Page 70 of Damaged Mogul

I shake my head.

“It wasn’t my intention to lecture you. I’m protective of Lily. So, don’t overwhelm her with your brute force.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Mom.”

She pats my forearm. “Good boy.”

Damn her for dishing it right back.

Chapter 19

Lily

My eyes are glued to the window, pretending to be mesmerized by Los Angeles’s busy streets. In reality, I’m utterly engulfed by the man sitting next to me. Not only because his masculine scent surrounds me, but because I’m a mess of nerves and desire.

All that brooding force…

I’m scared shitless of what I’ve agreed to.

Changing my mind now would be embarrassing for both of us. And I’d be punishing myself by cutting my time short with this gorgeous beast of a man.

I chance a glance in his direction.

His eyes are riveted on the road in front of him.

Without an ounce of shame, I admire his profile. It has the same grace as a beautiful sculpture a master sculptor would carve from fine Italian marble. The sharpness of his cheekbones plays off the pale green of his eyes.

His jaw works.

I felt the light scruff of his chin against my cheek.

That would feel wicked between my thighs.

The ride to the hotel is quiet, the lounge music seeping from the speakers of his sports car fills the charged silence between us.

My gaze drops to his strong hand.

Watching him maneuver his speeding bullet is such a turn on.

Gage Hollingsworth drives like he kisses. With purpose.

He controls the vehicle with as much dexterity as he controlled my body.

God, for as long as I live, I’ll never forget that naughty encounter.

And to think, it’s the tip of the iceberg for tonight.

My stomach clenches.

As I was waiting for Gage to arrive with my clutch, I cursed the fact my phone was in it. Alone in his car, I was unable to call or text my best friend for support.

Now that he’s retrieved my bag, I can’t make the call.

I have to deal with this one on my own.

My fingers fidget with the clasp of the clutch on my lap.

“You’re having second thoughts?”