Page 34 of Who's Loving You

“I do have a job and a life outside of this, Mr. Montgomery.” Her voice is all business, and allpleasantries are out the window. “My life does not revolve solely around this one case. I have other clients to attend to. Not to mention any new clients that may come my way. It’s how I make a living. How do I support myself otherwise, if I’m spending every waking moment with…him.” Her lip curls up and her nostrils flare.

I may not be her dream man, but I cannot possibly be so horrible to cause the look of disgust she passes me.

A grin as wide as the Texas sky falls across Monty’s face, and I just know this is going to be good. “What if I paid you as if I would any employee of mine? I’ll triple your current rate and until Nic is spic and span, he’ll be your only client.”

Her jaw falls comically. I’m waiting for a cartoon tongue to come rolling out and eyes to bulge while the honking ah-wugah blares.

“Mr. Montgomery. You can’t be serious? This is ridiculous.”

“As serious as a heart attack, my dear. And at my age, I don’t joke about that.”

I snort, unable to hold back my laughter any more. This entire scene is playing out in real time and the only thing missing is a buttery tub of popcorn.

Valentina is trapped like a wild animal. Of course she has a choice in the matter, but the only right one is for her to agree to Monty’s terms. Not accepting this could ruin her career. And that is probably the only thing that brings her joy. There is no way she’s going to flush it down the toilet by telling one of the richest men no.

With her back against the wall, she sighs and drops her shoulders. “I guess I really have no other choice.”

Monty claps his hands, loud and thunderous, and my heart beats a little faster.My life just got a lot more interesting.

We walk out of the Drillers facilities, side by side. Me smiling like I just won the lottery, and Valentina grimacing like she just blew her life savings at the poker table. I kind of feel like I did win the lottery. Valentina is a prize that any man would be lucky to win over.

“Quit smiling, you idiot.” She bumps my shoulder with hers, but it does nothing to wipe my grin away.

“Oh, c’mon mi Reina. This is perfect. Think of all the fun date nights we’re going to have. Now, I’m thinking you’re a size small. I need to get you a jersey in every color. Do you like hats? Probably not. Maybe a beanie for the cold games on the East Coast.”

“Err.” She stomps off, leaving me chasing after her. “I amnotgoing to be traveling with you anywhere. You should be grateful that I agreed to do the bare minimum. Or rather, be grateful I was coerced into this…this massive shit storm.”

“Babe,” I grab her arm and tug her to me, our chests colliding. “Don’t act like I’m the hideous beast you’re stuck with. I saw the way those tight little nipples hardened when I took off my shirt. Let’s not forget how you asked me not to make you fall for me.”

From the corner of my eye, I see her arm lift, a flat palm looking ready to strike. I quickly, and gently, grab her wrist to stop her from connecting.

“Nuh uh uh. Careful, mi Reina. Remember…eyes are always watching.” She looks around, spotting people walking in and out of the building. “How about a kiss before we part?”

The fires of hell rage in her eyes and if she had the power, the look of death she’s sending me would send me straight into the flames.

“If you put your lips on mine, I will bite it in half.”

“Ooo. That just sent shivers down my spine. I like it rough. Will you spank me, too?”

“I hate you. You better sleep with one eye open because I may just sink a knife into your back, one day.” She jerks away from me and speeds off towards her car.

Running after her, I can’t help but poke the bear. “That implies sleepovers. If that’s the case, then stab away baby.”

The lights on her car blink and she roughly yanks the door open. I move to hold it open for her and she slides in. Resting my arms on the roof of her car, I lean in, my head close to hers.

“No sleepovers. No kissing. No hugging. No dates. This is strictly a business deal and there will be noextras. I’ll show up to your games as Monty has requested, and there will be plenty of photographers to take pictures. But that is where it will stop. Remember that.” She tosses her purse on the passenger seat and presses the ignition button, the engine growling with a jolt. “And quit licking your goddamn lip!”

I lick it again, just for her. “Not good enough. Monty said we need to be seen out. I’ll call you later and set up a few dates. I’m in practice every day but I’ll probably need someone to rub down my aching muscles by night.” Before she can protest, I lay a kiss on her cheek and close the door.

I back away slowly, wiggling my fingers at her as I saygood-bye, and jog to where my car sits. Looking over my shoulder, I see her car still parked, the engine idling. I just pissed her off but that’s how I like her the most.

I swear I see smoke billowing from her car. The woman is a scorching inferno and I’m in for one helluva ride. It’s a feeling I crave.

Let’s go, Valentina. Time to play.

12

NICO