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As always, West’s dominance washes over me like a wave crashing against the shore and my feet can’t move away. I really am in quicksand.
“Tell me you want this,” he murmurs against my skin, his breath hot and inviting.
Every rational thought slips away as desire swells inside me, and all I can think about is how much I crave him. Of how much I want to lose myself in this illicit moment with no thoughts of fake engagements or secrets.
I want it so much.
I want it to be real.
I have to trust him when he told me he will deal with my past.
I nod. My words feel trapped somewhere deep inside me as he spins me around again until I face him. His hungry mouth finds mine in an urgent, desperate kiss.
West pulls away and smiles as he holds my cheeks.
“And just so you know. The rules have changed, Amelia.” West says, leaning forward. “I’m not letting you go. You’re mine, forever.”
Chapter 19
West
“I’m so nervous,” she whispers as we sit in the back of the black car as we pull up to the LaBelle hotel.
I smile at Amelia. She’s absolutely gorgeous.
Her glossy brunette hair is curled at the back of her head. Her thick black lashes close over her bright blue eyes as she sighs.
I lean in and give her a kiss. “You shouldn’t be. This is for you.”
She rolls her eyes to the ceiling. “For your family.”
“They do like a good party.” I chuckle.
She smiles as she swipes her finger over my mouth, wiping away the red lipstick. The same red that matches her dress.
The door to the black town car opens.
White marquees cover the sidewalk and into the hotel. But I know it’s the photographers who are lining up on the opposite sidewalk that are fraying her nerves.
After I get out, I reach for her hand. The smile she gives me is real. So are the red marks on her ass, which as she walks will remind her who makes her feel the way she does.
Her hips sway gently as the cameras flash behind us. Photographers screaming for us to pose for their lens. But I can’t take the risk of her past catching up with her and the reason I tell her, “Keep looking ahead.”
I guide Amelia through the grand doors of the LaBelle, my hand resting on the small of her back. The foyer bustles with activity, filled with familiar faces and strangers.
The moment we step inside, we’re engulfed by a sea of people.
“West! Congratulations!” A portly man with a ruddy face claps me on the shoulder. I recognize him as my father’s golfing friend.
“Thank you, Mr. Neilson.” I nod, steering Amelia past him after a quick handshake. “Have a nice evening.”
We weave through the crowd, accepting well-wishes and dodging air kisses. Amelia’s grip on my hand tightens with each step.
“Are you okay?” I whisper.
She nods, her smile a bit strained. “It’s overwhelming.”
We make our way to the dining room. The air is thick with the aroma of roasted meats and fragrant spices.