Handling mr. harper (the men series - interconnected standalone romances book 9) elle nicoll 2024 sc

Page 1


Visit to download the full and correct content document: https://ebookmass.com/product/handling-mr-harper-the-men-series-interconnected-st andalone-romances-book-9-elle-nicoll/

More products digital (pdf, epub, mobi) instant download maybe you interests ...

Mr. Bentley (Taboo Series Book 1) Mackenzy Fox

https://ebookmass.com/product/mr-bentley-taboo-seriesbook-1-mackenzy-fox/

Gifts, Glamping, & Glocks (A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 29) Tonya Kappes

https://ebookmass.com/product/gifts-glamping-glocks-a-campercriminals-cozy-mystery-series-book-29-tonya-kappes/

Lavender and Lust: Wild Blooms Series, Book 9 Jaclyn Combe & Wild Blooms

https://ebookmass.com/product/lavender-and-lust-wild-bloomsseries-book-9-jaclyn-combe-wild-blooms/

The Final Battle: A Funny Urban Fantasy Romance Series (The Lily Harper Urban Fantasy Series Book 13) H. P. Mallory

https://ebookmass.com/product/the-final-battle-a-funny-urbanfantasy-romance-series-the-lily-harper-urban-fantasy-seriesbook-13-h-p-mallory/

Investments - Standalone Book 11th Edition Bodie

https://ebookmass.com/product/investments-standalone-book-11thedition-bodie/

Trapped: Brides of the Kindred Book 29 Faith Anderson

https://ebookmass.com/product/trapped-brides-of-the-kindredbook-29-faith-anderson/

Rogue (Prep #02) Elle Kennedy

https://ebookmass.com/product/rogue-prep-02-elle-kennedy/

How We Heal Alexandra Elle

https://ebookmass.com/product/how-we-heal-alexandra-elle/

You've Always Been Mine: A Second Chance Standalone Romance (Lawson Lovers Series Book 3) Britt Mckenna

https://ebookmass.com/product/youve-always-been-mine-a-secondchance-standalone-romance-lawson-lovers-series-book-3-brittmckenna/

Handling Mr. Harper

Elle Nicoll
Rose Hope Publishing Ltd.

Visitmywebsiteatwwwellenicollauthorcom

CoverDesign:AbiatPinkElephantDesigns

CoverPhoto:RenSaliba

Formatting:Atticus

Editing:thebluecouchedits

Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,electronicallyormechanically,includingphotocopying,recording,orbyanyinformation storageandretrievalsystemwithoutthewrittenpermissionoftheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview

Thisbookisaworkoffiction Names,characters,places,andincidentsareeitherproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously Anyresemblancetoactual persons,livingordead,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.

TheeBookofHandlingMr HarperisavailableexclusivelytoAmazon Ifyouarereadingthisanywhereelsethenyoudonothaveanoriginalcopy

Author's Notes

ContentWarnings

Thisbookisintendedforadultreadersonlyandcontainsprofanities,detailedsexualacts,referencetosexualassault,cheating(notmaincharacters) andpregnancy

ThisbooktakesplaceintheUK,withacastofBritishcharacters

ButforcontinuitywiththerestoftheMenSeries,ithasbeeneditedwithmostlyAmericanEnglishspellingconventions

25.Drew

26 Sophie

27.Sophie

28.Drew

29.Sophie

30.Drew

31.Drew

32.Sophie

33.Sophie

34.Drew

35.Sophie

36.Drew

37 Sophie

38.Drew

39 Sophie

40.Drew

41 Sophie

42.Drew

Epilogue-SixMonthsLater

Elle'sBooks

AboutElle

Acknowledgements

Drew's been waiting patientlyfor his turn… I thought it was time our obsessed 'daddy' got the girl, enjoy;)

ForauthornotesandCWspleaseturnbacktocopyrightpage.

Drew

Four Years Earlier

“UM,IT’SAHARDone…Okay,Cinderella.”

“Greatchoice.”Myfriend,Logangrinsacrossthetableatmydate,Kelly.Hiseyesdroptothenecklineofherlow-cutdress asshegiggles,makingherlargebreastsbounce

Irollmyeyes.SubtletyisnotLogan’sstrongpoint.IknewtheminutewearrivedthatKellywasmorehistypethanmine.It wouldn’tbethefirsttimewe’veswappedmid-date

“How aboutyou, Sophie?” Loganturns his attentionbackto his actual date, who’s sittingopposite me atthe table ofthe Italianrestaurant.

We like to double date We’ve been each other’s wingmen for as long as I can remember Our mates, Tanner and Dax, sometimesmixitupandjoinus.Usually,it’smeandLogan;apairingwithanunrivalledfirstdatesuccessrecord.Successful meaningsomethingthatinvolvesbeautifulwomenandthemmoaningournamesbeforethenightisover

Sophiesmilespolitely,tuckingastraystrandofcaramel-coloredhairbehindherear.Shecamestraightfromworktomeet us, whichexplains her white blouse and graypantsuit, and the wayher hair is swept up ina classic style She’s quiet and focused,adirectcontrastfromKelly-jigglytits,who’sspentthepasttenminutestalkingabouttheweddingofsomerealityTV star.

“Well ”Sophierollsherlipsbeforetheysettleintoanacceptingsmileasshejoinsthegame Shedoesn’twanttobehere It’sobviousfromthewayshe’ssubtlycheckedherwatchfivetimessinceshearrived.

Inoticethewayhereyesnarrowatthecornersasshethinks It’sthefirsttimeI’vehaddinnerwithoneofthecountry’stop criminalprosecutionattorneys.Ironicreally,consideringmineandLogan’scolorfulpast.Onethatresultedinmespendingsix monthsinajuveniledetentioncenterforgrandtheftautoasateen “Yes,doshare,”Isay,flashingasmile. Shetakesasipofherwine,eyeingmeovertherim.

IleanbackinmychairasIcontinuemyassessmentofher Apartfromtheobvious thecurvybodyandbeautifulfacewith glossy,fulllipsthatarebothkissableandfuckable she’sunlikeanyoneI’vemetonadatebefore.She’sfillinginforKelly’s friendatthelastminute Afactshewaskeentogetacrossassoonasshearrived Likethepossibilityofanythinghappeningas aresultofthisnightwascompletelyoutofthequestion.Butshe’snotwearingaring.Andhasn’tmentionedaboyfriend.Soher attemptatclosingherselfoffhasdonenothingbutpiquemyinterestinher. How is she still single? “Andtheyhavetobeacartooncharacter?”SophieasksLogan. Henods,confirmingtherulesofthegame.

“Legally Blonde isafilm,soElleWood’sdoesn’tcount,”Iadd,runningathumbovermybottomlip “Wow,original.”Shearchesabrowatme,andthecornersofherlipstwitch.

“Youmean,youdon’thaveafurrycaninehidinginyourpurse?Damn,”Imurmur,myeyesleisurelyroamingoverherface andcomingbacktohermouth.

Thistime,Igetasmallhumofamusementfromherasshesmirks “No Justtheballsofmylastdate” Loganguffaws,slappingthetablebeforepointingatSophie.“You’refunny.” “Smart,”Icounter,holdingSophie’sgaze “Witrequiresapersontobesmart” Sophieinclinesherchin,acceptingmycompliment,beforesheliftsherglassofwineandtakesasip.“Who’syourcartoon herothen,Mr Harper?Seeingaswe’resharing” Ipretendtothink,althoughIknowmyanswer.ThisisoneofLogan’sfavoritepartytricks,askingwhotheircartoonherois. Youcantellalotfromsomeone’sanswer.Andthatnuggetofinformationhelpsoilthewheelsofsuccessfortheremainderof the night Kelly, choosingCinderella, for example, is showingher desire to believe infairytales Afew chivalrous gestures fromLogan re-fillingherglass,standingfromhisseatshouldshevisittherestroom andsoonhe’llhavehereatingfromhis hand ordick

“Well,ithastobeMufasa,”Ideclare. Sophie’seyesdropfromminetoherwineglass,herbrowsfalling “Simba’sdadfromThe Lion King,”Loganadds,asiffurtherexplanationisneeded. “Oh, Ilove Disney!” Kellyshrills, gigglingagain. Logan’s grinstretches wide as her tits threatento breakfree fromher dress “AndMufasaishot Youknow,foralion,”sheaddsasSophieglancesatherinquestion “Mufasa…”Sophierepeats,thewordscomingoutsoftandbreathythroughherpillowylipsasshelooksbackatme. “Yeah,becausehe’sapowerful ”

“Leader.”Ahintofwhatsoundslikeboredomcreepsintohertoneasshelooksatmelikeshehasmefiguredout. Iholdhergaze,somethingpullingtightinsidemychest.Shestaresback,unaffected. Loganchimesin,“Actually,it’s ” Iknockhislegwithmykneebeneaththetablebeforehecanfinishhissentence.

“ desserttime Wouldyoulookatthat?”Logandeflects,liftinghismenuupandturningitaround,offeringittoKellywitha flourish.Shegigglesasshetakesit,ablushcreepingoverhercheeksasshereadsit,hereyesdartingbackuptoLogan’sand awayagain

Yep, eating out of his hand/dick.

“Here.”IofferamenutoSophie,butbeforeshetakesit,aloudringingcomesfromherpurse.Shepullsherphoneoutand looksatthescreen.

“Pleaseexcuseme.Ineedtotakethis.”Frowning,shestandsfromthetable,stridingoutintotheeveningair.Iwatchhertalk throughthewindow,onehandonherhip,beforeshethrowsitupagainstherforehead,herfingertipspressingintohertemples She shakes her headand thenends the call,tippingher headbackto the skylike she’s frustrated.Iturnmyattentionbackto LoganandKelly

“It’ll be work,” Kelly says. “She never gets a day off. I’m always telling her she works too hard. She wants to help everyone,eventheoneswhocan’tpayher.Imean,whoworksforfree?Itoldhershe’sburningherselfouttakingonallthose pro-bonercases”

“Probono,”Icorrecther,makingeyecontactwithSophieasshewalksbackthroughtherestaurant’sfrontdoor.Ican’thelp butadmire the wayshe carries herself head held high, shoulders back, eyes ontarget She isn’ta womanwho drifts along withoutaplan.She’sconfident. Sexy.

“Ithinkpro-bonersoundsbetter,”Logansays,elicitingmoregigglesfromKelly

“I’mdefinitelymoreofapro-bonerman” “Really?”Kellyflirts.

IignoretheirhushedwhispersasSophiereturnstothetable.Insteadofsitting,shebendstoretrieveherpurse,flashingusall aregretfulbutpracticedsmile

“I’msorry.It’swork.Ihavetogo.Itwaslovelymeetingyouboth.”ShelooksfrommetoLoganbeforefocusingonKelly withaseriouslook “Textmewhenyougethome IfIdon’thearfromyou,youknowwhatI’lldo”

Kelly’seyeswidenandshenodslikeanobedientpuppy.WhatwillSophiedoifshedoesn’tcomply? Call the police? The army? Send in a SWAT team? Ican’tevenbeinsultedthatshethinksKellyisn’tsafewithLoganandme I’mtooimpressed withthewayshedeliversthecommandsoeffortlessly,likeshegivesnoshitsaboutwhethersheoffendssomeoneaslongas sheprotectsthoseshecaresabout.Confidentandassertive. Achallenge.

Mydicktwitchesinmypants Sophieplacessomefoldedbillsonthetable.

“Dinner’sonus,”Iargue,gesturingtowardLogan

“Iprefertopaymyownway,”shesayscurtly,closingherpurseandturningtoleave.“Nicetomeetyou.” “Youtoo,”Logansays.

