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That part of my life isn’t a secret. So why did I leave it out? Maybe it’s easier when she sees me as the monster who wouldn’t save her father, the one who stood by while men bid on her virginity, the one who keeps her locked away in his tower. Is it possible to ever be anything else to her?

Mary Jane announces she’s ready for us in the dining room and effectively saves me from having to answer more of Paloma’s question. I escort Paloma to the next room while Edith makes herself another drink, and Mary Jane returns to the kitchen.

In the dining room, Paloma takes her seat to my right. Her cheeks flush as I push the chair in for her. And I just can’t help myself.

“You still haven’t been punished for your little stunt earlier forcing my hand into agreeing to let you see your father,” I whisper in her ear. “Be a good little dove and surrender your panties.”

New rule: no underwear in the dining room.

“What?” Her eyes flash up at me.

“Do it now before Edith returns and you have to do it anyway.” I put out my hand.

I stand behind her as she looks both ways, trying to make up her mind. In the end, she reaches under her dress and pulls down her lacy black underwear. I take it from her and bring it to my face.

“Fuck, you smell so good.” I kiss her behind the ear just as Edith strolls in.

“Look at you two lovebirds.” She takes the chair across from Paloma. “How do you stay so thin?” she asks out of the blue.

Paloma shifts uncomfortably in her chair. and I know it has nothing to do with Edith’s intrusive question.

“A strict diet of green apples and diet soda.” Paloma shrugs. “And six hours a day of rehearsal. Two hours of warm up. It adds up.”

“Wow, that’s intense.” Edith puts down her drink.

“I eat normal now.” She lifts her knee under the table, as if getting a feel for her bare pussy against her silky dress.

“Good girl,” I whisper in her ear so only she can hear me, then I take my seat at the head of the table.

The rest of the dinner, Paloma sits in her chair looking like a queen. She answers questions politely but doesn’t really engage. If her bright red cheeks are any indication, I’d say she’s wondering what I plan to do with her next. When she glances at me, I reach in the pocket of my trousers, fist her panties in my hand then bring them up to my nose, inhaling deeply. My cock is so fucking hard for her.

If we were alone, I’d be eating her pussy instead of pudding for dessert.

I hope the look in my eyes tells her as much.

“I’m sorry to cut the meal short.” Paloma clears her throat. “But I have an early day tomorrow.” She offers her go-to lie to get out of social situations.

I know for a fact she has nothing on her calendar tomorrow.

I stand to help her out of her chair. “I’ll be up in a minute.”

The red from her cheeks travels down to her neck and chest. “Good night,” she says to Edith. “It was nice meeting you.”

“Yeah, you too.” Edith waves her goodbye.

When Paloma is out of the room, Edith turns to me. “Wow, she’s drop-dead gorgeous. And so?—”

“Ethereal?” I ask, wishing I could follow Paloma up to my suite and bury my cock deep inside her all over again.

“I was going to say intense. She looks sweet and innocent, but she’s like a vortex that can swallow you whole.” Edith chuckles.

“You’re going to tell me to be careful?” I ask. “It’s a little late. I’m already married.”

“I wasn’t.” She lifts a brow, sitting back. “Man, you got it bad. I never thought I’d see the day. I thought fleeting relationships were more your speed. But look at you, you’re hooked.”

She’s not wrong.

“Thank you for that assessment.” I chuckle, dismissively.