I smile as Scarlett snuggles up against me. It’s nearly midnight—three days since Jake’s surgery—and after another exhausting day, it’s good to be in bed. Jake is doing well, so much so that his doctor is happy for him to fly to London next week to continue with the trial.

  “Of course I was going to stay,” I say, stroking her hair. I kiss her forehead, and she smiles. She’s been much more relaxed over the past few days.

  “So you leave on Friday, and we fly over on Monday.”

  “Yep. I’ll be waiting at the airport for to pick you up.”

  “Good.” She shivers. “God, I’m nervous. I don’t think I can handle any more bad news. I just hope he responds to the treatment.”

  “He will.”

  I tilt her head and press my lips against hers. I wish I could do more for her. I wish she felt comfortable enough to tell me everything. Whatever she’s hiding from me is still weighing heavily on my soul. I can’t bring it up, but every day I’m wondering if we’ve really seen the last of Tony. Somehow, I doubt it. But for now at least he’s gone, and if that surprises Scarlett, she hasn’t let on.

  “You know, I'm looking forward to getting you back to London.”

  “Really?” She giggles. “And why is that?”

  “For starters, Mum will kill me if I don't introduce the two of you.”

  “Your mum knows about me?” Her eyes light up and I laugh. She's so damn cute sometimes.

  “Yes. She may have coerced some information out of me while I was under the influence of some pretty intense painkillers.”

  She laughs and leans over, kissing me. She shrieks as I haul her on top of me, her milky white thighs resting either side of my bare chest.

  “I think we need to stop talking about my mother, or you’re going to scar me for life,” I mumble. I reach up and cradle her face, guiding her down until her body is flush against mine. Our lips meet as my hands squeeze her arse.

  “Again?” She giggles as I grind my erection against her stomach. I groan in response and reach for another condom for the second time tonight.

  What can I say? She makes me horny.

  She bites her lip as I position her over my length and lower her onto me as my fingers roll up over her stomach and massage her breasts. God, she drives me crazy. My cock is throbbing, aching for release as her pussy moves up and down my shaft.

  “Fuck, you’re amazing,” I mumble. I slide a finger inside her, alongside my cock. She gasps, her fingernails digging into my flesh. “God, Scar, you feel so damn good.”

  I groan as my body jerks and releases inside her until I’m empty and sore as fuck. I slide myself out of her, keeping my finger inside her. I’m determined to make her come. I’d spend all night making her come if she’d let me.

  “God, yes!” She collapses on the bed next to me, out of breath, her cheeks flushed. I slither against her, loving the feel of her scorching hot skin against mine. My lips meet her neck as I taste the sweetness of her sweat. She sighs, tilting her head back against my shoulder.

  “You know you can tell me anything, right?” I whisper, my tongue curling around her earlobe.

  She gasps as I gently bite, and I'm not even sure that she is capable of responding.

  “I love you,” she whispers, her words falling away as she drifts off to sleep. I sigh and close my eyes, kissing the soft skin of her neck.

  I love you, too.

  Chapter Four

  Scarlett

  It’s exactly one week since Jake’s surgery and I’m exhausted. Trying to keep his spirits up is a full-time job on its own—not that it takes much to cheer him up.

  I sit by Jake’s bed, listening to him chatter on about his Transformers. With all that’s gone on this week, I haven’t had a chance to breathe, let alone think about anything other than my son, but I know I can’t avoid it forever.

  I haven’t heard from Tony since before Jake’s surgery.

  He’s gone from hassling me daily to nothing, yet I’m still thinking about him just as much. I thought that by “handling” the situation I’d be able to relax and focus on the things important in my life—Jake and Ryder—but if anything, the opposite is true: I’m nervous—terrified—that he’ll be back, angrier than ever. I’m barely holding onto my sanity, as though at any moment everything I love is going to be ripped from me.

  And Ryder. Oh, God, if he finds out the truth . . . I shudder, because the thought of him knowing that about me makes me sick.

  “Mommy? Are you listening to me?” Jake asks, his eyes narrowing.

  “Of course I am.” I smile at him.

