Smirking, he lays his camera down and reaches for me. I gasp as he lifts me and wraps my legs around his waist as he carries us into the living room, where he deposits us on the sofa, holding me against him as we relax back. I’m sweaty and covered in cum, but he doesn’t seem to mind, and neither do I. I feel him press kisses along my head, and I smile as I snuggle closer.
“You drive me wild, Mack,” he whispers softly. “You’re mine now.”
Lifting my head, I smile at him. “Then you’re mine.”
“I’ve been yours since I met you,” he murmurs, cupping my cheek as he kisses me, enjoying the comfortable silence.
Lying in his strong arms, I play with the hair on his chest. I thought I’d feel guilty and worry about Noah, but the only thing I’m thinking of right now is Conan. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but I’m going to take each day as it comes.
I can’t give either of them up, and I don’t plan to for as long as they will have me.
They can call me greedy, but I’m sharing these hearts.
THIRTY-SIX
Leaning into the wall, I watch Mackie work, unable to help myself. He spent last night with Conan, and even though jealousy is weighing my heart down, I don’t let it show. How could I when he bounded in here this morning looking so happy? It helped that he kissed me hello in front of everyone before he got to work.
I guess it’s something I’ll just have to get used to.
He’s still here, though, and he’s staying with me and Starfire, so that’s great. I refuse to let anything ruin my good mood . . . until I see Amanda.
The sight of her ruins my day before she can even open her mouth.
She prowls through my garage like she owns it, her eyes locked on me.
I glare at her, my arms crossed as she stops in front of me. I feel everyone watching us, and I know Mackie is one of them. I want to reassure him, but not with her looking at me like that. Her eyes are sharp and vicious. She didn’t come here to play, and I won’t let Mackie be in her sights, even for a moment.
“Noah,” she greets. “We need to talk.”
“No, we don’t,” I inform her, my eyebrow arched as I dismiss her.
“Either we talk out here or in your office. Your choice,” she responds, refusing to back down.
My jaw clenches as I debate how to throw her ass out, but despite my insistence on her not being in my life, being rude will cause issues for our families, so I jerk my head toward my office with about as much glee as if I’m about to have a rectal exam.
My eyes lift to find everyone watching, but they quickly turn away when they realize I’ve noticed them—all but Alek, Skylar, and Mackie, who are staring at me intently. Skylar looks like he’s ready to murder either me or her, and Alek is right there with him. I want to explain, but that will only give her ammunition, so I promise them with a silent look that I will later before I glance at my boy. My expression softens, and I wordlessly vow to sort this when I’m done.
Amanda stares at Mackie, who’s looking between us, a dark expression on his face, and her smile is cruel, as if she won by hurting him.
I follow her into my office, where she makes herself comfortable on my desk, which only irritates me more. The only person who should be comfortable in here is my boy.
Shutting the door behind me out of habit, I hesitate before turning back and opening it slightly, leaving it ajar in case Mackie is close and listening. I don’t want him overthinking this or getting jealous. I won’t hide anything from him. I’ll tell him everything, but I don’t want him second-guessing us or worrying needlessly. I have nothing to hide from him when it comes to Amanda.
“We have nothing to discuss. I have told you, and now your parents, multiple times. I will not be engaged to you. I will not marry you,” I begin as I sit heavily in my chair. “So why are you here, Amanda? I made it very clear. I always have. I have no intention of listening to our families, not even for the greater good of our respective companies.”
“Noah . . .” Amanda sighs, running her pointed nail along my desk and looking disgusted when it comes away covered in grit. She looks at it intently as she waits for me to listen. “I have no intention of letting you decide my future for me. I have let you play your games and haveyour tantrum, even your family has, but we will marry.” Her eyes land on me. “I always get what I want. I’ve been nice up until now, but obviously that isn’t working, so I won’t be anymore. Our business needs this marriage, and when I’m done with you, so will you.” She rubs her fingers together to show me the dirt there. “You really should be more careful about keeping things like this hidden.”
My eyes narrow at her veiled threat, and she smirks.
“You know I hate word games, Amanda. Spit it out,” I snap.
Rolling her eyes, she slides from her desk, banging her designer bag on top before she opens it. “Always ruining my fun. Fine, then let me make this very easy.” She pulls her phone out, typing in her password quickly, her nails clicking on the screen. She flips her screen, and everything in me goes cold. It’s a picture of Mackie and me kissing in my garage the other morning. She slides her finger across the screen, and another picture comes up of me helping him into my house. She keeps sliding, showing snapshots of our life.
How the fuck did she get these?
“Are you having me watched?” I snarl.
“My future fiancé? Of course. Even between married couples, knowledge is power, and I will never be on the losing side. Your family is traditional, Noah, and they want grandchildren as successors. If you refuse to marry me, I’ll show them your dirty little secret. I’ll ruin your reputation and your family.” When I just stare, she smiles. “I’m so glad we are finally understanding each other.”
