessly at my side.”
CHAPTER 14
Rome
Piper remains poised as we enter the conference room with its dim mood lighting, the round tables covered in jet-black cloths and sparkling cutlery. Waitstaff circle guests, offering champagne and taking beverage orders from those mingling, while soft music plays from an unmanned DJ stand near the lectern illuminated by a lone spotlight.
She’s far more composed than I’d anticipated as she quietly leads the way past her friends, giving casual smiles of greeting, her cheeks warm with a gentle glow. She thanks those who compliment her phenomenal dress. Declines the champagne that’s offered. Remains unperturbed as she glides effortlessly through the room.
I didn’t plan on increasing the settings on the device more than three times tonight, yet her ability to act unfazed already has me itching to skip to level thirteen.
I need her to react to me. To succumb. On every level.
“Are you sure I can’t get you a drink?” I ask.
She continues toward the far back corner of the room, her choice of isolation the only hint to her hidden nervousness. “I’m perfectly fine without.”
“Is it set seating?” I claim her hand, entwining our fingers, pleased to find her palm slicked with sweat. “Because the most stunning woman shouldn’t be hiding in the back corner.”
She slows her stride, disengaging our hands once we reach the farthest table from the door. “Hiding is necessary when you’re trying to humiliate me.”
“That’s not my aim. I want to help you enjoy our last night here. I want you to feel good.” I inch closer and purr, “Do you feel good, little Pip?”
I fight the temptation to slide my palms over her abdomen. To see if I can sense those vibrations through her skin.
She turns to me, her smile subtle, her eyes dark and dazzling in the dim light. “What I feel is that payback will be a bitch.”
I smirk. “I can’t wait.”
I thought the toy might’ve been too much. A step too far. I had little choice, though. With this being my last night playing so-called pretend, I had no plan on wasting it. It was a case of go hard or go home. And things have been nothing but hard down south for far too fucking long.
“Am I allowed to sit now?” She raises a brow.
“Do I have jurisdiction over your seating choice?”
She glowers. “No.”
I chuckle. “Then by all means.” I pull out the chair in front of her, waiting until she’s seated before claiming my own at her side.
She focuses on the front of the room, silent, trying her best not to look at me.
Lesson five, Pip. I don’t like being ignored.
I slide a hand into my pocket and press the remote.
She doesn’t respond.
I do it again.
She grabs a glass from in front of her plate and a pitcher of water, pouring herself a drink.
I do it a third time, wondering if the device could already be low on charge, when her face snaps toward mine, her eyes narrowed.
Nope, the batteries are still fully functioning.
I snicker. “I wanted to make sure it was working.”
“It is,” she grates.
“You’re handling this far better than I’d anticipated.”
