Page 16 of Release Me

Her naked body curled into mine at night.

But fantasies are for the weak, and I’ve survived too long by controlling mine.

I shove my hands into my pockets and force a casualnessto my voice that I don’t feel in her proximity. ‘You want water? Coffee? Or should I attempt those pancakes?’

Her lips twitch like she wants to smile but can’t quite manage it. She shakes her head. ‘Water would be great.’

I stride into the spacious kitchen and grab a bottle of chilled water from the fridge. She follows me through. I open a drawer and pull out a packet of hydration tablets. ‘You’ll thank me for this tomorrow.’ I hold it up and wait until she nods before dropping it into the water. ‘Do you want to shower?’ An image of her naked and wet in my bathroom forces itself to the forefront of my mind. My dick twitches in my suit.

Fuck.

Not fucking helpful.

She stares at me from under the thick lashes framing her eyes. Her throat bobs as she swallows hard. ‘That would be nice…’ she looks down at her dress and wrinkles her nose, ‘But I don’t have anything else to put on.’

‘Wear something of mine,’ I blurt.

‘You got something that will fit?’ Her hands flap in front of her as she motions the size difference between us.

‘I have something that will fit you perfectly.’ Fuck. My. Life. Did I actually say that out loud? ‘I have t-shirts.’ I say quickly, rushing the words out to cover the fact that I was in fact imagining sinking myself into her centre, filling her up, wearing her like a goddamn fucking glove.

What I wouldn’t give to have her in my bed.

In my arms.

In my mouth.

‘And sweatpants.’ I rush on. ‘Or I could send one of the staff to pick you something up first thing in the morning? Or we could wash your dress?’

A smile stretches over her lips. She cocks her head to the side like she can see straight through my bullshit.

‘Avery did warn me to watch out for “Baby Beckett”,’ she teases, placing a hand on the womanly curve of her hip.

A low growl rumbles in the back of my throat. ‘So help me, Rebekka, do not give me a legitimate excuse to remove my suit, because if I do, it will only end one way.’

She bites her lower lip. ‘I guess I’ll just have to take your word for it that you’re a big boy.’

I blow out a breath. It takes all of my willpower not to close the distance between us, smash my lips against hers, pull her into my arms, wrap her legs around my waist, carry her to my bedroom—and keep her there forever.

‘If I didn’t need a shower before, I do now,’ she admits breathily.

‘You’re not the only one.’

Her eyes drift to the bulge at my crotch, then widen in surprise. She takes a step back, like my dick might jump at her. ‘Wow. I guess you’re a man of your word,’ she says finally.

‘That I am.’ I stride past her before I do something stupid like kiss her. ‘I’ll get you a towel and some fresh clothes.’

She follows at my heels as I march towards the biggest guest suite. The bathroom has an enormous clawfoot tub and a rainforest shower that you could spend days in. I switch it on and adjust the mood lighting until the room is bathed in soft lilac.

Thank you.’ Rebekka takes it all in her stride.

‘I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.’

Those jade eyes linger on mine with the same hint of longing that’s burning up my insides. I swivel and stride out before I do something reckless like strip off and join her.

I pace the penthouse, silently repeating all the reasons why I categorically cannot go near her until finally, the shower shuts off.

A minute later, the bathroom door opens, and she pads out barefoot, steam curling around her like a halo. Her wethair hangs loosely around her shoulders. Her face is scrubbed free from make-up. Her skin is utterly fucking flawless. I dig my teeth into my lower lip to stop myself from blurting it out.