“Bye,babe,”Kellytrills.

“I’llhelpyougetacab,”Isay,standingup.

Sophieshakesherhead.“Noneed.”

ButI’malreadyonmyfeet,gesturingforhertoleadtheway.

ShelooksatmyoutstretchedarmbeforeglancingbackatKelly,who’salreadygigglingagainatsomethingLoganhassaid “He’lltakecareofher,”Iassureher.

Sophiesmirksasanotherloudlaugheruptsfromthetable,thistimefromLogan “I’msurehewill”

Iwalkher outside andhail a cab,placingone handonthe roofandleaningover the openrear door as she slides intothe backseat

“Thankyoufor a nice evening,” she says politely, the wayIimagine she speaks incourt. It isn’t cold, but it conveys no emotion.

Heatflaresinmygroinatherpolitedismissal Sheisn’tplayinghardtoget Sheactuallydoesn’tgiveashitifsheeversees meagain.Andthatheadstrongattitudeonlymakesmewanttoseeheragainmore.

Shereachesintoherpurse,pullingoutherphoneandbringinguphercalendar It’scoveredinblocked-outareas “Thankyouforbeingawonderfuldate,”Isay,injectingwarmthintomyvoiceasIsmile. Sheraiseshereyesfromherphone,thedeepgreenofhersglitteringastheymeetmine “Iwasn’tyour date” “Butyoucouldbenexttime,”Icounterwithaplayfulgrin.

Oneofherbrowsarches.“Goodnight.”ShereachesforthedoorhandleandshutsthedoorasIholdmyhandsupintheair sotheydon’tgetstuckinit

Isignalthedrivertowaitandtaponherwindow.Herlipscurlupslightlyasshelowerstheglass.

“How’sThursdayforyou?”

“Infiveyears’time?Sure,Imightbefree.”Hereyesdropovermyshirt,andIinhale,puffingmychestoutashergazelingers onthewayIfilloutthefabric.Iknewalltheextrabenchpresseswouldpayoff. “You’rebusy.Igetit.Iworkalottoo.Nextweekthen?”Irestmyforearmsonthewindowopeningandleanalittlecloserto her.Shedoesn’tflinchatmyintrusion,butthepulseinherneckfluttersbeneathherskin.

“IliveinBath TheonlyreasonIcametoLondontodayandgottalkedintotonightbyKellywas becauseIhadtocatcha clientbeforetheyboardedaflightatHeathrow.”

“ThenI’ll come toBath” Ishrug “Youcanshow me those famous spas,andI’ll take youtodinner afterward” Mysmile widensatthethought.Sophieinabikinionadate?It’sperfect.

Shesighs.“Look.It’snothingpersonal.ButI’mnotlookingforarelationship.” “Perfect.BecauseI’monlyaskingyououtonanotherdate.”

Sheopenshermouthtorespond.

“Afirstdate,”Icorrect

Shecloseshermouthandlooksatme.

“Thenwecantalkabouthowmanykidswe’llhaveafter”Iwinkather “Right.”Sherollshereyes,thensmilesgenuinely.

Herphonechimesagain,butsheignoresit.

“Nextweekthen?InBath It’sadate Afirstdate”Iholdontothedoorframeandstepbackfromthecab “No,itisn’t,”shereplies.

“Whatareyourfavoriteflowers?”Iaskbeforeshecanrollthewindowbackup “Irises.Why?”

“Irises,”Irepeat “I’ll bringyousomesothatyoucanlookatthemthedayafter andremember whatanamazingnightyou had,andhowgladyouarethatyouagreedtogoonadatewithme.” “I’mnotgoingonadatewithyou.”

“We’llsee”

Shelooksatherlap,shakingherhead.“Goodnight,Mr.Harper.”

I tap twice onthe roof of the cab The window winds up, and I wave as the car drives awaybecause I know she’ll be watchingthroughthebackwindshield.Shehastobe.

“GoodnightMs Havers”IgrinasIpullmyphonefrommypocketandbringupmycalendarfornextweek Itype Date with Sophie intoThursday,andaboveit,Iadd, Buy irises.

Not lookingfor a relationship? That’s what she says now. But I’mthe head of staff for a global constructionand design company Ipersuadepeopleintonewdesignsallthetime,untiltheybelieveitwastheirideaallalong SophieHaversmightthinkshedoesn’thavetimetodate.

Butshehasn’tbeenonadatewithmeyet

Present Day

“ROSES?YOUDON’TLIKEthem.”

Ifastenmyearringasmyfriend,Halliday,squintsattheflowers,lookingforacard.

“They’refromHenry”

Ibreezeovertomyhallwaytableandpullmylipstickfrommyclutchtoapplyinthemirrorabove.

Hallidayagreed to go and see a political movie I’ve beenwantingto make time to watch It’s nother type offilm, so the trade-offisthatIaccompanyhertoalaunchpartynextweekforarocketeco-enginethatshe’sinvestedin.I’venoideawhy she’sinvestinginrocketsallofasudden.ButthisisHalliday,andI’velearnedit’sbettertojustlethergetonwithit.

“Ican’tbelieveyou’rewastingyourtimeonHenry,”shemutters,narrowinghereyesattheflowersasshestrokesapetal “Hisauraisconcerning.”Shewrinkleshernoseandpullsherhandbacktowardherbodylikethey’veoffendedher,brushingit againsttheblacksilkofherT-shirt Shetucksalockofplatinumhairbehindherear,thentakesadeepbreathandcloses her eyesasifneedingtocleanseherselfoftheoffendingflower’spresence.

HallidayandIhavebeenfriendssincemeetingatasummercampaskids Weusedtosneakoutofbedtostareatthestars together.She’s always believedina higher power. Avibration, she calls it.She’d talkaboutfindinga wayto matchpeople basedofftheirenergyandspiritualalignment.Andshehas.Atjusttwenty-eightshewasnamedbusinesswomantolookoutfor inThe Economistmagazine after establishingher datingcompany, Cosmic Connections And as differingas our outlooks on lifeare,Icouldn’tloveheranyharder.

Shebreathesoutslowlyandopenshereyes Shesmilesatme,herfacelightingup “Ipulledacardforyoutoday Magical thingsarecoming.”

“Like finishingup withthis case and thengoingsomewhere without signal for a while?” Iaskas myphone chimes with anotherincomingemail.

“Maybe.Youdeserveavacation.Thecardsareneverwrong,though.Somethingisabouttohappen.”

“Maybeitcanhappensoon Please,universe,”Imutter,collectingmyphonefrommybagonthehallwayfloorandscrolling throughtheemails.They’reallaboutthecaseI’mcurrentlyworkingon,butcontainnothingIdon’talreadyknow.

“Itwillhappenwhenthetimeisright,”shemuses,gazingattheroses Idealwithcoldhardevidenceandfactsallday.Ihavenoideahowshemeasuressomethingshecan’tsee.Butitworksfor her. She loves her job and has partnered up swathes of influential people and celebrities, who are now gushing over her companyandherextraordinarytalent.Thewaitlistforpeoplewhowanttoworkwithherisoverayear.

“Butifit’satrip,thenplease,don’tgowithHenry,”sheadds.

“Youdon’tevenknowhim”Ishakeoutmyhair,attemptingtogetthelongloosecurlstoplaynice “We’veonlybeenseeing eachotherforacoupleofmonths.Andyou’vemethimonce.”

Shescoffs.“Oncewasenough.”

I don’t know what she has against Henry. He’s charming and intelligent and works hard. He doesn’t crowd me and understandsIhavetoworkmostevenings Heneverbothersmetogivehimmoreofmytime ButwhenIamfree,healways makes the effort to see me. We’ve beenmanagingto spend one night together a week, whichis a miracle initselfwithmy schedule Ifthatisn’tasignfromtheuniversethatHenryisapositiveadditiontomylife,thenIdon’tknow whatis I’venot madeitthisfarinarelationshipinyears.

“Henryworksalot,thesameasme,whichisperfect Thingswithhimareeasy” Hallidayliftshereyesfromtherosestomeetmineinthemirror’sreflection.“Easyishardlyinspiring,Sophie.Easysounds boring.”

“Easyissimple Uncomplicated,”Icounter “Easyisn’tirises.”Shesighs,lookingbackattheroseswithafrown.

“Ohmygod”Huffing,Iscoopupmyclutchfromthetableandputmylipstickinside “Thatwasthreeyearsago” “You’recountingthen?”

“Don’tberidiculous,”Isay Butthetruthis,IrememberexactlywhenIgotthoseirisesdeliveredtome AndIvividlyrecall thecardthataccompaniedthem.

It’s been one year and we’re sitting looking out over a lake as you feed the canine tidbits in your purse, the old balls of your past date long devoured. DH.

DrewHarper

Amanwho remembers your favorite flowers froma one-time date;notevenwithhim. And thensends themto youonthe one-yearanniversaryofthedayyouturnedhimdown “Remindmewhywedon’tlikeIrisman?”Hallidayasks.“Washeugly?” Ipause,beforerakingmyfingersthroughmyhairsomemore.“No.Why?”

“Didhesmellbad?”

“No.”

“Wearleatherpants?”

“No.”Ilaugh.“Youknowallthisalready.”

SheknowshowDrewaskedmeonadatethatnightwhenIwasinLondonfouryearsago HeturnedupinBaththefollowing Thursday,justlikehesaidhewould.Hewalkedrightintomyofficeanddeclaredtothereceptionteamhewastheretotakeme todinner.Cockybastard.Ifhe’dlistenedtomeinthefirstplace,hecouldhavesavedhimselfthejourney.Iwasleavingwork inarushfortheairportthatnight Ialmostfeltbadforhim,alldressedup,hisbroadchestsnuginsideacrisp,whiteshirt But I’dwarnedhim.Iwasn’tlookingforanything.

Hallidaycrossesherarmsoverherchest “I’mjustrecapping” Ichuckle.“Right.”

Shelikesto‘recap’thisstoryfrequently,convincedImissedsomegiantcosmicalignmentbyfailingtoaccepttheinvitation of a date froma man I barely knew. She said she consulted her card decks about us and that apparently we pulled some interestingresults.AndalthoughI’mhappyfor her thatshe’sfoundher callingandthatitbringsher joy,Ihavenointerestin learningaboutmycosmicvibrations OrDrewHarper’s.

WhenImovedtoLondonlastyear,shewasconvincedtheuniversewasatwork,bringingDrewandIclosertogetheragain The promotionand heftypayrise Igotfrombeingoffered a job as a senior prosecutor withthe CrownProsecutionService wereminordetailsinhermind.

“It’sashamehestoppedsendingthem.Irisesaresobeautiful.”Sheflickshereyesbacktotherosesandglaresatthem. “Willyoustop?”Ilaugh.“They’renotgoingtomagicallytransformifyousendenoughhatetheirway.”

Shesighs,hershouldersdroppingasshelooksatme “Iwantyoutobehappy” “Iam.”

“WithHenry?”ShesnortsasIplacemyphoneintomyclutch “Itoldyou.ThingswithHenryare ” “Boring.Yeah,Iknow.I’mjustsaying,IbetIrisman’svibrationisinsane.” “Wellthen,whydon’tyou goonadatewithhim?Thenyoucanquestionhimandtapintohimorhoweveryoudoit.” “Doyoustillhavehisnumber?”Sheperksup,hereyeseagerandalert. Iknowthatface It’stheoneshegetseverytimeshemakesanewlovematchatwork Liketheuniversehasjusthandedher anothermagiccookieonagoldplatter.