  “Yeah? Then what was I saying?” he challenges.

  I cringe, because I’ve just been called out by my seven-year-old. I have no idea what the hell he was talking about. I try to come up with a response, but it’s too late: he has me and he knows it.

  “Ha! You can’t yell at me for not listening ever again.” Jake laughs triumphantly, his green eyes sparkling with delight. I narrow my eyes and smile.

  That’s definitely my boy.

  ***

  Ryder picks me up from the hospital after Jake has gone to sleep. I slide inside the car and lean over, accepting his lips against mine.

  “How is he?” he asks, driving out of the parking lot.

  “Good. Really good. They want to keep him until we fly to London, but just as a precautionary measure. They want to make sure nothing interferes with him participating in the trial.”

  Jake’s survived another hurdle, but they are becoming all too frequent. I hate thinking the worst, but I know the likelihood of one of these infections eventually taking my boy is high.

  I’m asleep by the time we reach the hotel. Ryder bundles me out of my car and up to the hotel room, where he insists on me eating something. I select a chicken pasta dish that sounds moderately appetizing from the room service menu and run myself a hot bath.

  Sighing, I immerse myself in the hot water, my body instantly relaxing. This is what I needed. The last few weeks I've barely had a moment to think about myself. Not that I'm complaining. Jake’s okay, and that's all that matters, but there is so much other shit going on—things I should have been dealing with and haven't.

  Things like Tony.

  I have no idea what the situation with Tony is. Has he been dealt with? Is he out of my life the good? I haven't heard from the guy I hired, but I have no idea whether I’m supposed to hear from him. Should I be getting some kind of update on the progress of the situation?

  The other day, I nearly Googled what the etiquette is when hiring a hit man. This whole situation is causing me to do things I'd never normally do, and that scares me.

  “You look like you're enjoying yourself.”

  I jump and look up.

  Ryder is leaning against the open door, smiling at me. “I didn't mean to scare you, but dinner’s here.”

  “I'll be out the second,” I say, forcing a smile.

  “Are you sure you're okay?” he asks, concerned.

  I nod. “Just tired. And hungry,” I admit, acknowledging my grumbling stomach.

  The pasta is delicious, and it takes eating nearly half the plate for me to realize just how hungry I am. Ryder smirks at me as he polishes off his steak.

  “What?” I ask, embarrassed. “Am I eating too fast? Because at this point I really don't care.”

  “No, that's not it. I like seeing you enjoy something—even if it’s just a bowl of pasta.”

  “This is not just a bowl of pasta. This is quite possibly the best thing I've ever eaten,” I declare with a grin.

  He laughs again and shakes his head. “You're adorable when you're hungry.”

  I roll my eyes and stab at my food with my fork. I want to keep going, but I'm already too full. I push the plate aside and sigh.

  Ryder laughs and stands up, clearing our dishes away. “Drink?” he asks.

  “A wine would be nice,” I smile. “You know, you're kind of sexy,” I say as he bends over just outside the room door, leaving the tray on the floor.

  He laughs, his face coloring. “Are you sure you need alcohol? You seem kind of loose already,” he chuckles.

  “Loose?” I gape, standing up. “Did you just call me loose?”

  “Yes—as in relaxed.” His brow furrows. “What did you think I meant?”

  “I thought you were calling me easy,” I mumble.

  He shakes his head and moves toward me, his arms roaming over my back. “Well, you are kind of easy—for me at least,” he says huskily.

  “Keep talking like that and I won’t be,” I retort, ducking out of the way as he tries to kiss me. I laugh as his hands cup my face, finally relenting into his kiss. “Is it any wonder I’m easy when you kiss me like that?”

  “What can I say? I’m a man of many talents.” He sighs. “How am I going to go without you for two days?”

  He pushes me against the small, round table behind where I stand, his fingers riding up my dress. I groan as his hands brush past my panties.

  “Oh, God,” I mumble. His finger strokes along the inside of my thigh as his lips press against mine, demanding more of me.

