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The only fucking silver lining is that I get to be near her. Which isn’t much different than any other day, but now, things are different. She’s more relaxed with me. Less on guard. We haven’t done anything more than a little innocent cuddling. My morning wood pressing into her wasn’t exactly innocent but aside from that, things have been very PG. Luckily, I woke before her and was able to get it under control before she realized my dick was pressing into her leg.
Between her small, warm body fitted perfectly against mine, and finally having her in my arms, how was I supposed to resist the desire pooling in my groin?
Still, being with her isn’t primarily focused on wanting to have sex with her. No, just being near. Feeling her breath on my skin, basking in the scent of her, and knowing that maybe, just maybe, she might eventually want me the way I need her.
“You look radiant, love.” I watch her in awe as she spins in a circle and walks toward me.
“Think so?” She stops in front of the full-length mirror in her room. “It’s not too much?”
The black dress hugs her in all the right places, leaving almost nothing to the imagination, but it’s enough to give her exactly what she needs. Protection, concealment, and a look that no one will question her intentions. She’s dressed to kill—quite literally.
The plan is to blend in. But I’m not sure June could do that if she tried.
“Not enough, maybe.” I chuckle and close the space between us. I reach into my pocket and pull out a long, thin box. “I got you something.” I open the box and turn it toward her.
Her eyes widen and her mouth falls open. She glances from the necklace to me. “Simon, it’s beautiful. You didn’t have to—”
“Hush, love.” I pluck the necklace out of its plush home. “Turn around.” I drape it around her neck as she holds her hair for me. I clasp it in place, my fingers brushing her skin in the process. I settle my hands on her bare shoulders and pivot her toward the mirror. “What do you think?”
June grazes the dainty rose gold chain that rests just below her collarbone. Sitting right in the middle is a teardrop emerald with a quarter-carat diamond atop the green stone. It's simple, understated, but alluring and radiant.
“It’s perfect, Simon. Thank you.” She meets my gaze in the mirror.
I fix her hair behind her and kiss her shoulder. “As are you, my love.”
Claire appears in the doorway, looking ready to break hearts, too. “June, holy shit.” She walks into the room. “You clean up well.”
The two of them exchange a hug, and not for one second would anyone think they’re about to dangle themselves as bait for a criminal. Hell, if I didn’t know better, I would assume they’re just going out for girls’ night.
Even Cora is tagging along to sell the whole thing.
She’s not aware of what’s going on, because everyone decided that was for the best. Not only would she potentially risk exposing the plan, but then it would open up room for a conversation that would be far longer than our window of opportunity.
We want to strike while things are so fresh, and that means doing it now.
29
JUNE
Cora literally squeals when she sees that Claire is in the limo with me.
“Shut the fuck up! I didn’t know you were in town.” Cora wraps her arms around Claire immediately and hugs her tightly.
“Surprise!” I give her a squeeze, too.
Do I want to put my best friend in danger? Absolutely not. But the fact that all of this time has gone by and shehasn’tbeen compromised tells me that whoever is doing this shit doesn't care to involve her. It was a risk I was willing to take in an attempt to make this whole night that much more believable.
We do girls’ nights often. And it’s no secret that the three of us are friends. Going out is something that is totally within the range of our usual norm. And the fact that Claire is in town makes the perfect excuse to get together.
A week ago, I wouldn't have even questioned this setup.
Why would anyone else?
And because Simon has been with me non-stop for over six months, that doesn't change tonight. He will remain nearby, along with Johnny. Not a thing about that is potentially alarming for anyone who might be watching. The rest of the men are in position; lurking from their respective corners in wait for whatever might happen.
Half of us might hate this plan, but we’ve never been more unified than we are tonight. And maybe that will finally be the upper hand we need to take down this bastard once and for all.
Cora and Claire make small talk on the way across town. Johnny joins in here and there when he can get a word in.