“No,”IsayfirmlybeforeherideacansproutandgrowfasterthanJack’sbeanstalk “Ideleteditagesago AfterIthreatened himwitharestrainingorder.”

“Hugemistake,”shegrumblesasIpickupmykeys.

She’sneverforgivenmeforit Ididn’tmeanitexactly ItwasmoreafriendlyjokewhenDrew keptbeingpersistentabout

takingmeout.Iwasworkingonahugecaseandhadashitday.Sowhenhetextedmeagain,ItoldhimImightbeforcedtofile foroneifhewouldn’ttakenoforananswer.Iwouldn’thavedoneit.Istillrememberhisresponse.

Make sure whoever he is treats you like his queen. Be happy, Sophie Havers. And thatwas the lasttime Iever saw or spoke to Drew Harper. He’d have forgottenaboutme a longtime ago. Menlike Drew Harper don’t waste time. I could have found a wayto contact himif I’d wanted to. Especiallyafter discoveringmy sister, Holly’s, bestfriend, Rachel, is married to Tanner Grayson the manwho runs the companyDrew works at. Another twistoffatethatHallidayclutchedonto,likeitallmeantsomething.

Iopenthefrontdoorandturntoher “You’vewilledmyflowersdeadandquestionedmylifechoices Areyouhappynow? Canwego?”Iaskwithasmile.

“Fine Wecango YoucanwatchthefilmandI’llmeditateorsomething” Iopenmymouthtoargue,butshegrinsatmeplayfullyandlinksarmswithmeaswewalkoutthedoor.

Sophie

“WHYDOESITHAVEto be morningalready?” Henryrolls offme and stretches his arms above his head, thenwraps one aroundme,pullingmetowardhim “Wecouldhavegoneforroundtwo” Ibreathedeeply,lettingmymindclear ofeverythingtodowithworkasIrestmyhandover thesofthaironhischest.His skiniswarmbeneathmypalm,hisheartratestillacceleratedfromthewayhewokemeup.

“Ihaveabreakfastmeeting,”Isay,bywayofapologyasIextractmyselffromhisembraceandsit,holdingthesheetagainst mybreasts.“Doyouwanttoshowerfirst?”

Heyawns,hislightbrowneyesmeetingmine “Sure”Heswingsoutofmybedandsauntersbuck-nakedintothebathroom, scratchingthebackofhisheadashegoes.

IwaituntilthedoorclosesandtheshowerturnsonbeforeIfetchmyrobefromthebackofthedoor Henrystayedoveratmyplaceagainlastnight.I’dlovetogotohisplaceandseewhatit’slike,buthelivesoutofthecity, anditwouldtakeoveranhourtotravelthereduringrushhour.Hesaidhedoesn’tmindleavingworkearlyandcomingtomine instead.Anditmakessensebecausewegetmoretimetogetherthisway.

Ilookatthebathroomdoorasthesoundofhimhummingintheshowerfloatsout.Hallidaymightnotlikehim,andshe’smy onlyfriendwhohasmethim ButtheamountofpeopleImeetthroughworkmeansI’drecognizesomeonewitha‘badaura’ I seethemallthetime.Sometimes,IreadoveracaseandIknowthere’sguilt,eveniftheevidenceislacking.Callitintuitionor experience Butthosetimesacasegivesmethatgutfeeling,IfindawaytogettheevidenceIneed Becausethere’salwaysa slipupsomewhere.Amistake.Peoplemakeerrors;it’sintheirgeneticmakeup.

They call me the ‘Handler’at work because I’ve never lost a case. No matter how heinous the charge. No matter how complexthecase,orhowflimsyitseemsatfirstglance,Icanhandleit

Idon’tcarewhothedefendantis,orhowmuchmoney,power,orstatustheyhave.Ifthey’reguilty,I’llfindawaytoproveit. Ineverwentintolawtomakefriends Iwentintomakeadifference Integrityispricelesstome Dadwasahighlyrespected judgebeforeheretired.Ineedtomakehimproud.

Ireachupformyrobeonthehook Henry’sjacketishangingontopofit,soIliftitoff,butitdropstothefloor AsIbendto retrieveit,somethingslipsfromtheinnerpocket.Ipicktheitemup,itsweightincreasinginmyfingersasIstudyit.

Nauseacoilsinmystomach,makingitlurch.Theobjecttauntsme,itsshapeandthemeaningofitsoglaringlyobvious.An unbrokenbond Nobeginningandnoend Acircle.

Aring

IswallowthebileinmythroatasIturnthegoldbandbetweenmyfingersandreadtheinscription.

“V &H 27th May.”

The27thistoday

Myheartleapsintomymouthastheshowerinthebathroomstops.Igrabmyrobefromthehookandthrowiton,knottingthe belttightly.Henry’sjacketisaforgotten,crumpledheaponthefloorasIturnaround,theevidenceofbetrayallyingperfectlyin mypalmlikeanoffering Asacrifice.

noticeit,exposeit,andthenuseittomyadvantagetowin.

Forthefirsttime,myinstinctswerewrong.They’veletmedown.Thistime,I’velost.

I’m so stupid How did I miss this?

The bathroomdoor swings open and Henry wanders out, a towel slung low on his hips as he towel dries his hair with another Hegrinsatme,butitfreezesonhisfaceashespotsmyoutstretchedhand “Thisfelloutofyourpocket,”Isaycalmy,holdingtheringouttohim.

Hisexpressionclosesoffinaninstant,andhestridesovertomeandsnatchesitfrommypalm Thesteamy,heatedairfrom thebathroomcomeswithhim,hittingmeinthefaceandquicklyturningtotinydropletsovermyalreadyscorchingskin.Idon’t move. I don’t breathe. I don’t do anythingthat will give awaythe fact that I amtremblinginside as a mixof betrayal and disappointmentfloodsmyveins

“Whyareyougoingthroughmystuff?Don’tyoutrustme?”

“IthoughtIcould”Myvoiceiseven,despitemypoundingheart

“Fuck’ssake.Ithoughtyouweredifferent.”Helooksattheringinhishandandthencloseshisfingersaroundit,forminga fist

The softlaughter lines around his eyes thatIthoughtwere attractive have beenreplaced withdeep, etched grooves as he scowls.

Hetowelsoffhischestandabsroughly,hislimpdickflailingaroundbetweenhislegsashegrabshisboxersandforceshis feetintothem.Inevernoticedhowwrinklyandloosehisballsarebefore.Theyslapagainsthisinnerthighbeforeheyankshis boxersupoverhiships Ilookathisface Hiseyeshavelosttheirtwinkle,andhe’sstaringatmewithahard,colddetachment Istareback.

Heexhaleswithadeepgroan,rubbinghishandsdownoverhisface.“I’msorry,baby.Ishouldn’thavesaiditlikethat.It’s notyourfault.”Hedropshishandsandholdsthem,palmsfacingupashelooksatme.Hiseyeshavesoftenedtothewayhe usuallylooksatme.Thewaythatmademefeelcaredfor.ButIcan’tunseewhoheis.Ifeelsick.Sickandused.

Ipressmyfingerstomylips,wardingoffarisingswellofnauseaashekeepstalking “Ishouldhavetoldyou.We’reseparated.Wehavebeenformonths.Butthingsweregoingsowellbetweenyouandme,and Ididn’twanttoruinit”

“You’remarried,”Istate.

“Separated,”hesnapsashegrabshisshirtfromthebackofachairanddragsitoverhishead.

“Butnotyetdivorced.”

“Separated,”herepeats.

“Isthattheonlywordyoucansay?”

“Jesus,Soph.Don’tbeabitch.”Heglaresatme.

“Me?” Mycalmexterior snaps, myblood pressure spikingas Ipointathim “I’mnotthe one witha weddingringinmy pocket.I’mnottheonewakingupinsomeoneelse’sbedonmyweddinganniversary.Howmanyyears?” “What?”

“Howmanyyearswouldyouhavebeenmarriedtoday?It’syouranniversary,afterall”

“I’mnotfuckingdoingthis.”Heturnshisbackonmeandstridesoutoftheroom. Ifollow himintomylivingareaandbarkthequestionathimoverandoveragainwhilehegrabshisshoesandsitsonthe sofa,yankingthemon.

“Howlong?”Ihiss

“We’reseparated.HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyou?”

“Right.Becauseseparatedmenstillweartheirweddingbands,thentakethemoffandputthemintheirpocketswhenthey’re seeingtheirgirlfriends”Myeyesdroptotheglintinggoldbandthathe’salreadyslippedbackontohislefthand,likeahabithe can’tbreak,andIsnort.“I’mnotstupid.”

“You’reactinglikeit”

“Whatwasallthis?”Ithrowmyarmswide,therealizationthatImightbethemistresssinkingin.“Sexontheside?AmIthe onlyoneoraretheremore?”Thefeelingofbeingusedisquicklyovertakenbydread Westoppedusingcondomsacoupleof weeksago.ThingsweregoingwellandI’mgettingtheinjection.Itseemedlikethenextstep.

I was really trying at this whole relationship thing. Stupid.

Henryfinishestyingoneshoeandmovestotheother Heyanksonthelacetoohardanditsnaps “Fuck’ssake,”hemutters “Yes,you’retheonlyfuckingone.”Helooksupatme,hisjawtightening.“Iwanttobewithyou.”

Heabandonshisshoe,leavingthestubby,brokenlacelooseandflappingashestands Ican’thelpbutlikenittothesightof hisflacciddickfloppingaboutashetriedtopullhisunderwearon.

Iraisemyeyestohis,andit’sobviousintheshiftinhisstance,theslightpausebeforeheswallows,thewayhiseyesdartto therightbeforehecanmeetmine. Guilt. I’veseenitamilliontimesinthecourtroom.

“You’renotseparated.”Ibreatheoutslowly,tippingmyheadbackbeforebringingmyeyesbacktohisface.

“Weare.”Hereachesformyhandandlaceshisfingersthroughminebeforeliftingthemtohislips. Iholdmybreathashekissesmyknuckleswithhiswarmlips.

“We’re goingtobe soon,”hewhispers “Goingtobe?”

“It’sbeenoverbetweenusforyears We’relikefriendsmorethananythingelse” IblinkasIstareathim.

“Come on, Soph Youknow this is good What we have here Youand me” He pulls me closer and slides his free arm aroundmywaist,droppinghislipstomyneckandkissingmebeneaththeear.“We’re good together,”hewhispers,hisvoice deepening.

“Whenwasthelasttimeyouslepttogether?”

Hepauses,andthebriefhesitationisallittakesformyhearttofalltomyfeet. “Thetruth,Henry”

Heclearshisthroat,beforehekissesmyneckagain.“AllthatmattersisthatIwantyou.Andyouwantme.” “When?”Igrindout

Hepausesagain.“LastSaturday.”

“It’sFriday.That’ssixdays,”Isaywithoutgivingawaymyshock.AnothertrickthatI’velearnedthroughmyjob neverlet themknowifthey’vecaughtyouoffguard

Itryandstepoutfromhishold,buthetightenshisarmaroundmywaist.

“It’snotlikethat Please,”heurges,pressinghislipstomyneckagainandpullingmeclosertohim “Iwantyou,baby”He moveshislipstomine,pressingthemtomineinabruisingkiss.

“Getoff!”Iplacebothhandsonhischestandshovehimbackward,givingmyselfenoughroomtofinallybreatheproperly. “Don’tbestupid.It’snothing.Don’truinthis.”

Stupid? He’sdismissingmelikeasillygirl.He’sagaslighting,chauvinisticpig.Possiblyevenanarcissist.HowdidImiss this?