  “You’re so fucking beautiful,” he whispers as his fingers loop around my panties. I sigh as he slides them down over my long, smooth legs. I’m still wearing my dress when he sits me on the table and crouches down in front of me, a glint burning in his eyes.

  “Oh,” I gasp. He lifts my thigh onto his shoulder, causing me to lose my balance. I put my hand out behind me, saving myself just in time. “God, you tease.”

  He smiles, and continues to blow gently along my entrance. The cool air from his lips hits my bare pussy, sending it into overdrive. I need some part of him—anything—inside me now.

  Gripping the back of his hair, I try to force him closer to me. He responds by laughing and then rolling me over until I sit perched on top of him.

  “Oh,” I gasp as he lifts me above his shoulders so I’m sitting on his face.

  “This is why I didn’t order dessert,” he smirks, winking at me. I laugh, holding my palms flat against the wall behind him. His tongue slides inside me, sending my body into a frenzy.

  Good god he knows how to work that tongue.

  His arms loop around my thighs, holding the hem of my dress up, as his eyes lock on mine. I gasp. My legs are shaking, and I fall further onto his mouth. Somehow, he manages a smile and I giggle.

  “Take this off,” he orders, flicking the skirt of my dress. I oblige, peeling it over my head and discarding it on the floor. “No bra? You naughty girl,” he murmurs, though it’s hard to understand him with a mouthful of my pussy.

  “God, harder,” I demand, closing my eyes. His tongue is making me ache. I’m so close to climaxing, but I’m distracted by the fact that I’m trying not to suffocate the poor guy. In the end, I don’t care anymore. I grab a fistful of his hair and hold him as close to me as I can, while my other hand continues to support the wall.

  “Oh! Oh yes,” I howl, riding his tongue. I can’t take it, yet I need more and it’s driving me insane. “Stop,” I beg, pulling away from him. He holds me in place for a moment too long, the sensation of his tongue on my clit unbearable.

  He finally lets me go, and I fall into a heap beside him. He smiles and caresses my face, pressing his mouth against mine. I groan, tasting myself on his lips. It’s sweet, and strangely sexy and if I wasn’t completely fucked I’m sure it would be turning me on.

  “I’m…” I sigh and don’t bother finishing my sentence.

  “Speechless? In awe of my amazing talents?” he offers, a grin on those sexy lips. I roll my eyes and snuggle against him, loving the feel of his hands wrapped around my waist.

  “You wish,” I grumble, unable to hide my smile.

  I’m a hell of a lucky woman.

  Chapter Five

  Ryder

  “For God’s sake, give me a fucking break,” I growl into the phone.

  “Ryder Jonathan Stevens!”

  I wince. Oh shit: Mum.

  “Sorry, I thought you were Matt,” I say, my voice sheepish.

  “That’s how you speak to your manager? I don’t know how he puts up with you. I thought I’d raised you better than that.” She’s upset, but I laugh.

  She raised me just fine. It’s more the fact that I’ve been back in London for less than three hours and I’ve already had more than a dozen missed calls from Matt.

  “What’s up, Mum?”

  “I was hoping I’d get to see you soon. Why don’t you come around for dinner on Monday?” she asks.

  “I can’t, Mum. Scarlett and Jake fly in at five. I have to pick them up.” She knows this, so I’m suspicious of her motive here.

  “So bring them along,” she suggests, as though the idea just popped into her head. Bullshit.

  “Fine,” I relent, because there is no way she’s going to give in before I do. “I’ll see you Monday.”

  “Good,” she gushes. “I can’t wait.”

  I groan, because I know this is all just a ploy for them to meet Scar and Jake. I’ve never taken a girl home to meet the parents. The thought makes me feel ill.

  Hails is going to give me so much shit.

  ***

  After I hang up, I call Matt. What the hell is so important that his finger has been on constant redial? I soon find out.

  “Ryder. My office, now,” he barks.

  “Someone’s in a bad mood,” I mumble. I’ve never heard Matt sound so fucking angry. What the hell is his problem? I rack my brain for things I might’ve done to piss him off, but I come up empty.

