Page 49

Natalia’s rebuttal died on her lips as Samantha’s mouth closed over a stiff nipple. She arched into the contact, fingers twisting in the sheets.

As her lips and hands worked their magic, Natalia tried to cling to reason. But it was hopeless, sensation overwhelming thought.

And when that wicked mouth finally settled between her thighs, Natalia was helpless to resist. Gripping Samantha’s hair, she let herself be swept away by ecstasy for just a minute before stopping her for real.

“Alright, champ.” Natalia tugged her up by the arm.

With a not entirely off-putting whine, Samantha landed next to her again. “How about breakfast then?” she asked, drawing Natalia’s attention to the pale rays of sun glowing through her balcony overlooking the pool.

Natalia tensed. “Absolutely not.” She extricated herself from Sam’s embrace and sat up, suddenly wide awake. This had gone too far already. She’d been too nice. Too accommodating.

Samantha looked crestfallen, but Natalia steeled herself against those warm brown eyes. She wouldn’t be swayed by sentiment. Wouldn’t entertain foolish notions just because Sam wasn’t bad at sex.

Natalia smoothed her hair, adopting her usual cool facade as she stood. When she returned from the restroom, silk robe on, Samantha took the hint.

Samantha sighed as she got to her feet. “I guess I have to get home and shower before class.” Then she was up and dressing efficiently, no attempt at small talk.

“Until our next date,” Samantha said before kissing her cheek, marking her with her scent yet again.

Only once she was alone did Natalia exhale, shoulders slumping. She hated the pang in her chest and the roiling in her empty stomach. But more than that, she worried Samantha wouldn’t seriously consider the movie deal.

What if she got caught up during her anniversary trip and let the offer lapse? Natalia had worked too hard to make this happen. She didn’t want Samantha’s passion project dying over a lack of momentum.

As the thought took root, Natalia made a snap decision. “Samantha, wait,” she called, bolting out of her room.

At the front door, Samantha turned, surprise flickering across her face.

“I know I already said this, but it’s critical you look over that agreement very carefully,” Natalia said urgently. “The studio likely won’t leave that offer on the table forever.”

Samantha’s surprise shifted into a knowing smile. “Worried I’ll drop the ball, Ms. Flores? Don’t you trust me?”

Natalia bristled, wishing Samantha would take this seriously. “It’s not about trust. I just want to ensure your hard work gets the platform it deserves.”

Samantha stepped closer, mischief dancing in her eyes. “Are you angling for an invitation to my parents’ anniversary? You know I’d love for you to come with me.”

Natalia froze, the suggestion catching her off guard. Joining Samantha for a family trip was reckless, dangerous territory. But if she went, she could make sure Samantha kept momentum on the deal. She could do it for Zoe, to ensure her client’s dream project happened.

Heart racing, Natalia lifted her chin. “Perhaps I will come. To provide you... informal guidance regarding the agreement.”

Samantha’s eyes widened in genuine shock. “Wait, seriously? You want to meet my whole family?” A smile broke across her face. “Well, alright then! This trip just got a lot more interesting.”

Doubt trickled down Natalia’s spine, cooling her impulsive glow. What was she thinking, accepting such an intimate invitation? There were a thousand reasons she should take it back. But the hope shining in Samantha’s eyes trapped her, kept her silent.

So she merely nodded, fighting to retain her composure. She couldn’t shake the unsettled feeling that she was making a mistake. But the deed was done now. She would just have to wait and see if her risky gambit paid off.

CHAPTER 27

Sitting behind her desk at Dominion, Natalia finished making notes for Adriana. She’d only meant to jot down a status on all of her active clients that morning, but it exploded into a thirty-two-page document. At least her notes for Lola regarding her United in PRIDE duties were only twenty pages and mostly bullet points.

Manicured fingers hovering over the phone on her desk, Natalia debated the wisdom of her decision. She’d thought of nothing else over the preceding thirty-six hours. The unknown was a thumb pressed to her windpipe.

Shaking off the doubt, Natalia cemented her choice. She was going to make sure Samantha didn’t cool off. It was nothing more than that. It was a business trip. She had no intention of spending any time with Samantha’s family. If things went well, she wouldn’t see Samantha again after the trip.

She punched in the code for Adriana’s desk and committed. She was going. This was work. Not a lover’s getaway.

Adriana answered the intercom immediately. Her reflexes were always impressive.

“Come into my office,” Natalia said before hanging up.