But when he gets like this, I’m just a girl who needs to be led. To be praised. To be worshiped.
To be manhandled.
“I’m not going to repeat myself.” His voice carries a delicious promise.
Liam
I’m listening to Finn van den Linden talking about… well, something. The hotelier is not the most boring person, but my attention is on the shimmering vision who’s been working this room like she owns it.
My wife. My beautiful, pregnant wife.
I’m bursting with pride, and if it weren’t for that stupid dress, this would be a perfect evening.
Minus the number of people. I wish I could wash the socializing down with a gin and tonic, but I gave up alcohol. We’re pregnant, after all.
“I’m sorry, Finn, I need to take care of something.”
I rush through the ballroom, hoping to catch Roxy as she wraps up her current conversation and before she dives into the next one.
Beaming, she turns away from the mayor and his group, and her gaze lands on me.
The chatter falls away, and the crowd seems to part for her as she starts toward me. Fuck, she is breathtaking.
“I need to take off these shoes for a moment.” She leans into me.
“I need to take off that dress of yours.” I kiss her temple.
She rolls her eyes. “I will have you know that everyone has been complimenting it.”
I groan. “Because they want to lift that excuse of a skirt.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” She squeezes my hand. “That’s only your vice.”
“And thank God for that.”
“Okay, I promise next time I’ll consult you.” She plants her hand on my chest, and my heartbeat slows down.
How her touch can regulate my nervous system, I will never know.
“You will?” I raise my eyebrow.
“Of course.” She beams.
“And if I don’t like the dress, you will actually change it?”
She laughs. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
I snort and lean in, my lips brushing her ear. “You will be punished for this, Mrs. Stone.”
Her shiver is satisfying. “I can’t wait,” she whispers.
“Do you still have work, or can we go home?”
“I don’t have work, but we can’t dash. You’re myplus one at the Merged table.” She takes my hand. “Oh shit.” She freezes, and I follow her line of sight.
“Lottie,” I sigh. With Nico fucking Lock.
Roxy’s hand tightens around mine before I can react. “Keep walking,”she mutters, steering me away.
