Page 17 of Ruin My Life

I wait by the curb for the cab that will take me to a hotel for the night. And just as the headlights come into view, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

I pull it out.

An encrypted message lights up the screen.

My heart clenches so tight, I half-expect my stitches to tear open.

*Encrypted Message*

> I might know something about that tattoo

Chapter Three

Brie

Six Months Later

EDDIERIVIERA IS A DECENT LOOKING MAN, especially when he’s dressed to impress in a crisp white button-up and a black paisley jacket. His skin is the colour of toasted caramel, offset by dark hair and deep chocolate eyes. He looks exactly like his photo—same smug grin, same hungry stare.

Made him easy to spot in the hotel lounge.

A few drinks. Some coy glances from across a velvet loveseat. A slow drag of my finger along the rim of my glass. That’s all it took before he invited me up to his room.

Exactly what I wanted.

Exactly what Ineeded.

His hand hasn’t left my waist since we left the bar, and he’s been making good use of the elevator’s solitude—nipping at my throat, teasing the ties of my halter dress.

I let him.

I laugh softly, pressing my body against his chest like we’re two lovers lost in the heat of it.

The elevator dings, sliding open to a quiet hallway.

He swipes his keycard at the first door to our left, then holds it open. “After you,” he purrs.

“Such a gentleman,” I hum, setting my coat on the dresser as I walk inside.

“Always, baby.”

He hooks theDo Not Disturbsign onto the handle before closing the door behind us.

In seconds, his hands are on me again—rough palms gliding over my hips, pulling me into the hard line of his body.

I turn in his grasp, fingers curling around the collar of his shirt. “I want to be in charge,” I whisper, my lips brushing his ear. “Is that okay?”

He hesitates.

His grin flickers like he’s unsure.

“I don’t know…I’musually the one in charge.”

I kiss down the curve of his neck, feel the low growl rumble in his chest. “I promise we’ll have fun,” I say. “Make an exception. Just for me?”

He breathes out a laugh. “Okay. Just for you.”

I smile sweetly.