  I grab my keys and leave right away—not because I don’t want to make him wait, but because I’m curious as to what this is all about.

  I knock on his door and then let myself in.

  He’s sitting at his desk, glaring at me.

  “What?” I say, sliding into my seat.

  “What?” he growls. “What the fuck, Ryder? You promised an exclusive interview to The Daily fucking Telegraph? You can’t do that, Ryder. You’re locked into exclusivity with The Mail for the next six months—or did that slip your mind?” He pauses dramatically. “Do you understand the point of a manager? I’m being serious here, because I don’t think you do. Why wouldn’t you come to me before agreeing to this? You know I’m on your side. They’ll sue the arse off you if you do this interview.”

  Oh. Shit . . .

  Anna.

  Fuck. She is going to kill me if I don’t give her this. But Matt’s right: I could be sued for all I have if I do. I’m fucked either way, because if there’s one thing I’m sure about, Anna is not a person I want to fuck with.

  I pull out my phone and call her. I’m hoping like hell it goes through to voicemail, because I really don’t want to speak to her. Unfortunately for me, she answers on the first ring.

  “Hey you.” Her tone is friendly, but I know that’s about to change. “Are you back yet?”

  “I am,” I confirm. “Listen, can we talk?”

  “Okay, but it’ll have to be at my place because I’m on my way out.”

  I hesitate, because I’m not sure I want to put myself in that position—but I also know I need to speak to her face to face. And after tonight, she’s bound to find out through other avenues anyway. Hell, I still have no idea how the hell Matt knew.

  “Yes or no, Ryder? I don’t have all night,” she says impatiently.

  “Yes, fine, what’s your address?”

  “I’m in The Viatel, just down from the Town Hall. Flat four-zero-five.”

  She opens the door and barely even looks at me before she’s walking back through the living room. My jaw twitches and I stare at the floor, because she’s wearing a pencil skirt, a black lacy bra, and nothing else.

  “You’ll have to follow me. I’m still getting ready.”

  I groan and shove my hands in my pockets, but follow her. She’s standing in her bedroom in front of a mirror, straightening her hair, when I catch up.

  “What’s this about?” she says, raising her eyebrows. He eyes are on mine. She smiles as my gaze inadvertently rolls over her body.

  I flush, and focus on her face. “I can’t do your interview.”

  She pauses and then sets down her straightener, turning around to face me. “We had a deal, Ryder.” She scowls at me as her hand finds her hip. “You can’t negate on this. I won’t let you.”

  “I don’t have a choice. I can’t do an interview outside of The Mail. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  “I know exactly what you were thinking with.” Her gaze falls on my crotch. “Fine. You’ll have to repay me in other ways.” She walks over to me. Her hand slips behind her back and unclasps her bra. She shrugs it off and takes my arms, wrapping them around her waist before I can even process what’s happening.

  “No. No. Not going to happen,” I mumble, yanking my arms free. I take a step back and reach for her bathrobe, throwing it at her. “I’m sorry, Anna, I really am, but I can’t.”

  Her mouth drops open and her eyes widen. A smirk plays on her lips as she shakes her head, and I can see she’s pissed. She tosses the robe onto the bed and unzips her skirt. She’s standing there naked, her eyes all but daring me to resist her. My heart is pounding. I don’t want to piss her off any more than I already have, but there is no fucking way I’m going to do this to Scarlett.

  “You’re really saying no to me? Because I don’t like hearing no, Ryder, especially when I’ve gone out of my way to help you.” She moves back, her lips forming a pout as she climbs onto the bed. “Come on. She’ll never know. I want to feel your big cock inside me again.”

  Oh, God. She’s touching herself. I turn around and grip the back of my neck, knowing I need to get the hell out of here, now. I exhale sharply and walk out the bedroom door.

  “I’m sorry, Anna,” I say, cringing. I’m almost exiting the apartment when she grabs hold of my arm, yanking me around. She’s still fucking naked, and I’m starting to get pissed.

  Has this girl never heard the word no before?

  “Trust me, Ryder—you don’t want to piss me off.” Her eyes narrow as she glares at me.

 

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