“I’d say prove it by shutting up and eating your dinner before it gets cold.”
I laughed, delighted by his quick comeback. “If you insist.”
The corner of Duke’s mouth twitched, but he fought to maintain his stern façade. I made a show of taking a huge bite, letting out an exaggerated moan of pleasure that sounded more appropriate for when we were alone and his dick was up my ass.
“Brat,” Duke muttered, shaking his head with an amused glint in his eye.
I swallowed before responding. “You have no idea. But something tells me you like that about me.”
“What I like is watching people work for what they want and prove they’re worthy instead of expecting it to be handed to them on a silver platter. That shit may fly in LA, but I play by different rules.”
“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow. “And what would I need to do to prove myself worthy?”
Duke’s expression turned predatory. “If you can figure that out, maybe you’ll have a chance at getting what you want.”
The challenge in his voice thrilled me. “This will besomuch fun.”
“You’re here to film a movie, not hook up with the first man you meet in Sunnyside,” Duke reminded me with a stern look.
“I’m talented enough to do both.” I licked the sauce off my thumb, maintaining eye contact. “I’mexcellent at multitasking. Want me to demonstrate on my knees behind the bar?”
Duke’s commanding presence made me squirm in my seat as I fought off an erection. “The only thing you need to demonstrate is your ability to focus on your actual job.”
I fluttered my eyelashes at him to make him chuckle. “But think how much more focused I’d be if I had the proper motivation.”
“You don’t want to find out what happens when you displease me.” Duke’s voice dropped an octave, pure dominance radiating off him.
My cock throbbed at the promise of punishment in his tone. I was used to being the one in control who made others beg. But something about Duke made me want to submit, to see what he’d do if I pushed all the right buttons.
“Maybe that’s what I want,” I teased, flashing him my most provocative smile. “The question is, are you man enough to put me in my place?”
“Keep running that pretty little mouth of yours, and you’ll be begging for mercy before I’m done with you.” Duke’s threat made my cock perk up with interest. “Now, finish your damn dinner. You need to keep your energy up for the film.”
I’d never been so turned on by someone telling me what to do. “Yes, Your Grace.”
“Unless you’re auditioning to be the royal court jester, knock it off with the royalty shit,” Dukewarned, though he was smirking in amusement as he said it. “My husband might find it charming, but I know trouble when I see it.”
He may have expected me to be trouble, but I’d enjoy showing him I was chaos incarnate with a personal vendetta against his peace of mind.
Chapter Six
EARLY
I snuggled deeperinto Duke’s arms, enjoying the afterglow of our vigorous lovemaking.
His fingers traced lazy patterns on my back. “Something interesting happened at work today.”
“Mmm?” I nuzzled against him, only half listening.
“Chance Prince stopped by Hurly-burly.”
I shot up, almost knocking my head against Duke’s chin. “What? And you’re only telling me thisnow?” I smacked his chest. “You absolute tease! I can’t believe you held out on me.”
His lips twitched with amusement. “In fairness, we were preoccupied earlier. You pounced on me the second I got home.”
“Details. Now.” I straddled his waist, pinning him down. “And don’t leave anything out.”
“He came in wearing the world’s most obviousdisguise of a baseball cap.” Duke rolled his eyes. “I had to save him from some drunk asshole who was getting too pushy.”