Hereachesforme,butIstepbackagain,creatingmoredistancebetweenus,makinghisbrowknitwithannoyance. “Comeon Let’sforgetaboutallthis YouknowIloveyou”

Thosewordsleavinghislipsbreakmyfinalresolve.He’sruiningeverythingtheystandforastheypasshislying,cheating lips.

“Youwouldn’tknow love ifitcame andbityour dickoff!Does your wife know where youare? Whatyoudobehindher back?”

Hiseyesdarken

“Didn’tthinkso.”Istormovertoretrievehiscrumpledjacket.Ilaunchthecreasedballathischest,andhecatchesitwith onehand “Getout”

“Soph.”

“Out!”

Hedoesn’tmove “I’llletyoucalmdown Thenwecantalkaboutthislikeadults”

“Now!”Iyell,heatfiringoverthebackofmyneckasmyskinprickleslikeathousandtinyneedlesarepressingintoit.“Get thehellout!”

Hesniffsbeforewalkingpastmeslowly.Hepartshislipstosaysomethingashereachesthedoor,butmaybeIlooklikeI’m momentsawayfrommurderinghim,becauseheopensthedoorwithoututteringanotherword “Anddon’tcallme,”Ihiss.

EventhoughI’mshakinginside,Idon’tallow himeventhetiniestglimmerofweaknessthathemightusetomanipulateme with “Forgeteverythingaboutme.ThewayI’mgoingtomakesureIforgetyou.Youarealiarandacheat.Andwearedone.” HestaresbackatmeasIdelivermyclosingstatement Thenhewalksoutthedoorandslamsitsohardthattheroseshegave melastweekshakeinthevaseonthetable.

Istormover and lockthe door, blood rushinginmyears ThenIscoop up the vase and marchinto the kitchen Iopenthe trashcanandtipthevaseup,emptyingitscontents,waterincluded,straightinside. “Roses,”Isnarlasthelidslamsdown,hidingtheirbloodredpetals.

Idon’tevenlikeroses

Drew

“HOWLONGAGODIDsheturnyoudown?Andyou’restillnotoverit.Adecade?”Loganasks. Tannersnortsintohisglass “Fuckoff.”

“Fouryears,”mysister,Maddy,saysassheleansintoLogan’sside.

We’reatthelaunchofVex,Logan’snewecorocketenginedesign.Theluckybastardisn’tonlyamasteratengineering,but healsowonmysister’sheartalongtheway.Although,asfarasI’mconcerned,thetwoofthemholdhands.Nothingmore. “Whydon’tyougoandtalktoher?”Maddyasks

Myeyesstayfixedonthegolden-hairedbeautyacrosstheroom.She’swearingalongpurpleeveningdress.Onethathugs everyfemininecurveofherbody MymouthgoesdrybeforeIdraintherestofmywhiskey

“Apparently,she’sdatingsomeone,”IsaybeforetippingmyemptyglasstowardLoganandmotioningtothebar. He shakes his head, looking around at all the investors that have come to the lavish party. “We need to speak to some people.”

Inod, and Tanner joins me as we move toward the bar. Isignal the bartender, and he replaces our glasses withtwo fresh ones

“Youknow,maybeMaddyhasapoint,”Tannersays,takingasipashefollowsmygazebackacrosstheroom. Backto her

Igrunt,leaningoneelbowonthebar,watchingasshesmilesatsomethingherfriendinthebluedressissaying.Thetwoof themareinadeepdiscussionwithourfriend,Dax,andhisgirlfriend,Rose.

“Allthisstaringather”Tannerchuckles “Whydon’tyoujustgoandtalktoher?You’renotgettinganyyounger” “Saystheguywhotookovereighteenmonthstoeventellhiswifewhohereallywas.”

Hegrumbles,“Yeah,allright DoasIsay,notasIdo”

HeknowsI’mjoking.Butit’sstillafact.Hemethiswife,Rachel,randomlyattheairportonhiswaytoameetinginNew York Shehelpedhimfindhislostlaptopandsavedthecompanyfromlosingamultimillion-dollar deal Thenhepinedafter her for eighteenmonths before finallyaskingher out. And the entire time, he never told her thathe was the airportguythat she’dforgottenabout.

Istraighteninmyseatas a manapproaches their group and places his hand low onher back Too fucking low I fight to portrayarelaxeddemeanor,leaningoneelbowonthebar.Wheninreality,mybody’surgingmetojumpupfrommyseatand marchovertheretodemandhebackthefuckoff

Tanner’ssilentnexttomeashewatchesherexpertlysteertheclingerawaywithafewwordsandapolitesmile.Irelaxinto myseatalittle

Good girl.

“Lawyer womancanhandle herself,” Tanner comments as the manslinks away, lookingdejected. “Icansee whyyoulike her”

“Sophie,”Imutter.“Hername’sSophie.”

Asifshecanhearme,shelooksstraightupintomyeyes Hergreeneyesholdminelongenoughformyhearttopumpsohard thatIhavetoswallowitdownforfearitwilljumpoutofmythroat.

Shebreaksourgaze,andIcrackmyneckbeforetakingalargeswigofmydrink,tryingtoconcentrateonthewarmtrailthat itblazesdowntomystomachinsteadofthewarmththat’stherefromseeingheragain.

She’s more beautiful than I remember

Tanner slaps his hand onto myshoulder. “Four years and youstill haven’tforgottenabouther. Take itfromsomeone who knows Younever will, Buddy” He squeezes mytense muscle, lookingatme withpity “So do us all a favor and go and fuckingtalktoher.Youlooklikeadogthat’sbeenkicked.”

Igrunt,gazingbacktowhereSophieisstandingwithherfriend,who’soneofLogan’sinvestors WhenhereceivedSophie’s nameontheguestlistas aplus one,thebastardtookgreatdelightintellingmethatthefirstwomanwho’s ever knockedme backwouldbecomingtonight.AwomanmyfriendsallknowIcouldn’tstopthinkingabout.

The onlywomanwho has ever held myinterest Maybe because ofher wit, her drive, and her beauty Or because ofher smartmouth. Idon’tunderstand it. ButIknow thatshe’s the onlywomanI’ve still thoughtaboutyears after a date. Thought aboutenoughtohaveanunwelcomefistofjealousygripmystomachwhenDaxtoldmethenameofthelawyerwhohelpedhim outlastyearwhenhegotarrested.AfistthatonlytightenedwhenRoseaddedthatshe’dheardshewasnolongersingle. That woman

SophieHavers.

“WillitgetyouruglyfaceoffmycaseifIdo?”IquiptoTanner.

“Absolutely,”heliessmoothly

HistiredeyeslightupasIstandfromthestool.Luckyfuckerhasjusthadhisthirdkid.Hemightlookandfeellikeshit.But he’shappy I’veknownhimlongenoughtotell HeneverlookedlikethisbeforeRachel I’dbelyingifIsaidIwasn’tjealous HeknowsIwantallthat.I’mthelastoneofourgroupwhohasn’tgottensomeonespecial.Andkids.Fuck,Iwantkids.Maybe that’snotanormalthingforathirty-five-year-oldmantodreamabout.ButIdon’tgiveafuckwhat’snormal.Iwantthewife. Thesexypregnancybelly.Thetinybabies.Thecrazykidsracingaround.Iwantitall.AndI’mgoingtobethemostdevoted fatherthereis.

IthrowTanneronelastscowl,whichhechucklesat,thentakemytimeweavingacrosstheroom Idon’theadstraightforher Instead,Imovetothewallattheedgeofthebusyroom.She’snolongertalkingtoDaxandRose.Butherfriendisstillwith her Isipmywhiskeyasthetwoofthemtalk.Herfriendcloseshereyesandtiltsherheadupasifshe’slisteningtoanimaginary soundwhileshetwirlsacrystalbraceletaroundonherwrist.Whensheopenshereyes,shesearchesaroundtheroomuntilshe seesme.Awidesmileovertakesherface,andshewhisperssomethingtoSophiebeforedisappearingintothecrowd.

Sophie’seyeslockontomineandIrollmytongueovermybottomlipasshewalksovertomepurposefully,fullofthatsame confidenceIadmiredallthoseyearsago

“Mr.Harper.”

Fuck, the way she says that has blood rushing south inside my body “Ms.Havers.It’sbeenalongtime.”

Shestudiesme,hereyesglassyandhercheeksflushedasshesipsonherdrink. “Ithas Howareyou?”

Thereitis.Thepolite,practiced,clippedtone.Allitdoesismakemewanttobreakthroughitanddigdeeper. First woman to ever turn me down

“Breakingmyrestrainingorderitwouldseem.What’stherule?Nottobewithinonekilometerofyou?”Ismirk. Sheshrugs “Theyvary I’msurprisedyouadheredsowelltoit Didn’thaveyoudownasbeingsuchagoodboy” Mydicktwitchesinmypants.

“Youknowitwasajoke?”Hervoicesoftens.

“Wasit?”Iholdheremeraldeyes “Yousoundedprettyclearonwhatyouwanted Youweretoobusytodate”

Shelooksawayfromme,smalllinespinchingaroundhereyesassheswallows,andafrownsettlesoverherglossylips. “Doeshedeserveyou?”

Imighthaveonlymethertwice,butIknowthesmalltalkisjustpolitebullshittoher.Ilearnedthatmuchfromourmeeting. Andalso,Iwanttoknow Aself-torturingpartofmewantstoknowaboutthemanwhomadeherchangeherstanceondating whenIfailed.Hemustbesomethingspecial.Anotherlawyer,perhaps?Apolitician?Afuckingprince?

“No.”Shesmilessadly.“No,hedidn’t.”

And just like that, myself-torturingpart does a lap of merryvictorythroughmybodybefore the realizationof what she meanstakesitoutlikeabaseballbattotheknees.

“What?”Igrit,myhandclenchingtightaroundmyglassasitfreezesmid-aironthewaytomylips “Whatdidhedotoy ” Herlipsthin.“Itwasn’tserious.”

Shetakesanotherdrink,hereyesreturningtomine.Itakeadeepglugfrommyglass,mirroringhermovements.

“Isuspectheisn’tmuchofaloss,”Isay,mesmerizedbythewayherpupilsdilateundermygaze.

“Whatmakesyousaythat?”Despitetheglassinessthealcoholiscausing,sheholdseyecontactwithoutfaltering.Icanjust

imagineherinterrogatingsomeoneonthewitnessstand.Ibetshemakesgrownmenpissthemselves. Theideaonlymakesmydickfightformyattentioninmypantsevenmore.

“Yourpurse”Itipmyheadtowardthetinyclutchshehasinherotherhand HereyesnarrowasIcontinue.

“It’ssmall Andyoucarrytheballsofyourex-datesaroundinit So ”Itakeanotherdrink,andherlipscurlintotheghost ofasmile.

“SoIdo Itoldyouthat fouryearsago” “Ihaveagoodmemory.”

“Luckyforyouthatyouweren’tmydatethatnight,then.”Hereyestwinkleassheholdsupthetinypurseandgivesitalittle shake

“IfIwere,myballswouldn’tbeinthat,”Isay,holdinghergaze.

Shelowersherhandbacktohersidewithaneyeroll “Letmeguess Becauseit’stoosmall”

“No.”Istepclosertoher.ShetiltsherheadbacktomeetmyeyesasIstandaheadtallerthanher.“Becauseifyouhadgone onadatewithme,thenIwouldn’tbeyourex-datenow”

“Youwouldn’t?”Shearchesabrow,herlipstwistinginamusement.

