Page 45 of Dirty Husband

If he wants her, he needs to find a way to have her. No matter what. I'm not about to question his obsession. I have my own.

His eyes flit from the computer to me. He raises a brow.Trouble in paradiseand shakes his head.

I try to ignore him as I fix a macchiato. Not my usual preference—I take my espresso with a hint of sugar, no milk—but I've been craving the drink since I saw one in Jasmine's hands.

I long to taste everything that's been on her lips.

Fuck, why am I trying to be a gentleman here? She wants me. She practically jumped into my arms in the limo.

I should act like a normal person. Pull her into my lap and kiss her.

But I'm not a normal person.

Yes, I could pin her to the leather seat, hold her arms over her head, kiss her until she moans against my mouth—

Fuck, I'm losing my train of thought.

The espresso maker whirs. Then it's a softdrip, drip, drip. Footsteps.

Ian's deep voice. That British accent that screamsI know better than you and I'm more sophisticated. "Good morning."

Or maybe I'm in a shitty mood and I don't want to hear his opinion about my relationship. "You're here early."

"Is that for me?" He takes the macchiato from the machine. Brings it to his lips. "Still rubbish." He offers it back.

I don't want anything he's drank. I'm not a germaphobe. It's a matter of principle.

I start fixing another.

He laughs. Takes another sip. Grimaces. "Is there trouble in paradise?"

"There is. Someone is stealing my espresso."

His low chuckle fills the room. He's not a happy-go-lucky guy, exactly, but he's not restrained either. He uses his money to fly helicopters, jump out of airplanes, surf the North Shore.

Ian in Hawaiian print board shorts. That makes me laugh. Not because he's black. Because he's British.

Key says he's like a younger, richer Idris Elba.

But then Key lives to irritate me with these comparisons.

"Always in a sour mood, aren't you, Shep?" He places the nearly full espresso cup in the sink. Fills the electric kettle with water.

"Should I switch to tea?"

"Of course. But I know your mother tried."

"Sunshine in a cup."

"And your fiancée?" He stresses the last word, like he finds it hard to believe I have a fiancée.

"Don't tell me your stereotyping."

"Tea's the most popular beverage in the world." He holds up a tin of English Breakfast. "Of course, in the states, you're still holding on to the taxation."

"Of course."

He shifts to the matter at hand. "That happened fast."