Page 12 of Bitter Arrangement
Riley: Don’t flatter yourself. I just look good in it.
Alexan: You really fucking do. Have you washed it yet? Or are you rolling around in my scent and fucking your pussy like you did that day?
Jesus fuck, this man. I mean, he’s dead on, but I’m not about to admit that.
Riley: I’m at a business dinner with my father and one of his associates. So no finger fucking or rolling around.
Alexan: That didn’t answer my question. Have you washed it yet?
Riley: We’re not all freaks like you are.
Alexan: Since you’re still dodging, I’ll assume you haven’t. How about this, my lovely thief? Come break into my house again tomorrow. I’ll leave you something to wear.
I lick my lips, heart racing. God, that’s so tempting. It’s disastrous is what it is. I’ve been obsessing about that afternoon since it happened, but what’ll happen if I really let myself go back?
And it’s not as good as it was?
I don’t want to ruin that memory. Hell, I don’t want to make our marriage awkward by letting my impulsive horny brain get the best of me.
But most of all, I still have my father’s voice in my head.
Telling me not to make any more mistakes.
Riley: Sorry, big guy, but I can’t. I gave up my thieving ways.
Alexan: I doubt that’s true.
Riley: Cross my heart. Besides, I’m busy dress shopping tomorrow.
Alexan: For our wedding? Just wear my shirt.
Riley: Doubt that’ll go over well with the families.
Alexan: No, but at least they’ll all know you’re claimed by me.
Riley: Isn’t that the point of the wedding ring?
Alexan: Sometimes rings aren’t enough.
I shake my head and start typing a response when I hear my name called from the other room. I hesitate, delete what I was about to say, and head back into the dining room to find Jeremy on his feet, his jacket on, and his briefcase tucked under an arm.
“Done already?” I ask, trying not to sound flushed and excited. Alexan’s random messages pierced straight through my armor and are boiling right in my veins. I feel alive suddenly, more invigorated than I have since Dad tossed my tools down on the bar and embarrassed me in front of the family.
“All done,” Jeremy confirms with another charming smile. “Your father is easy to work with.”
Fucking doubt that.
Dad’s got his strained, friendly look on his face, like he’s not sure where the bad smell’s coming from. “Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Fong. Riley, did you want to say goodbye?”
“Yes, of course.” I don’t know why I do it, but I move forward. Jeremy puts out a hand again while I go in for a much more informal hug, and we end up bumping together, my hand twisted into his jacket. “Oh, god, I’m sorry!”
“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Jeremy says, laughing dismissively, and gives me a quick hug. “You were very helpful tonight, Riley. Thank you for the company.”
“My pleasure.” I beam at him happily?—
And slip the watch into my back pocket.
My heart’s racing like crazy. Sweat prickles my skin.