“No.”Isuckmybottomlip,dampeningitasIlookather.Hereyesdroptomymouth,followingthemovement. “Whatwouldyoube?”shebreathes Isinkmyteethintomybottomlipwithaconcealedgroan.ItakemytimebeforeIspeak,enjoyingherraptattention.

“I’dbeyourhusband”

Herlipspartinatinygasp.Onethatreachesrightinsidemypantsandcurlsitselfaroundmyachingdick,teasingit. Istepback,creatingdistancebetweenusagain.

“…andbecauseit’stoosmall.”Ismirk,biddingheragoodevening,andthenIwalkaway.

Sophie

“YOU’REREALLYGOINGFORit,huh?” Hallidayremarks as Isitnexttoher atthe bar andraise myglass inthe air ina toast

“ToHenry.”Ihiccup.“Andgettinghismarried,lyingassoutofmylife.” Sheclinksherglasswithmine.“I’lldrinktothat.”

Islurpmyginandthenclankmyglassdownheavilyonthedarkwoodbar,beforewipingmylipswiththebackofmyhand. “Andtogettingwasted.”

Herbrowspop,andshesignalsthebartender “Canwehavetwowaters,please?” “Hey.”Ipointatheraccusingly,mystoolwobblingbeneathme. It must have a loose leg. “Areyousayingyoudon’tthinkI can ”Ihiccupagain “ handlemydrink?”

“No.”Shelaughs,reachingoutandsteadyingme. Ifrownatthestool,realizingit’smewobblingit.

“I’msaying,Iknow youcan’thandleyourdrink.”SherollshereyesasIpreparetoargue.“You’veneverbeenableto.” Isnapmymouthshut,andshegivesmeapointedlook.Ifixateonherfaceasshecarriesontalking.Suchperfecteyebrows. TheybegintoblurasIblink

“…Onlytimesyou’vedranklikethisarewhenyouscratchedyourdad’scarwhenyouwerenineteenanddidn’tknowhow totellhim,andwhenyoursisterhadthatawfulsextapething” “Ssh.”Ibatmyfingeragainstmylipclumsily.“Idon’twanttotalkaboutthatshit.” Shesighs.“You’reworthsomuchmorethanhim.Youknowthat,right?”

“Iknow”Islumpmiserablyoverthebar,cradlingmyglass Ifrownatthewaterinitandthensearchsidetoside Myginis goneeventhoughIhadn’tfinishedit.“Ugh,”Igroan,pressingonehandagainstmyforehead.“I’llbefinetomorrow.It’sjust… Iwokeupthismorningandeverythingwasfine Andnow ”Idropmyhandandshrug,myheadspinning “It’snotHenry,isit?”Hallidayasks,knowingmesowell. Ishakemyhead “No Yes No It’sthiscaseI’mworkingon It’stough,and thisstuffwithHenry Ialwaysknow” MyvoicepitchesasIsearchHalliday’seyesfor answers.“Ialwaysknow.Inmygut.IfImissedHenrybeingmarried,what elsehaveImissed?WhatifIdon’twinthistime?”Myvoicedropsasaleadweightsettlesinmystomach.

“Listen” She swivels on her stool so she’s facing me head-on “They don’t call you ‘Havers the Handler’for nothing You’vegotthis.You’vealwaysgotthis.Thereisnothingwrongwithyourintuition.Theuniverseisworkingwithyou,I’vetold youthis”

Isnort,andherfacesoftensasshereachesformyhandandsqueezesit.

“Youwere just distracted Sexand hormones caninterfere withour vibration, makingus confused, evenifthe partner is wrongforus.Orgasms…theycanbeintense,onmorethanjustourphysicalbody.”

“Idon’t…Idoubtthat’swhathappened,”ImutterasIthinkaboutmysexlifewithHenry.Sure,Icame.Butnoteverytime. And only when I touched myself at the same time as we I swallow the rising bile back down as I shake himfrommy thoughts.

“Orstress,”Hallidaysaysasshestudiesmyface “Ikeeptellingyoutotakeabreak” “Can’t,”Islur.“Notuntilafterthiscase,anyway.”

Shesmiles.“Well,oncethiscaseisover,youandmearegoingsomewherehotwithcocktails.Andwe’regoingtohavean amazingtime.”

“Cocktails sound good” Icrane myneckto lookdownthe bar atthe bartender who’s servingsomeone “Icould go for a cocktail.”

“Nu-uh”Sheslidesmywaterinfrontofmeandtapsthesideoftheglass “Ruinmyfun,whydon’tyou?”Iscowl,whichonlymakesherlaugh.

“Savingyoufromahangovertomorrow,don’tyoumean?Anymoreandyou’llfeelawful Getthisdownyounow andyou have a fightingchance.” She nudges the glass a little closer and Ipickitup. “Good. Now, we’re stayinghere tonight. Huge hotel bed, crisp sheets, a good sleep. You’ll have forgottenall aboutHenry’s limp dickbythe morningand be backto your usualfightingform”

“Amen.”Ithrowbackthecontentsoftheglass,screwingmyfaceupindisappointmentasIrememberit’swater.

“That’smorelikeit”Shesmilesandthenherattentioniscaughtbysomethingacrosstheroom “Oh,IseeLogan I’llthank himfortonight,andthenwecangouptoourrooms.You’llbeokayforaminute,right?” Iflailoutahandinanungracefulwave “Go I’llbefine”

Shenarrowshereyes,unconvinced.

“Honestly,I’mgreat.”Iliftmyglasstomylips,forgettingit’sempty,thenglareatitlikeit’sthesourceofallmyproblems. “Okay I’ll be quick” Halliday hurries off, and I tip my head back, admiring the ballroom of the hotel we’re in The architraves andarchways aroundtheroomarebeautiful,eveniftheyarealittleblurry,thanks tothesix,noseven,gins I’ve drunk

“Theguyswhorunthecompanythatdidthere-modelareheretonight.” “Sorry?”Idropmyheadbackdown,meetingthefriendlybartender’seyes.

Hetipshishead,andIfollowhiseyelineacrossthebar,spottingDrewtalkingtoabeautiful,curvybrunetteinagreendress. She grins atsomethinghe says andthenwraps her arms aroundhis necksoshe canreachupandwhisper inhis ear.Idon’t needtobeclosertoknowthathiscoolblueeyesareprobablyglitteringathernowashelaughsatwhatevershejustsaid The waytheydowhenhe’samused.Thewaytheydidwhenhejokedthathe’dbemyhusbandnowifIhadn’tturnedhimdown.

Husband

Ridiculous. He’s handsome, intense, and overconfident. A lethal combination that I’ve seen many times. Usually in the defenseattorney’sassesbeforeIwhipthemincourt.

Iallowmyeyestorakeoverhisbroadframeinhistuxedofromheadtofootandbackupagain. Yep,handsome,intense,andoverconfident.Ishouldlookaway.

Iswallowasheatswirlsinmycore,andIcontinuetostudyhim

“Youknowthem?”Iask.

“Iknowofthem TannerGraysonownsit Butthatguy,DrewHarper,he’stheonewhorantheentireprojecthere Didafine job,”thebartendercontinues.

“Yeah,prettyfine,”ImumbleasDrewandthecurvybrunetteheadtowardtheexit.“Excuseme,”Iblurt,slidingoffmystool andstumbling Stupid stiletto shoes

Iweavemywaythroughthebusyballroomandoutthroughtheornateexitdoorsintothecorridorthatleadstothelobby.I scanupanddownbutdon’tseeanyone “Drew.”Agigglefloatsaroundthecorner. Ifollowthesound,unsurewhyI’mevenhere I round the corner as Drew helps the brunette into her coat and then kisses her on the cheek. My stomach twists as she reachesupandhugshimandhisarmscurlaroundher.

“Thanks,Buddy,”LogansaystoDrewasheappearsbesideme “Sophie?SogladyoucouldmakeitwithHallidaytonight.Haveyouhadagoodevening?” “Yes Thankyou,” Ireply, myeyes flickingto Drew, who’s now aware thatIwas here watchinghimand his date like a weirdo.

Hisbrowsloweroverhisblueeyesashelooksatmeintently Iraisemychin,readyingmyselftoturnbackaroundandhead backintotheballroom.

“Oh.”Thebrunettewithhimgrinsasthoughmynamemeanssomethingtoher.“Sophie?”HereyesdarttoDrew’sface,but he’sstillwatchingme “It’ssonicetomeetyou I’mMaddy” “Nicetomeetyoutoo.”Ismileatherpolitely.

“Youready,Smiles?”Loganasks,walkinguptoMaddyandlinkinghishandwithhers ShegivesmeasmallwaveandthenpatsDrewonthechest.“Night,bigbrother.I’llcallyoutomorrow.” Drewmurmursaresponse,hiseyesstillfixedonmine.

“Bye,Sophie,”shecalls,walkingawaywithLogan.

“Bye.” Iwave back, off-balance. Ireachfor the wall butamcaughtbya warmhand around mywristand another

itselfaroundmywaist.

“You’redrunk,”Drewstatesashesupportsme.Hisbrowspulllowerashestudiesmyface.

Ibreatheinhiswarm,deliciousscent It’slikehoneyonsmokedwood Butitcan’tdetractfromthelookofirritationonhis face.

“WhoareyoutosaywhatIam?Acop?”Isnap

Ascowlpassesoverhislips,beforeitfadesawayandheloosenshisgriponme,steadyingme,beforelettinggocompletely.

“Where’syourfriend?”heasks,glancingovermyshoulderlikehe’sexpectinghertoappear “Halliday’sintheballroom.Why?”

“How are yougettinghome tonight?” he asks, bracinga hand onmyupper armand guidingme to one side so Idon’tget bumpedintoastwobusinessmeninsuitswalkpast,laughingloudlyandswaying Looksliketheyenjoyedthefreebartoo.

“We’rebothstayinghere”Icrossmyarmsovermychest “Why?”

“I’llgoandfindhersoshecantakeyoutoyourroom.”Hiseyesdarken,andhestepspastme.

“Excuseme?”Ispin,themovementmakingmewobbleagain Whodoeshethinkheis?“Icanfindmyownroom,youknow,” Isnapathisback.Hisblackhaircurlsalittleoverthecollarofhisjacket,silkyandshiningunderneaththelights.

“Youallrightthere?”oneofthebusinessmenwhopasseduspipesup.“Wecanhelpyoufindyourroomifyouneed?” “We’reheadinguptooursnow,”hisfriendaddsashereachesoutandstopstheelevatordoorfromclosingsothatIcanjoin them.

Ismilegratefullybutdon’tmove I’mnotstupid LikeI’dgetintoanelevatorwithtwodrunkmen “Oh Thankyou But ” “Fuckoff,”adeepvoicebarksasastrongarmencirclesmywaistandpullsmeprotectivelyagainstasolid,muscularside. “She’swithme.”

Thebusinessmanshrugs,mutteringunderhisbreath,andletsgooftheelevatordoors.

“Assholes.”Drewglaresasthedoorsslideshut.Itipmyheadbacktogazeupathim.Evenwithmyheels,he’staller.

Histhickneckcontractsonaswallowashelooksbacktowardtheballroomdoorslikehe’stryingtodecidesomething “Comeon.”Hishandwrapsaroundmyhipashesteersustowardtheelevatorsandpressesthecallbutton.“I’llmakesure yougettoyourroomandthencomeandtellyourfriend”

“Idon’tneedtakingcareof,”Iargue,still pressedagainsthisside,becausemyheelsareridiculouslyhighandmakingme unsteadyonmyfeet.

“Believeme,Sophie.IfIweretakingcareofyou,you’dknowaboutit.”

