Page 39 of Protected By the Sinner

“You’re great for my self-esteem. Fine. I’ll wear this one.”

Half an hour later

I step out to meet him, trying to keep René’s words in mind and not think about how many times Beau’s probably done this before: escorting a woman on his arm to an event.

Why should I care about the past? I’m going to live my princess moment. Most likely, in a few weeks, we’ll go our separate ways and never see each other again.

I’m not even sure where I’ll go afterward, because even though the original plan with Elodie was to leave the country, it hasn’t escaped me that my sister seems pretty attached to that Giancarlo guy.

What does that even mean?

Before my mind can keep spinning down the road of an uncertain future, I see Beau standing at the end of the hallway.

My heart races, and my hands go cold with sweat.

The closer I get, the more I feel the weight of his gaze on me, and he doesn’t have to say a word. His look alone tells me he approves of the dress, because he seems ready to devour me. He doesn’t move, which only makes me more anxious and annoyed by his self-control.

He looks the part: every inch the billionaire. The black tux hugs his frame perfectly, no doubt tailored to him.

Beau is sexy and so damn masculine he takes my breath away. I don’t even try to hide my desire. My nipples harden against the fabric of the dress.

He says nothing but walks the remaining steps toward me.

His gaze trails over my entire body, and I swear to God, wherever it lands, I feel touched—caressed.

“René said the dress was appropriate for the event,” I say, trying to sound confident.

He takes my hand and spins me, probably to make sure the dress is sitting right.

When I face him again, he brushes my hair away from my face.

I see his head dip closer, and I part my lips to welcome him.

He barely kisses me, but I need more than that. Forgetting we’re supposed to be heading to a party, I grab the lapels of his tux and pull him in.

My body molds to his wall of muscle. I press my nipples against him shamelessly. I need the friction because his tongue in my mouth is making my need spiral.

He pushes me against the wall and lifts one thigh to his waist. My tiny panties do nothing to protect me from the hardness of his cock. He grinds against me, letting me feel every inch. I moan, desperate for us to be rid of these clothes.

“I want to fuck you right now, but I’m not going to. Because once I start, I won’t stop.”

As if to remind us we’re late, we hear a door slam. It’s probably one of the bodyguards getting into position, or maybe Roman, the head of security, and the guy I instantly disliked.

I don’t move. I love being in his arms too much to be the one to pull away.

He gives me one last kiss and whispers in my ear, “Later.”

The promise in those two words makes me wish we weren’t going anywhere at all.

But I force myself to match his self-control.

“We’ll see,” I reply.

Chapter 17

She stayed silent the whole ride to the theater, where the premiere for my production company’s new release is happening.

At first, I thought it was because of what happened in the hallway at my place. But then I realized her silence is more likely due to nerves.