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“As much as I’d love to stay here and spar with you, Ivanna, watching you beg for my cock, I have unfinished business.”
Asshole.
“Fine,Gavin. Run away from this, but try not to let your business associates realize how much youfearme.”
An emotion I can’t quite identify passes through him as he rakes his gaze over my body. “Swimming?”
Him not noticing my bikini until this moment infuriates me to the point of nearly spitting.
Ducking under his arm and strutting away to my own room while he follows, I pluck my packed bag from the dresser—book, phone, cover-up, wallet, and a dull dagger, coming in three … two … one. “Dinner and drinks with Rena and whomever else she brings. Should be exactly thestimulationI crave.”
His fingers drag through his hair, mussing his damp yet styled black tresses. “That’s enough.” Disappearing into the closet, mutterings and the squeaking of hangers filling the room with angst, he emerges at last, a periwinkle-blue sundress dangling from his finger. “Put this on.”
“Isn’t that thoughtful? Thanks.” I snatch the dress, neatly folding it and placing it inside my bag. “Always good to be prepared with a change of clothes in case Imisplacesomething.”
I’ve never been particularly good at knowing when to stop.
Filling a balloon until it pops.
Feeding a goldfish until it swims upside down.
Poking the gorgeous erasing king until he combusts.
Wells steps into me, hand fisting my hair with a sting of warning that sends a jolt of electricity shooting between my thighs, voice a low rumble, like a tumultuous sea. “We have an agreement, and you will conduct yourself appropriately. Put on the goddamn dress.”
“Fine.” I drop my bag with a grunt as he releases my hair. Taking out the dress, I slip it over my aqua-and-white bikini. “We’re meeting at the pool first. Might go for a swim. I willnotbe wearing the dress while in the water. I’m sure your associates will understand.” I consider threatening skinny-dipping, but even in my red-hot state, I’m aware that’s a kamikaze comment.
He says nothing, but plunges into his pocket for his phone and begins texting, holding an index finger up to me—a command to wait until I’m dismissed. Yeah, that won’t be happening. I saunterout to the kitchen, packing a bottle of water into my bag, and walk toward the door when his barking tenor breaks my stride.
“Wait for Ty. Rena will meet you both at the North Tower pool, and you may have dinner at the bistro beside it. Both have been cleared.”
“Cleared?” I hiss through gritted teeth.Why is he making everything so difficult?
His shoulders are relaxed once again, his demeanor controlled, and his unruly hair suddenly smoothed.How the hell did he manage that?“Yes, you’ll have the pool to yourselves and have a private area in the restaurant.”
A huff flows from my lungs, one part tantrum, one part disbelief at the mess I seem to have gotten myself into. “That was wholly unnecessary. Ty will be with me.”
“Safety precautions, Ivy. Can you simply enjoy the evening I’ve provided without the snark?”
The question and exasperation catch me off guard. I’ve never seen him ask anyone for anything. Atypical Wells behavior, for sure.
It nearly evokes sympathy in me. Although that makes little sense. Sympathy for what exactly? Why are they all acting so weird today?
“Whatever. Thanks.” I’m so irritated with him, with myself. With my bruised ego and insatiable lust for a man who doesn’t want me, but for all his flaws, he appears to be everything I’ve always hoped for in ahusband. A crushing blow.
“When will you be finished?” I inquire, attempting to hide my burning disappointment.
He swallows what looks like regret. “I’ll see you in the morning. We leave at ten.”
“Got it. Theall-nightkind of business.” I breathe in my dignity, refusing to serve it to him, but I’ve never been so pissed off.
Glancing at Liam, who’s been soaking this whole scene in from the couch, I arch my brow in question and jerk my chin toward the bag of beignets tucked away on the counter.
He laughs and throws his hands out. “Do what ya gotta do, girl. I’ll handle it.”
Wells studies me, eyes flitting between Liam and me, unease written all over his face.
I scurry the few steps back into the kitchen, reach into the bag, and pluck out a powdered pastry, ripping off the corner and letting it melt on my tongue. “At leastIbring back souvenirs from my outings.”