Hiswordssendanunexpectedshiverrunningthroughme.Hisfacegivesnothingaway.Nohintofamusementoremotionof anykind Eventhoughthatsoundedalotlikeflirting Hisjawtenses,andIlookawaywithahuff.Idon’tcarewhat’scrawleduphisasstomakehimsomoodysuddenly. Weridetherestofthewayinsilence,andhehelpsmealongthecorridorofmyfloor Ifumbleinmypurseformykeycard whenwereachmydoor,tuttingwhenIcan’tfindit.

“Letme.”Drewtakesmypurseandpullsthecardstraightout,pressingittothesensorandopeningthedoor,allinundertwo seconds

“Howdidyou ?”Istareatmypurse,puzzled. “Ithadslippeddownbehindyourex’sballs” HislipstwitchasImeethiseyes.“Oh,”Imumble.

Iwalkinto the room, steppingoutofmyshoes, thenfrowningas Ikeep swayingand stumblingdespite riddingmyselfof them.MaybeIdidhavealittletoomuchtodrink.

Myshoulder bounces offone wall anda tinyyelpescapes mylips.Istagger on,mybedscreamingouttome like a giant, fluffycloudofcomfortacrosstheroom

There’saclickbehindmeasthedoor closes,andthenmyfeetleavethefloor asI’msweptupandheldagainstsomething solid

“Easythere.Let’sgetyoutobed.”Drew’svoicerumblesinhischestasIrestmyspinningheadagainstit. Hesetsmegentlyonthebedandthenstartstomoveback,afrownmarringhishandsomeface Idon’tknowwhatmakesme doit,butIgrabthebackofhisneckandarchupfromthebed,capturinghismouthinadesperate,fumbledkiss. There’sasharphissashesucksinasurprisedbreath,andItakeitasfurtherinvitationtopullhimcloser,tryingtokisshim againasIdroponehandtothewaistbandofhispants

“Let’shavesex,”Ipurr.AlthoughitcomesoutslurredandevenIcantellitsoundsmorelike Shex. Let’s have shex. Whata chat-upline

Itearthezipperdownatthebackofmydress,shruggingitclumsilyfrommyshoulders.ThenIpullathiswaistbandagain, huffinginfrustrationashemoveshisheadbackandIcannolongerreachhislipswithmine.

“Mr. Harper,” I whine, “do youstill want me?” The roomsways around me, but I ignore it, searchingfor his blue eyes instead.“OramIwrongaboutthattoo?”Isighhopelessly,finallyfindingcoolblueandclingingontoitastherestoftheworld

arounditblurs.“DidIgetitallwrong?”Iask,losingmyselfinhisintensegaze. It’sthelastthingIseebeforeIpassout.

Sophie

THEROOMISDIMLYlitasIopenmyeyesandsquintatthebedsideclock.7AM.Iblinkbeforelettingmyeyelidsfallclosed

again My head is surprisingly clear, considering I had more than I usually drink last night I’m sure I wasn’t that drunk Although,myeyespopwideandIglancedownatthelargewhiteshirtI’mwearing. Aman’sshirt.

“Whatthehell?”Ithrowthecoversback,revealingtherestofmybody.Theshirtcomesdownovermyhipsandmylegsare bare.Myunderwearisonbeneathit,sothat’ssomething.

Irakeahandbackthroughmynestoftangledhair,heatflaringacrossthebackofmyneckasafiguresittinginthearmchair facingthefootofthebedclearstheirthroat.

“Sleepwell?”

“God!”Ishriekandreachouttohittheswitchbesidethebed,expectingthebedsidelamptoturnon.Instead,agentlewhir beginsasthedrapesslideopen.

Thesunlightcreepsacrosstheroominslowmotion,illuminatinghiminchbyinch,startingathisfeet,upoverhisblacksuit pants,thenhigher,overachestthat’sbroad,defined,andsmooth,likeit’sbeensculptedfrommarble.Thenfinally,tohisface. Tothatdark,shadowedjawline,darkhairwithacurltoit,andthosecoolblueeyes Watchingme.

Istareathimasheregardsmecalmly,leaningbackagainstthechair,relaxedandcomfortable “You’vebeenhereallnight,”Istate.

He steeples his fingers infrontofhis face and presses themagainsthis lips. “You’d had a lotto drink. Iwasn’taboutto leaveyou”Hiseyesslidetothefreshorangejuiceandbottleofpainkillersonthebedsidetable Igivehimaquestioninglook.

“Igotthemlastnight AfterIassuredyourfriendI’dbroughtyoutoyourroomsafelyandwouldkeepaneyeonyou” Myusualretortatbeinghandledlikeachilddiesonthetipofmytongueasit’sreplacedwithcuriosity. “Hallidayknewyouwerecomingbackhere?”

“Shesaidmyaurawasn’tconcerning.”Amusementlaceshistone. “Figures,”Imutter.

Mybestfriendtrustsanalmoststrangerduetoa‘feeling’ Astrangerwhosomehowundressedme Istareatmyclothingand thensnapmyeyesbackuptohisface.“I’mwearingyourshirt.”

“Youthrewyourdressoffandneededsomethingtosleepin Iturnedthelightsoffanddidn’tlook,”hesaysmatter-of-factly “Oh.Thatmakesitokay,then?”Isnort.

Heignoresmeandpullshisshoesacrossthecarpettowardhim “Whatareyoudoing?”

Helooksupatmefrombeneaththick,darkbrows,andthecurveofhismuscularshoulderstightenashepauses.

“Youcan’tleavewithoutyourshirt”IshuffleonthebedasIacceptthegrowingheatbetweenmylegsatthesightofhimhalf nakedinfrontofmeforwhatitis.

Lust

Hetakeshishandbackfromhisshoesandsitsbackintothechaironcemore.“ThenI’llstaywhileyoushower.”

“Fine.”IglanceathischestagainbeforeIswingmylegsoutofthebed.TheheatofhisgazeburnsintomeasIreachforthe pillsandthenputthebottledownwithouttakingany.I’mlucky;Idon’tusuallysufferwithhangovers.Still,thethoughtthathe gottheseespeciallyformelastnightbringswarmthtomychest Idrinkthejuicewhilehewatchesmeinsilence.

“Thankyou”Iplacetheemptyglassdown Heliftshischininresponse.

Iwalktothebathroom,myheartraterocketingasIfeelhiseyesonmybackwitheachstep I step inside and close the door, heading straight for the sink and squeezing a generous amount of toothpaste onto my toothbrushbeforebrushingmyteeth.Mymakeupissmudged,andmyhairneedsabrush.Butmyeyesaresurprisinglybright. Maybebecausedespitelastnight’sevents,Isleptreallywell

Lastnight…Ugh.

IunbuttonDrew’sshirt,peelingoffthecottonthatsmellsofsmokedwoodandhoney,andhangitonthehookbeforetaking offmyunderwearandhavingaquickshower.ThethoughtofDrewsittinginmyroomisenoughtomakemehurry.

“Let’s have shex ” Thememory’shazy,butit’sstillthere IthrewmyselfatanothermanonthedayIfoundoutmyex-boyfriendismarried.Andheturnedmedown. Andnotjustanyman.

IthrewmyselfatDrewHarper

EmbarrassmentcurlsinmygutasIstepoutanddryoffroughly,wrappingthetowelaroundmyselfandmarchingoutintothe bedroomwiththesinfulsmellingshirtinmyhand

“Thankyou.Iappreciateyoubeingagentleman.”IholdtheshirtouttoDrew,whostandsfromthechairasIstrideover.I looktooneside,avoidinghiseyesasIwaitforhimtotakeit.Whenhedoesn’t,Iturnmyhead,mystomachflippingasmyeyes lockontotheexpanseoftaut,tannedskinofhischest.

“WhatelsewouldIbe?”Hisdeepvoicefloatsovermeashetakeshisshirtfrommeandslidesiton.

“Married,”Imumble

“What?”

“Nothing”

Henrywill bewakingupwithhiswifenow.Iwonderifhetookheroutfortheiranniversarylastnight.Ifhewokeupand hadsexwithherthismorning.Thethoughtdoesn’thurt.Itmakesmeangry.Iwassostupid.WhatelsehaveImissed?

Drew leaves his shirthangingopenas he studies me. Goosebumps prickover mybare shoulders as Istand wrapped ina towel,inchesfromhim.

“Noone’sworththatfrownonyourface,Sophie”Hereachesupslowlyandplacestwofingersbeneathmychin,tiltingit up.“YouknowwhatIthoughtwhenIfirstmetyou?”

“Thatwoman’slikeElleWoods”

Hesmirks,hiseyesglittering.“Ithought,wow.Thatwoman’saforce.Onewhocandoanythingshewants.Youdon’tneed someprickholdingyouback.You’reaflame,Ms.Havers.”Hissmirksoftenstoabeautifulsmileashelooksatmylips.“A bright,burningflame Beautiful”

Mybreathhitchesandabouquetofirisespopsintomyhead. HethinksI’maflame

Flamesdon’tdoubtthemselvesandtheirownjudgment.Flamesglow.Flamesignite.Flamestakewhattheywantanddon’t apologize Becauseit’stheirfuel,itmakesthembrighter

Rightnow,Drew’swordsandcoolblueeyeslockedontominearemakingmebrighter. Tohim,I’maflame.

Fuck it

“Thistime,kissmeback,”Iblurt.

Drew’sforeheadcreasesinconfusion,butIdon’tgivehimtimetoaskmewhatI’mdoing Iwrapmyarmsaroundhisneck andpullhislipstomine.Only,unlikelastnight,thistime,I’mnotclumsyorfumbling,withalcoholrunningthroughmyveins. This time, I’mfocused and determined, withnothingbutliquid fire heatingmybody, racingthroughme like a flame ona lit fuse.MyheartratepicksupasIkisshim,pressingmytoweledbodyagainsthis.Myskintingles,wetnessgrowingbetweenmy legsinresponsetothedeepgroanthat’sforcedfromhimasheburieshishandsinmyhairandkissesmebackhard.Andfuck, canhekiss HedevoursmelikeI’mtheonlythingthat’severtastedgoodtohim Lust.Pureandsimple.

“Yousureaboutthis?”Hisvoicerumblesashepausestotugmylowerlipbetweenhisteeth “Don’tyouwantto?”Ibreatheagainsthislips.

Hepullsback,lookingintomyeyes.Butwhateverhe’ssearchingfor,he’snotgoingtofindit.There’snothingmoretothis thanthesimpleneedfordistractionandreassurancethatI’mstillincontrolofsomething. Fuckmarriedexes.Fuckquestioningmyjudgment.Fuckeverythingelse.Justfornow.Justforthis.

“Don’tyouwantme?”Irepeat,runningmyfingernailsthroughthehairatthebackofhishead. Hiseyelidsgrowheavyasheleansintomytouch,asinfulsmiledustinghislips.“Youknowtheanswertothat.”

“DoI?”Itugonhishair,andhecurses

“Iwantedyoufouryearsago,”hegroans,watchingmeforareaction.“Iwantedyoulastnight.AndI’vewantedyouevery dayinbetween Ineverstoppedwantingyou,evenwhenIdidn’tseeyou Don’tactlikeyoudon’tfuckingknowthat”

Theintensityinhiswordsstealstheairfrommylungs.Idrawinadeepbreathtogroundmyself.Hedropshishandstohis sides,curlingthemintotightfistslikehe’sfightingtoholdhimselfback “Thenwhatareyouwaiting ?”

Hegrabsmychin,makingmegasp.

