Page 55 of Foul Territory

“Why does that matter?” I walk across the room and hang the dress back up in my closet. “I know I’m covered up. It’s no different than wearing a dress. What I wear is really no one else’s business.”

I hold up another dress. It’s even shorter than the last one. Koa shakes his head and I put it to the side.

“It matters because it gives people ideas. It makes them wonder if you’re wearing shorts, underwear, or nothing,” he says, staring at my bare legs.

“That sounds like a personal problem.”

“It definitely is,” he mutters.

Is he suggesting it’s a personal problem for him? Or is he agreeing with me that it’s a problem for whoever is looking?

I pull my arms through the sleeves of my sweatshirt and lift it over my head. “There. Now you won’t have to wonder what I’m wearing.”

His gaze roams over my bare arms, shoulders, and chest, leaving a trail of heat behind. My breathing deepens causing my breasts to rise and fall, attracting even more of his attention. My nipples pebble as the atmosphere in the room shifts.

Koa curses and scrubs a hand over his face. “This isn’t any better. Can you put something else on?” His eyes meet mine. “Please.”

Letting out a sigh, I search through the clothes some more. “I’ll try on one of these. I can’t promise you’ll like them either.”

“Can’t get worse.”

“No? Not even this?” I hold up one of the bikinis I haven’t had the nerve to wear.

“Cute.”

Cute isn’t exactly the response I was hoping for. I don’t expect Koa to suddenly have a change of heart about me, but a small sign that the fierce attraction I felt for him years ago was never one-sided would be nice. I feel like he was able to get over me in one night. He got what he wanted and he was done.

Turning to my mirror, I tie the bikini top around my neck over my tank top, keeping a watchful eye on Koa in the reflection. His nostrils flare and his fingers dig into his knees. I hold up the bikini bottoms and twist side to side.

“You’re right. This would be really cute. I could get acutelittle sarong to wrap around my waist.” I remove the bikini top and clutch the suit in one hand. “Thanks for your help. This was easier than I thought it was going to be.”

“Wear that to the party at your own risk,” he says, clenching his jaw.

“Don’t mind if I do. It’s not like I’d be the only person dressed like this anyway. People need to learn how to control themselves.”

Koa reacts so fast I don’t even realize he’s grabbed me and I’ve moved until I’m standing in between his legs. His large hands smother my hips as he gives them a gentle squeeze. “Ihave spent years being in control. I could teach a master class on it. Especially when it comes to being in the same room as you.”

He leans closer to my face, stealing my breath. My clit starts to tingle and pulse as he draws me into his web. I’m pretty sure it’s sending Morse code to my brain.S.O.S. Mayday. Mayday. Abort. Abort.

“Don’t push me Sydney. I’m not sure you can handle the consequences.”

“What are the consequences?” My question is barely a whisper. It floats through the short distance between us.

His face remains emotionless but his body hums with power. I've seen Koa like this once before. It ended with him gifting me my first man made orgasm and the best sexual experience I've ever had still to this day.

“Something that you won’t be able to stop once it gets started.”

Why is he speaking to me in riddles? What does that mean?

He begins to stand, pushing me out of his way as he goes. The air once again shifts in the room. Suddenly it’s a lot cooler than before.

He sifts through the pile of clothes on the bed, until he finds the piece of clothing he’s looking for. Folding it neatly, he passes it to me. “Wear this one. You always smile more when you have it on.” He pauses. His lips twitch as if there’s more he wants to say.

“I’ll keep that under consideration. Let me know the headcount when you have it. I need to know how much food to order.”

He nods and then silently walks out the door.

My fingers trace over the bright floral pattern on my favorite dress. I don’t put a ton of thought into the clothes I buy. If the clothes are designed with bright colors or patterns and made with comfortable fabric, I usually buy them.