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Prologue: Delia
Have you lost your mind? What if Jeremy finds out?
He could kick you out of the practicum, decide to stop working with you, and you could lose your career before it even starts.
My head was screaming at me, but my body was defying me, my nipples hardening under my dress as Robert swiped at my thigh with his fingers.
The memory of his dick inside me, swollen and hard, the force with which he held me down, not letting me up until he was done with me…it was all too much.
I wished I could go back in time and say no to this lunch offer.
I wished I could close my eyes and wake up to this all being a nightmare.
I wished a sinkhole would open up and take this entire restaurant now.
Anything to avoid sitting with Jeremy Cross, my ex and mentor − the man who held the keys to my future career and who obviously still had feelings for me even after dumping me − and Robert Hastings.
Oh, God! To even think of Robert did my head in.
Robert Hastings, Jeremy’s best friend, the man who had broken us up in the first place, who had been patronizing and rude, who turned me into an animal when his cock was inside me only to kick me out when it was done.
Robert was on my shit list in a major way, and yet for some reason, I was soaking wet at the way his pinkie was inching closer to my pussy.
I felt like I might have a heart attack any minute now. And I hated that I had let it get this far.
All I had wanted was to call Robert out on not contacting me since we’d had sex nearly a week ago. So, I headed to the library where he taught self-defense classes to find him.
I had stepped out of the car and felt a lump rise in my throat. I felt like one ofthosewomen, the kind that can’t take a hint, can’t let go, as I looked at the library, hoping to catch Robert after one of his courses.
When the doors opened, I saw Jeremy and Robert walking out together and panicked, jumping back behind my car.
I stood crouched for a moment, clinging to the trunk and trying not to move.
What was I supposed to do? Get in my car and leave? What if they saw me? No, that would be even more suspicious. I couldn’t let Jeremy know I was here to see Robert, I couldn’t lie and say it was about class. I was certain he’d see right through me.
Before I could round up my alibi, Jeremy, ever-observant, spotted me. “Delia?” he called out, his voice warm and curious.
I squeezed my eyes shut for half a second and cursed his eagle eyes before standing upright and waving. His smile widened, and I realized with a sick feeling that he thought I was there for him. “What are you doing here?”
“Hey, Jeremy,” I said, forcing a casual tone.
My mind raced for an excuse as I sheepishly stepped out from behind my car, pretending to finish tying my sneakers.
Robert’s eyes flicked to me, and something unreadable passed across his face. “I’m so glad I caught you. I had a question about—”
“Tell you what,” Jeremy interrupted me, wrapping his arm around Robert. “Robby and I are actually just heading out to lunch. Would you like to join us? I’ll text you the address.”
Great. Just great.
“Perfect,” I said, hoping he wouldn’t hear the strain in my voice. “Can’t wait.”
Robert’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Let’s go then.”
***
That’s how the three of us ended up at a small, cozy brunch spot a few blocks away, not far from where I’d first touched myself in a stall thinking of Robert.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, but I felt like I was walking a tightrope. At the small, circular table, it was impossible to tell who I was sitting next to, if anyone.