Page 98 of Dirty Husband

"Get on your knees, princess. I'm going to come in that pretty mouth."

Chapter Twenty-Six

Jasmine

"You look so pretty." Lizzy jumps from her chair. Then skips—actually skips—to meet me. She throws her arms out in a hug.

"You too." I squeeze her tightly. "Grown up."

She releases me with a smile. Smooths her dress. It's pure Lizzy. A deep purple fit and flare that's equal parts cute and sexy.

It's also… affordable. From one of those trendy sites that sells vintage inspired clothes for a hundred-something dollars.

Sure, that's beyond the budget of most college students. But it's not exactly the four-figure price tag of the dress I'm wearing.

Nick doesn't seem to notice. Or maybe he doesn't care. I can't tell. He's always been careful about appearances. And about following rules.

When I worked for him, he was very clear about the line between private and professional. He refused to discuss personal matters at the office. Or to discuss work matters after hours.

He offered me a job at his start-up because he knew I needed it. But once I got there, he treated me like I was any other employee. Not like I was an old friend. Not like I was his brother's ex-girlfriend.

Lizzy was one of our programming interns. I was surprised when he started mentoring her personally. It wasn't like Nick. He stayed out of things. And he certainly didn't take an interest in pretty young college students.

I never, once, thought he'd cross that line. He's not that type.

When I realized they were fucking—

I was angry. Disappointed even.

He's better than that. He's better than risking everything for his dick. He's certainly better than taking advantage of a subordinate.

But when I saw them together… I don't know. They're too right to be wrong.

He needs her. And she needs him. I don't know how it happened, but the reclusive tech mogul is madly in love.

His eyes light up as Lizzy spins on her heels—well, her black wedges. She's even shorter than I am, but she has some kind of back issue, as a result of being in the car accident that killed her parents. She lives in cute yet practical wedges.

And she…

I guess she and Nick have that in common. The loss. It must be nice to be with someone who understands. Who's willing to share that pain. Who doesn't look at you like you're defective because you still miss your mom.

"Kat always says that." She mentions her sister, an artist studying at Columbia.

"Is she coming?" I supervised the guest list, but my thoughts are still fuzzy. Dulled by pleasure.

Lizzy nods. "To an engagement party?" Lizzy pushes her dark glasses up her nose. They're perfect for her. They screamcool computer geek. "Are you kidding? Kat never misses the chance to celebrate love." She holds her hand to her heart, imitating her sister. "Isn't it beautiful?" She leans back. "Two people joining their lives forever?"

Nick rushes to Lizzy. Holds her steady.

She shoots him a knowing look. One of those couple looks.

Something passes between them. Something only they understand.

It makes my heart pang. I'm happy for them. Really. I'm not sure I've ever been happier for anyone. Nick is like a brother and I love him like a brother. I want the world for him.

Lizzy—she's basically the world, in his eyes.

She's his perfect opposite. Lively, loud, unapologetic about what she wants. No regard for lines or rules or order.