“Ican’tfuckyouandwalkawayafter,Sophie Itdoesn’tworklikethat”

Hiseyesroamallovermyface,takingtheirtimetodrinkmein.Hischestexpandsonadeepbreathandhisgripsoftensa little Thenhesighs,andit’sweightedwithregret

Hepressesasoftkisstomylips.“IfuckyouandIgettokeepyouforever.Whatdoyousaytothat?” Istandstunnedashelooksatme

“Andthere’syouranswer.”Hekissesmyforeheadsoftlybeforelettingmego. Hegivesmeaslow,softsmile,hiseyesdimming,ashestepsbackandturnstograbhisjacketfromthebackofthechair. “Drew?”

Hewalkstowardthedoor.

Mychesttightens Hecan’tleavelikethis MaybeHalliday’stalkofsignsfromtheuniversehassometruthtoit Becauseas heopensthedoor,panicgripsme,likeacoldstabtothegut.Something’stellingmethatifIlethimwalkoutofthatdoornow, I’llregretit.

“Drew?”Iraisemyvoice.

As heturns back,Itugthetowel free,anditdrops tothefloor intoaheaparoundmyfeet.Thecool air dances across my skin, heighteningmysenses Or maybe it’s the wayhe’s watchingme withanintensitythatsets myheart beatingso hard it poundsinmyears.

Heletsgoofthedoorhandleandthedoorfallsclosed,clickingshut Westareateachother.Histhroatconstrictsasheswallows,hiseyesslidingovermybody,drinkingitin.Herollshisbottom lipbetweenhisteethashiseyesmeetmineagain,blazingwithdesire.ThemoveissosexythatIsuckinabreath,anticipation makingmehotfromheadtotoe.

Myfingers tingle the waytheydo inthe courtroomwhenIknow I’ve wonmycase. ThatintuitionIhave. Thatgutfeeling whenIknow WhenIjustknow

“We’lltalkaboutthetermslater.Now,comebackhere.”Mynipplespebbleintoachingpeaksathisdarkenedstare.“Now,” Iadd,“I’mnotgoingtoasktwi ”

Hestridesoverandgrabsmeunderonethigh,hoistingmeupwithonearmsothatmylegswraparoundhiswaist.Hisother handgripsthebackofmyhead,cushioningit,asheslamsmeupagainstthewall.

“Do you want me?”hegrowlsagainstmylips,ourbreathtanglingaswepant “YouaskedmeifIwantyouandItoldyou Nowyoutellme,Sophie,canyouhandlewhatyou’llgetwithme?”

Helooksatmewithoutblinking,theblueofhiseyespiercing,ashislipshoverinchesfrommine Hisnostrilsflare,andhis scentenvelopsmeuntilItastesmokedhoneyinsidemymouth.

Idartmytongueoutandlickthecorner ofmylips Can I handle him? It’s justarousal talking,himsayingthatifIletthis happen,thenwe’reboundtooneanother.Buteventhoughit’sjusttalk,itstillsoundshotashell.

MypulsebeatsasteadyrhythmbetweenmylegsasIgazeathim.

“Yes Iwantyouandeverythingthatcomeswithit”

“Fuck,”hehisses.“Youdon’tknowwhathearingyousaythatdoestome.”

The unmistakable bulge of his erection presses into my ass cheeks Just the feel of it there, and the knowledge that I’m makingthisstrong,hulkofamanlooklikehe’sabouttolosecontrolisenoughtomakewetheatpoolbetweenmylegs.Iroll myhips, rubbingshamelesslyagainsthim, searchingfor friction Slickwetness spreads over Drew’s abs where his shirtis hangingopen.

Hisattentionmovesfrommylipsdowntowherehisskinisglistening,athinlayerofmyarousalcoatingthedefinedmuscles abovethewaistbandofhispants

MyheartthudsasIwaitforhimtoreact.

Heslowlyslidesonehandbetweenourbodies,trailingitovertheshinypatchonhisskin,beforeheslipstwofingersinside me,achinglyslow.

Mybodyacceptsthemgreedily,andmyeyesrollbackinmyhead.IstifleamoanashegoesstraighttomyG-spotandteases it.

“Thisforme?”Heswirlshisfingers,andmybodymakesanobscene,wetandneedysound.Hepressestheheelofhishand

flushagainstmyclitandrubs.

“Ohmygod, thatfeels…” Idragina breathas Iblinkathis fingers disappearinginside me. The veins are bulginginhis forearmasheflexesit,causinganotherswellofwetnesstorushfromme “Iaskedyouaquestion.Isthisforme?” Imoanshamelessly,unabletoreactinanyotherway I’malwaysincontrol.Mylifeonlyfunctionswithcontrol.Atwork.Athome. Ishudderashisfingersmoveinsidemeagain,makingmymusclesflutteraroundthem Here,it’sblindinglyobviousthatDrewhasthecontrol.He’sturningmeinsideoutwithpleasure.Mywetnesssoakshishand as Igripthecollar ofhis shirt,completelynaked,pinnedbetweenhis solidbodyandthewall.I’matrembling,needymess, abouttocomeanysecond Andhe’sdonethistomewithinminutes “Drew,” Iutter, mybodydesperatelytryingto hold onto his fingers as he slides themout. He brings themto his lips and holdsmyeyesashesucksthemwithalowgrowlofappreciation “Tasteslikeit’smadeespeciallyforme,Sophie.”

Igaspagainsthislipsashishandreturnsbetweenmylegs,andhepushesthreefingersin,stretchingmewide “Feelslikeit’smadeespeciallyformetoo,”hegruntsasmybodysuckshimbackinagain. Ishakearoundhisfingers,tremblingwiththeneedtocome.“Please,I’mclose…” Hislipscurlinapproval,asthoughhe’sgotmeexactlywherehewantsme “Youabouttocomeonmyfingers,Darling?”Heswirlsthemagain,hisgriponmythightightening. Inod,pantingagainsthis lips,andhe drives his tongueinside mymouthandkisses me until I’mdizzyandbreathless His fingersstillinsideme,andIhuffinfrustration.

“Soclose,huh?”Hechuckles,hiseyessweepingovermyfacebeforeherunsthetipofhisnoseupthesideofmyfaceuntil hislipsmeetmyear.

“Tellmeyou’resorry,”herasps.

“W-what?”Isay,teeteringontheedgeofanorgasm

Heglideshisthumbaroundmyclitatthesametimeashesucksonmyneck.Iedgeclosertorelease,buthisfingersfreeze insidemeagain

Icryoutandtipmyheadback,bangingitgentlyonthewallinfrustration.

Hishandonmythighflexes,hisfingertipspressingintomyskinashiscockdigsintotheundersideofmyass.Theonlysmall mercytothistortureisthatI’dbetanythingthathe’sfindingithardtoholdbacktoo.

“Tellmeyou’resorryformakingmewait,”hegritsinmyear,hisbreathsendinggoosebumpsskitteringupmyspine.

“Drew,”Ibreathe

“Youshouldhavebeensoakingmyfingersalongtimeago.”

Isqueezemyeyesshut,readytoburstatthesmallestmovement

“Sayit,”hegrowls,bringinghislipsbacktomineandkissingmewithafeatherlighttouch,makingmylipstingle. HemovesawaybeforeIcankisshimbackproperly.Iwhimperwithunmetneed.It’salmostmorearousingthanthemouth claimingkisshegavememomentsago

“SayitandI’ll letyoucomeformelikeyoushouldhavebeendoingforthepastfouryears.Youwanttocome,don’tyou, Sophie?”

Heleansintome,kissingmeproperly,pullingbackwhenI’mpantingforair.

Oh my god

He’sinsane.ButI’mtooclosetocare.

“I’msorry,”Igasp.

Hislipsliftintoasmugsmile “Goodgirl”

Iexhaleinrelief.ButinsteadofgivingmewhatIwant,hepullshisfingersoutofmeagain,andthesoundofhiszipperbeing pulleddownfillsmyears

Hepullshiscockfreeandthethickheadofitslideseasilyovermeasheclaimsmymouthagain,holdingmeupwithboth handscuppingmyass

“You’vegotmedrippingforyou,”hegroansashispre-cumjoinsthewetnessbetweenmythighs.“You’resofuckingsexy.” Iwrithe, revelinginthe sensationofthe broad head ofhis cockpressingagainstmyclit. “We need to use a condom. But just just ”Istumbleonmywords,secondsawayfromcomingapart “Justone ”Iswallow,mythighstremblingaround hiswaistasIcirclemyselfovertheslickheadofhiscock.“Justgiveme ” “Giveyouthis?”Herollshishipssothethicktippushesthroughmylips “Youwantthiscock?” “Mm-hm…just…”Igiveuptryingtoformacoherentsentence.“Please,”Ibeg. “Fuccckkk.”Hepushesinsideme,fillingme,stretchingme.Hisforeheaddropstomine.“Youfeelthis?” “Yes,”Ichokeoutasthepressurebuildsinmycoretothepointofbeingunbearable. Hepushesdeeper,mybodystrugglingtoaccepthissize.“Youknowwhatthisis?”hegrowls.

“No.”I’msoclosetoexplodingthatit’stakingeverythinginmetospeak. Heliftshisforeheadfrommineandlooksintomyeyes.

“It’sfate” “Fate?”

“Yeah Me You Youcomingforme”Hedrivesdeeper,andIcryout “Thiswasalwaysgoingtohappen,Sophie Youjust likedmakingmewait.”

“I ”

Hiseyesblazeashedrivesthefinalthickinchesinsideme.Thesecondhisballskissmyskin,Iexplodeintothestrongest, mostconsumingorgasmI’veeverhad.

“Ohgod!”

MyvisionblursasIcomeinwaves.Idon’twanttoclosemyeyes.Iwanttowitnessthis.Iwanttoseehowhereactswhen heseeswhathe’sdonetome

His pupils blow wide, and he sucks his bottomlip, groaninglow inhis chest. Icanonlydescribe the flare inhis eyes as awe Aweashisfingersdigintomyfleshandhewatchesmecomeforhim Because ofhim

Mybodytrembles. Everysecond is worthfightingthe urge thatIhad to clenchmyeyes shutand concentrate onmyown pleasure.

Seeinghimgettingoffonwatchingmeisenoughtomakemepeakagain,andIcomehardasecondtime Iclaw athisshirt collar,mynailsscrapingskin.

“Drew”

Helooksatmewithenoughpowerinhiseyestolightupacity.“Fuckingfire,Darling.”Hepullsoutandslamsbackinwith adeephiss.“Youlookbeautiful,comingaroundmycock.Moanmynameagain.Makeupforlosttime.”

Iwhimperhisname,happytoobligeaswarmthblanketsmybody.

“Fuck,yeah,”hegrunts.

Heslidesoutasthelastpulseleavesmybody,thenbendstosuckoneofmynipples “Don’tstop.”Isinkmyhandsintohishairasheswitchessides. “IhavetoorI’mgoingtocomeinsideyou”

Imoanwhilehecontinuestolavishattentiononmybreasts.Everythinghedoesfeelsamazing. “Doyouhaveanycondoms?”

Mycheeksheatashelooksupatmeagain.Oneofhisbrowsliftsandhesmiles. “Ido.”

Itughishair,pressingmynippleclosertohislips “Goonthen”

Hegrinswickedlyandslowlylicksme.“Goonwhat?”

Hewantsmetosayit,andhell,I’msohornythatIdon’tcare I’llscreamitoutthewindowifIhaveto “Putiton.Iwantyouinsidemeagain.”

