Page 58 of Bastard

I pause.

“Or are you hoping I’ll cut it off you like last time?”

He’s enjoying the raunchiness, isn’t he? I raise my chin. “But was it necessary to use the scissors on that poor guest?”

Without a word, both men hurry from the room.

Hayden shakes his head, though I can tell he’s pleased. Then he holds a finger to his lips and points at the fire alarm. The room is bugged. Which means there might be cameras.

“Strip.”

I reach behind me to unclasp my dress, slowly, hoping to draw the undivided attention of whoever could be watching while Hayden scans the room for bugs.

My dress is in a puddle around my ankles by the time he’s located several small listening devices, though I relax when he gives an all-clear signal about the cameras.

He comes to stand before me. “That’s it. Take it all.”

“Lore-e-e-nzo,” I breathe. “You naughty, dirty man.”

He rakes his eyes over me, beginning with the lacy black bra lowering to the garter belt and silk stockings, to the matching lace thong, then downward to the three-inch black heels. His purchase, not mine. He steps toward me, and leans down, a low rumble escaping his throat.

My heart skips a beat.Is he about to kiss me?

Why would he if there are no cameras?

The moment passes. “I catch any man looking at you or touching you without my permission, I’ll kill him.”

A warning to whoever’s listening.

“Can’t bear the thought of another man touching me?”

“I keep what’s mine.”

Mine. Hayden’s word.

His expression reveals nothing.

I don’t dare wonder if he’s serious, but the slightest whisper of doubt causes me to step out of my dress and brush past him, distancing myself. I sit on the bed.“Lor-e-e-e-nzo. Keep doing that, baby, and I’ll never leave this room.”

Hayden moves to stand before me. “Like that, do you?”

Our eyes lock. “Harder.”

I gasp when he reaches out and ever so gently runs his thumb along my jawbone. “Fuck,” he loudly grunts. “Like this, honey.”

“Yes. Lore-e-enzo. I’m coming.”

He places a thumb on the fleshy center of my lower lip. “So fucking beautiful, that’s what you are. The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I’m going to take care of you. I’m going to give you everything you asked of me and more.”

“Say my name,” I blurt out, panicked by his touch and how real this feels. “Emilia. Say it while I come. Ah ... ah ...”

“Emilia. Beautiful Emilia.”

The room falls silent. But it’s not until his hand drops away that I feel a profound sense of loss.

19

Idecapitate the umbrellas off two cocktail parasols and from behind my sunglasses, discretely watch the group assembled by the pool. Hayden is across the deck, socializing at the bar. Directly across the pool are friends of the former Mrs. Ogdenhayer, who have been tittering and glaring at the newly wed Mrs. Ogdenhayer who is seated beside me. Sabine’s transition from mistress to wife hasn’t been well received. She’s been by my side all afternoon.