Page 53 of Handle Me

“You met my mother,” she said with a laugh. “I’d do anything to get away from that house.”

“I can’t believe you live with your parents,” I admitted.

“London real estate is expensive.” She shrugged.

“I couldn’t live with my mom. I love her,” I added quickly, “but I need to have my privacy.”

“In other words, you need to be able to have women over at all hours?” she guessed.

“You sound jealous, boss.” I moved a little closer.

“Don’t,” she said quickly. “Beatrice already figured out something is going on.”

“Ahhh.” That explained the comment earlier, but I didn’t see what the big deal was. “So?”

“We’re trying to be discreet, remember?”

“I think I fucked all the discretion out of you earlier.” I grabbed hold of her skirt’s fabric and yanked her a little closer. “About my earlier question. Please tell me that your pussy is bare underneath this.”

Lola glared into my eyes defiantly, but her throat slid. She could try to deny it all she wanted. We both knew the truth. “This? In case you didn’t notice, it barely covers my ass.”

“Oh, I noticed,” I said darkly. The number was more than tempting. “In fact, I can’t stop thinking about how easy it would be to lift it and spank you.”

“Spank?” she repeated with wide eyes.

“Did I stutter?”

“I’m not really sure—”

“I am,” I cut her off. Leaning closer, I whispered in her ear, “And I promise you’re going to enjoy it.”

“Anders.” She pulled herself out of my arms and placed a hand on my chest. “The rules.”

“The rules again?” I rolled my eyes. I’d expected some pushback after this afternoon, but I didn’t understand why she was fighting it.

“The rules,” she said more forcefully. “They’re just as much for you as they are for me. In fact, they’re more for you. You’re the one who needs to watch your reputation.”

“People finding out that I fucked you will only improve my reputation, boss.”

She stared at me, mouth open. Somehow I’d managed to shock Lola Bishop into silence. After a second, she stomped back toward the table, but she only got a few steps before she stopped. I caught up with her. “Look, I’ll behave myself—”

“Shh!” She lifted a hand. “Shit!”

I followed her gaze to where her friends were sitting. A tall, dark-haired guy had joined them, and they were all talking like old friends.

“Someone you know?” I guessed.

“Unfortunately.”

“Want to dance some more?”

She shot a look at me. “I think we’ve danced enough.”

“Fine!” I threw my hands in the air. “I’m getting another drink.”

I crossed to the bar and ordered another whiskey. Turning, I watched as Lola made her way to the table. Her old friend stood and awkwardly hugged her. Then he stepped back and looked her up and down appraisingly. White-hot anger shot through me as I watched him study her. Lola shifted uncomfortably, and he said something. Lola’s face fell. It only happened for a moment before she regained her composure.

A moment was all it took.