“Sofuckingbossy,”hesayswithasinfulsmile,loweringmedownsomyfeettouchthefloor.“Getonthebedandwaitfor me”

Irushtodoashesays,droppingontothebedashethrowshisshirtoffandstepsoutofhispants.Hereachesdownintothe pocketandstalkstowardme,hiseyesonmineasheripsthefoilpacket

MycoreclenchesasItakehimin.Thosebroadshouldersandstrongarmsthatheldmeupagainstthewall,hisdefined,thick torsothatIwrithedagainst Andhiscock It’sveined,andwide sobig Iswallowashestopsatthesideofthebedandrolls thecondomontoit,givingitaquicktugoncehe’sfullysheathed. “You’restaring.”Hesmirks. Hekneelsonthebedandleansoverme Iarchuptokisshim,buthegripseachofmythighsandpartsmylegs “Ready?”Athickbrowarches. “Yes,”Ibreathe

Hethrustsintome,makingmeflyupthebed.Hegripsmyhips,pullingmebackdownontohiscockandIcryoutasheplants hishandseithersideofmyheadandstartsfuckingmelikeit’sanOlympicsportandhe’sdestinedtowingold Idon’tknowhowthehellhe’sdoingit,butI’mreadytocomeagain. Hislipscurlintoadevilishsmile,andhepauseslongenoughtopressdownontohishands,allofthemusclesripplinginhis shoulders,ashebendsandkissesme “Youfeelsofuckinggood,”hewhispers. Ichasehislips,notwantingthekisstoendashepullsback Herepositionshisarmsbeneathmythighsandliftsmyassfrom themattress.Thenhepoundsintome. AllIcandoisclampontohimandtakeit. Icomeagain,diggingmynailsintothebackofhishands.Heflipsmeover,draggingmeuptomykneesandholdingmein placewithonehandonthebackofmyneckashedrivesintomefrombehindwithagutturalgroan.

I’mbeingfuckedtodeathbyDrewHarper.Andmyonlyreactionisloudwhimpersasmywetnessrunsdownmyinnerthighs andmybodymakeswetslappingsoundsagainsthis.

“Ohmygod,”Igasp

Hepullsmeupsothatmybackisflushagainsthishotchest.Histeethgrazemyearlobe.“YougotonemoreformebeforeI fillthisprettypussy?”

AllI’mcapableofisagarbledwhimperofagreement.

Chuckling,hesucksonmyneckandmassagesmybreastsinhispalms “Yeah,Darling Ithinkyoudo Ithinkyou’vegotalot moretogiveme.”Thenhemovesusagain,droppingdownontohisbackandpullingmeoverhishipstostraddlehim. Heholdsthebaseofhiscockwithonehandandliftsmewiththeother,guidingmedownontohim.

“Youhavecontrol,Boss NowshowmewhatI’vebeenmissing”

Mybreathcomes inwhimpered pants as I ride him. His hands grip myhips the entire time as he widens his thighs and relaxesback,contenttowatchmeabovehim Igrinddownontohimharduntilafamiliartighteningbuildslowinmycore “I’mgoingto "

Hereachesup,fistingmyhairandpullingmylipsdowntohis “Kissmewhileyoucoatmycockinyourcum.” Fuck.

Itry ButmymoansovertakemeasIcomeagain,sohardthatmyheadspins Hepantsagainstmymouth,everymuscleinhisbodytensing.“Youfeelsodamngood.I’mgoingtofuckingco ” Ifighttogetmycomposurebackandkisshim,stealinghiswordsashecomesdeepinsideme HiscockswellsandIcryinto hismouth,matchinghisowncursesandgroans. “Fuck,Sophie.” Warm,fuzzyblisswashesoverme. “Wow,”Ibreathe.

His hand loosens inmyhair and moves to cup the backof myneckas he moves slowlyinside me, emptyingthe last of himself.

Hepullsmyforeheadtohis “I’dhavewaitedfourcenturiesifIknewthat’swhatthiswouldbelike” Ishiftbacktolookathim.Hiseyesarebuzzingwithenergy,andaserenesmilegraceshisface. “AndifI’dknown,Imighthavesaidyesthefirsttimeyouaskedmeout.” Heflexeshishandonthebackonmyneck,pullingmylipsbacktohis.“Might?” Hekissesme,slowanddeliberate,likeapromisethatthisisonlythestart. “Mondaynight Whatareyoudoing?” “Monday?”Imuseashekissesmeagain.“Idon’thaveplans.” Hislipsspreadintoacockygrin “Youdonow Yourboyfriend’stakingyouout”

Drew

“HASPENNYBOOKEDYOURflight?”Tannerasks,frowningatthedesignprintsontheboardroomsmeetingtable. “Shedid”Ileanbackinmychair,flexingmyshouldersasIstretch AgroanescapesmeandIwince “Beenhammeringitinthegym?”Tannerdropshispenontothepaperworkandlooksatme. “Maybe.”Itipmyhead.“Fine…yes.”

Hechuckles,pressingafingerandthumbintohistiredeyes.Hisyoungest,Ruby,hasstartedteethingandhetoldmehewas uphalfthenightwalkingaroundthehousewithherinhisarmsbecauseit’stheonlywayshewouldsleep.

Idon’tfeelsorryforhim He’saluckybastardandheknowsit ButsinceFridaynight,myusualjealousydoesn’tgutpunch meashardasitusuallywould.

“Youonlydo that whenyou’re worried about work Or whenyou’re pumped about something So whichis it?” he asks “Somethingtellsmeitisn’tgoingtotheNewYorkofficetoclosethisdeal.”

“Tenoutoften.”Ireachoverandclaphimonthebackwithawidegrin.

“Thelawyer?”Hisbrowsriseinquestion.

“Sophie,” I confirmwitha grin. It’s beenthere ever since Saturdaymorning. It hasn’t left myface since the moment she droppedthattowelandtoldmeshewantedme Anditgrewevenwiderwhenwe’dfinishedandshereachedforthepainkillers Iboughtandpoppedtwolikesheknewshe’dbeneedingthem.

Iwonderifshe’sachingasmuchasmenow Ifshe’sstillfeelingme

Thethoughtmakesmygrinstretchfurther.

“Sophie,”Tannerrepeats,pursinghislips.“Aboutfuckingtime.”

“Yeah Tookawhile,butItoldyouyearsagoit’dhappen Nogoingbacknow Thatwomanis it forme”

Tanneropenshismouthandthenpromptlyshutsit,noddinginsteadasIfixhimwithalookthatsays, “You can’t talk.” We bothknow he was a goner for his wife, Rachel the momenthe mether Sometimes your guttells youthe firsttime youmeet someone.Andmygutwas prettydamnclear four years ago.Sophie Havers was always meantfor me.AndI’ll fightanyone whoarguesotherwise

“I’ll schedule the global call for Thursday, then? Whenyou’re back,” he says, pickinghis penup and markingsomething down.

“Sure”

Eventhethoughtofoneofourlong-assmeetingswithallthebranchheadsfromaroundtheworldlaterthisweekcan’tbring medowntoday

BecausetonightIhaveadate.

Andthistime,she’s my date

“Drew!” The surprise inSophie’s voice is evident, eventhoughI see her face frombehind the giant bouquet of irises I’m holding

“Hey,Darling.”Ihandherthebouquetandkissheronthecheek,curlingonehandaroundherhipboneandfightingbackmy groanatthefeelofheragain.

“Thankyou They’re ” “Yourfavorite.Iremember.”

“I’llgetavase”Smiling,shewalksdownthehallandintoalargeopen-planlivingroomofherapartment “Didyouwanta drinkbeforewego?”SheglancesatmeoverhershoulderbeforeshewalksthroughadoorintowhatIassumeisthekitchen.

“No Iwantmydate,”Isayasthesoundofarunningtapmixeswithherlaugh Whenwefirstmet,shewassoseriousandfocused.Buthearinghernow,thelightnessinherlaugh,Iintendtomakeithappen awholelotmore.Itsuitsher.

Anditswellsmyfuckingheart

“It’slikethat,isit?”Shewalksbackintotheroom,passingmewiththevaseofflowers.

“Yeah,it’slikethat”Myeyesdropoverherblackdress Ithugseverycurveofherbody,stoppingbelowtheknee Andthen shehasthesesexyhighheelsonwithribbonstiedintobowsaroundherankles. Fuck me

Sheplacesthevaseontothehallwaytableandlooksintothemirroraboveit,catchingmyeyeinthereflection.

“Youlooknice,”shesays,takinginmyblacksuitandwhiteshirt.It’snottheonesheworethatnight,butIworewhiteagain toremindher Shelooksgoodwearingmyclothes Shelooksgoodwearingme “Andyou’resensational.”

My compliment makes her blush Of all the times she looked into my eyes as she came for me two days ago, and a complimenthasherflushing. Cute.

Myflamemightbehotenoughtoburnwhenshe’sinball-bustinglawyermode.ButI’mseeingasoftersidetoher.Aglow that’sthebasisforeverythingelse.

“Shallwe?”Iplacemyhandonherlowerbackandguidehertothedoor SophieseemsimpressedwhensheseesthatI’vebroughthertotheLondonvenueofthesamerestaurantwherewehadthe doubledatewithLoganandKelly IfIcouldhaveorderedherthesamemealtonighttoo,thenIwouldhave Butthemenuhas changedsincethen.

“Do youhave muchtime to yourselfinNew York?” She cradles her glass ofwine as she looks atme over the top ofour finisheddesserts.

We’vespentdinnertalkingaboutbothworkandLogandatingmysister,Maddy.Sophiewasmesmerizedbytheirstoryand how theymanagedtokeepitasecretinthebeginning Shemadeacommentabouthow peopleweknow canhideanythingif they want to, despite us thinking we would be able to tell if they lied. The way her eyes dimmed as she told me had me clenchingmyfists I’dbetit’sgotsomethingtodowiththeassholeexshementioned IfIevermeettheguy,he’dbetterprayfor mercy.

“Iusuallyflystraightbackoncethemeetingsarealldone.TanandIlivedthereforayear,sotherearepeopleIliketocatch upwithifIdostaylonger”

“Irememberyoutellingmethat.”

“Youdorememberthatnight,then?Yourememberbreakingmyheart?”Ismirk Shearchesabrow.“Irememberyoutryingtoclimbintomycabwithmeandthenstandingintheroadandalmostgettinghit soyoucouldwave”

Ileanbackinmyseatandallow myselfaleisurelysweepofappreciationofher.Shelooksincredibletonight.Herblonde hairisshorterthanwhenwefirstmet,butherlipsarethesamefull,glossytemptationthattheywerethatnight.

“What?”Shenarrowshereyesasshetakesasipofherwine “YousureIwaved?”

“Yes Youdefin ”Sheturnsherheadtotheside,hidinghermouthinherpalmassherealizeswhatI’mdoing “Youwerelookingback.”Ireachoverthetable,takingherhandfromherfaceandlinkingmyfingerswithhers. “No”Shetriestodisguisehersmile “Ms.Havers?”Ileancloser. “Yes,Mr.Harper?”

Igrinwhenhereyessparkle Weholdeachother’sgaze,somethingunspokenandmagneticintheairbetween Afewseconds passwithusjustlookingatoneanother.

“IwasreadytomurderthosetwoguysbytheelevatorsonFridaynight,”Iconfess,strokingherknuckleswithmythumb “What?”

“Theywanted…” I take a calmingbreathto douse the suddenflare of heat lancingthroughmyveins. “I know what they wanted.”

“Theyweren’tgoingtodoanything.”

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Handling mr. harper (the men series - interconnected standalone romances book 9) elle nicoll 2024 sc by Education Libraries - Issuu