I don’t care if he marks me.I want thembothto mark me.“Do it.”
“Baby.You sure?”His gray eyes are storm clouds.Sweat glistens at his temple with the force of his restraint.
“I’m sure.I want it.”I keep my hands on the mirror, bracing myself for what’s coming.
His thrusts become faster, more erratic.He grunts quietly, hands locked on my hips.“Fuck, Leah.Fuck.”
He leans forward.It’s going to happen, now?—
Dmitri bites my shoulder as he comes.
The pain blooms into pleasure and my pussy clamps down on him.It takes all my willpower to hold back the sounds of my orgasm.He covers my mouth again, just in case, and I whimper against his palm.
Slow strokes ease me down before he pulls out.
I slump against the mirror.Gage hurries over to hold me while Dmitri finds a tissue and disposes of the condom.I snuggle against Gage’s chest, breathing hard.
“You were wonderful,” Gage murmurs.“Now let’s get you dressed before Dmitri loses his mind again.”
* * *
Gage
“Thanks again, Gagey.”Claudia’s voice is all bubbly breathlessness through my phone’s speaker.“You saved my life.”
“I’d do it a thousand times.Besides, you’re the one putting in all the work.”
Leah had a tutoring session after our shopping trip, so my penthouse is empty.I sit in her bedroom, surrounded by packages from Carol’s Closet.Gowns, shoes, matching clutches.We bought more than necessary, but she looked so beautiful in everything she tried on, I couldn’t leave it behind.I wouldn’t let her see how much it cost—I have a feeling she would’ve refused most of the items, if not all of them, if she knew.
Of course, Dmitri insisted on paying for the gold gown.
It’s only money.I still give plenty away to charities throughout the year.For the first time, I’m interested in spending it selfishly, to spoil the woman I’m falling for.
Some of the breathlessness leaves Claudia’s voice, replaced by heavy emotion.“I mean it.You’re my best friend.”
“You’re mine, too.”She’s the only real person in Hollywood.It makes her more vulnerable than most.“Listen, Claudia.When I was at your house, I saw footprints outside your window.”
She doesn’t speak.
“I need to apologize, because I didn’t believe you.Now I do.”
She laughs.“I wouldn’t have believed a junkie like me, either.Heck, once I got sober, I wasn’t sure of myself, either.”
“It wasn’t that—” No, I can’t keep lying to her.“I did blame the drugs, somewhat.But I was wrong.I’ve since contacted Ironwood to add more security to your house and property, okay?”
“Gage, you don’t have to keep taking care of me.”
“It isn’t a matter ofhave to.I want to.You’re family, Claudia.You’re the sister I never had.”I clear my throat and fight my rising emotions.“Now that I know someone was there, though—what did you see?Did you get any details?”
“It was a man.He was wearing a baseball cap.His face was in shadow, but I think he had a beard.That’s all I remember…and even then, I might be wrong, you know?”
“Yeah, I know.”It isn’t enough to go to the police with, especially because Claudia’s an unreliable witness.But I’m extra happy I got Ironwood to add security cameras.“If he comes back, we’ll get his face on camera, okay?But hopefully the cameras will keep him out.”
She sighs.“I’m going to pull my curtains closed at night.”
I hate that she feels she has to, but I’m the same way, even in a penthouse.I’m always fearing outside eyes.
Long after we end the call, I stare out at the city through Leah’s bedroom windows.It’s nice in here, with the sunlight.
