Page 28 of Depraved

Her hands find my chest, and she closes her beautiful blue eyes. As much as I want this moment, I don’t, because I can’t be the good guy. There’s no redemption, no absolution for a man like me.

As if she can hear my thoughts, she pushes back, but I don’t budge, forcing her to take a step backward. My hands sweep over my face, rubbing my stubbled jaw roughly.

“I’ll give you two weeks, but we aren’t doing this…” Sarah says, motioning between us. “No more flirting. No more touching. No more you,” she adds, waving her hands up and down my bare chest. “We’re not playing house, and by that, I mean fucking, because I’m going to need a clear head, and all ofthisdoesn’t help in that department.”

I shake my head, irritated that she’s trying to take the inevitable off the table. Sure, the timing is complicated. But I want this girl. She wants me. If she thinks I’ll allow her to fucking deny me after last week, she’s crazy… I’ll push her until she comes crawling.

“You wanted terms. Are those it? No fucking?” My voice is gruff as I ask, unwilling to hide my irritation.

“Yes,” she states, tipping her chin defiantly.

If I thought for one fucking moment this was about anything other than trying to stick it to me because I made her come here, I’d rethink my next move. But it’s not.

Dragging my bottom lip between my teeth, I cross my arms over my chest.

“Looks like we’re in for negotiations then, Billy. You thought I was a bully before? You don’t have a fucking clue what I’ll do to get back inside that tight little pussy. We’re happening.”

“Wanna bet?” she grits out, angry at my challenge. “I’m not as weak as you think.”

I laugh and bring my hands together, rubbing them back and forth.

“Billy, I like when you fight back…remember?”

I see her fingers dig into her hips, and her breath hitches. Dirty fucking girl. The elevator dings, and I know Matteo’s arrived with her bag, so I stroll past her pissed-off face as I make my way toward the entry.

Matteo has a small black leather duffle in one hand and a matching one in the other as he greets me.

“Hey. She’s got so much stuff, so I just grabbed pajamas and sweats. And a bunch of girly shit that smelled good from her bathroom counter.”

I laugh, catching her following me out of my peripheral as I walk. “Perfecto. She’ll live if it isn’t right. She’s not going anywhere.”

“She’s right here. Can you not talk about me as if I’m not in the room,” she snaps, walking to Matteo to grab one of the bags.

“Hey, Sarah,” he greets, handing over the duffle.

She leans in and kisses his cheek, cutting her eyes at me after she does, resulting in my smile. “Hi, Matteo.”

“So you’re nice to him…” I laugh, knowing what she’s doing.

She walks into her bedroom without answering, and Matteo laughs and opens his arms. “Everyone likes me. I’m charming.”

“Attento.”Careful.

Matteo holds up his hands in mock surrender. “Understood.”

Her door closes, and we walk back into the living room with the remaining bag. Matteo places it on the couch as he half sits down on the armrest, crossing his arms over his leather-jacketed chest.

“Did you find out names? Vincenzo swears he saw his life flash before him when he questioned her.” He laughs.

I shake my head as I walk to the bar by the kitchen, glancing out of the window that spans the wall, and grab a glass, pouring myself a scotch. “I’d call him a pussy, but I came pretty close to her right hook this morning.”

He starts to laugh, but it fades just as quickly.

“Is that mine too?” Sarah questions from behind me, and I look over my shoulder at Matteo, who shakes his head to let me know she didn’t hear us.

“Yes,” I answer, turning around and ignoring her to speak to Matteo. “Keep her out of trouble.”

“You’re leaving me here?” she says surprised, as I walk toward her.