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A quick search confirms there’s no tape anywhere in the house. I offer to run to the store and promise to be back within the hour.

“Where’s Nina?” I ask when I get back.

Jarek, on the phone, points upstairs.

When I find her in her room, I stand in the open doorway for a moment before knocking. She’s trying to hold a fold down with her braced hand while she smooths the paper with the other, and it keeps springing back open. She mutters something at it that I’m fairly sure isn’t festive.

She’s beautiful.

If I were a man who could make decisions based on what I want instead of what my obligations require, I’d choose what Zander and Jarek did. I’d have her.

But sacrifice comes with leadership, and I still have to prove I can lead the Beaumont company. I couldn’t have her once and walk away. One night with her wouldn’t be enough. Not the way I want her.

“Oh! I didn’t see you there,” she says when she turns around. “Did you get the tape?”

Behind her, all the gifts we bought today are laid out neatly on the bed, along with the gift-wrapping supplies. The ribbon sends my thoughts down a steep, sultry slope. I’d like to tie her to my bed with it and fuck her.

“Yes.” I keep my voice even as I walk in and hand it to her.

I glance at the ribbon again, then look away. “Do you need a hand?” I nod at her brace. “Or two?”

She laughs. “I told you, I’ve got it. Besides, I’m sure you have more important things to do.”

“I have some free time.”

“If you’re sure you don’t mind.” She hands me a roll of wrapping paper, and once again my thoughts betray me.

My mind won’t stay on the wrapping paper. It goes straight to her bent over this bed, my hand coming down on her ass. My cock starts to harden. So much for subtle.

I grab the nearest present off the bed and hold it in front of me.

She tips her head. “All good?”

“Yes. Just deciding which paper to use.” I suck at lying.

“Actually, that one would look best in the paper I’ve already started. Here, I’ll swap you.”

Before I can stop her, Nina takes the package from my hands, and her eyes land right on my dick. It’s impossible to hide. Men with smaller cocks might get away with a small adjustment. I am not one of those men.

“Sorry,” she blushes, handing the package back. “I didn’t mean to⁠—”

“It’s fine.” There’s no point hiding it now. “I’m obviously attracted to you, Nina.”

Her smile reaches her eyes. “I don’t show it quite so visibly.” Her eyes drop to my crotch again. “But trust me, the feeling is mutual.”

When I take the package, my fingers brush hers. She sucks in a quick breath.

“You should know,” she says, “I’ve already slept with Zander and Jarek.” She winces. “Okay, that sounds bad out loud. It’s not even the middle of the month. I swear I’m not usually like this. It’s just⁠—”

“You don’t need to explain anything to me,” I say. “I can already tell what kind of person you are.”

“Oh? And what kind is that?”

“The kind who deserves to be given the whole world.”

Her breathing goes ragged. I need to end this moment before it goes somewhere neither of us can take back.

“Zander and Jarek are great guys.” I mean it. “They’re my best friends. But they can keep things casual. I can’t. If I sleep with you, I’ll fall for you. And I don’t think either of us needs that right now.”