I wake up to the unmistakable sound of hushed arguing.I’min bed alone, and the sheets onAvery’sside of the bed are cool to the touch.She’sbeen up for a while, apparently.
Islept like the deadst night.Nodoubt it was thefort of a woman lying next to me.I’mnot sure where to go from here.Whenwe leave the hotel and go back home, do we sleep in separate beds?Shouldwe just keep pretending like we don’t know where this is headed?
<i ss="calibre2">Iknow she feels it too.She’salready mine.Mywoman.Myqueen.</i>Ijust need some time to break down whatever walls she’s built up because it’s clear we should be together.Everysign points to the inevitable.
Lennoxreally likesAvery.Sheisn’t interested in my impending wealth.Thiswoman knows how to befortable but turns on the charm whenever she chooses.She’sintelligent and carries herself gracefully and isn’t remotely intimidated by my dad or theHarveyname.We’rehot together.Thesex is glorious because it’s different than whatI’vehad.Lessonsor not, whenI’mwith her, it feels like the deepest kind of connection.Likeshe needs me…
LikeIneed her too.
Dexwas always meant to leave this summer…
AndAverywas always meant to fall right into myp.
Pullingmyself out of bed,Ihead to the walk-in bathroom of this stupidly expensive suite.Whyone night in this hotel suit costs nearly two grand is a mystery to me.Although,Isuppose ifIwas nning on living like a realHarvey,Iprobably wouldn’t blink at the money.Butmy heart is moreThatcher, my mother’s maiden name, thanHarvey.Twogrand to me is my mortgage payment, a month’s worth of groceries, and my cell phone payment.Evenwhen she shared my dad’sst name and wealth,Momraised me to be reasonable.Webought new things only when our old things broke.Shealways treated our money like a fleeting privilege.Momonce told me that my dad’s wealth was more of a burden than anything.Shehonestly believed that ifDadwas born without a penny to his name, he might’ve had a chance at decency.
ButIknow better.I’veseen poor men who are pussy-hungry cheaters that treat their wives and girlfriends no better thanDadtreatedMom.Hewas always doomed.Let’sleave it at that…
Becausehe’s no longer my problem.
Issh a little water on my face and head out to the living room in just my briefs to see ifAveryis really going to keep that stone wall up another day.Iknow she had a sexy dream about mest night.Theway she was mumbling my name between moans and flexing her hips in her sleep,Idon’t know whatIdid to her in her dreams, butIwishIwere there soIcould’ve taken some notes.
“…because it was fucking stupid,Aves.Youalmost ruined everything.”
Avery, dressed in the hotel’s robe, is standing at the kitchen ind, staring into her phone with her eyes narrowed.Shelooks ready for war.Butbefore she can say another word,Istep into the front lines becauseIdon’t know who the fucker is on the video chat who’s yelling at her, butI’llbe damned if anyone speaks to her that way.
Islide right next to her, forcing myself in front of the camera, not giving a fuck thatI’mhalf naked.Theman on the other line is brte, his face fixed into a scowl.
“Loweryour voice when you talk to her,”Isnarl at him asIsnake my arm aroundAvery’swaist. “Oryou’re going to hear me raise mine.”
“Whothe hell are you?”Heholds his hand up, offended, likeI’mbeing unreasonable.
“Finn, this isMason.Mason, this is my…neighbor,Finn,”Averymumbles, her eyes still narrowed at the screen.
Itake my time pressing my lips againstAvery’stemple. “Yousmell nice.Ididn’t even hear you shower.”Idon’t bother to whisper andI’menjoying watchingMason’slips tten into a hard line.<i ss="calibre2">Good.</i><i ss="calibre2">Ihope it hurts.</i>
Averyignores mypliment.She’sclearly too agitated at something else to y the make your ex jealous game. “We’rejust talking business.”
“Iknow,”Iassure her.Iwouldn’t have interrupted out of petty jealousy.Ijust didn’t like the way he was speaking to her. “I’llgive you your privacy.”
“Noneed.We’redone.”Averynudges me aside yfully with her hip before leaning into the phone that’s propped up against the coffee maker. “Mason, are we good?Likeit or not, you knowI’mright.”
“Fine,” he huffs. “Justplease don’t cut me out of any more decisions.”
Averygapes as she balls her fists up by her side, out ofMason’sview. “We’lltalk soon,” she says curtly before ending the call abruptly.Hercheeks puff before she blows out a long, frustrated breath. “Somethingnot so nice almost came out of my mouth.”
“Roughmorning?”Iask.
Herpursed lips rx into a sweet smile. “Betternow.Soare sex coaches supposed to get their feathers ruffled when someone raises their voice at their student?”
“Fuckyes,”Ideadpan.<i ss="calibre2">Mineor not, you’re still mine to protect.</i>“Hedoesn’t have to like you, but he sure as hell will respect you.AndifMasonspeaks to you like that again, he better not let me hear about it.”
“GoodGod,” she mumbles as she runs her hand over my shoulder and down my tatted arm.Hersmile turns sly and seductive.
<i ss="calibre2">Ah, fuck being a man of my word.</i>Ican’t believe we didn’t have sexst night.Ifshe really doesn’t want to do the photo shoot,I’lllet it go.
“Look, about the boudoir shoot—”
“I’mnot trying to be difficult,” she interrupts.Swivelingaround, she fetches a clean coffee mug from the wire rack.Afterpouring me a warm cup of coffee and sliding the sugar and cream already on the counter toward me, she continues, “It’snot thatIdon’t want to do it.Truthfully,I’mintrigued, and if you were just some random guy,Iwould’ve done it by now.”
“We’vehad sex at least ten times, but you’d be morefortable getting undressed for a random guy?”
“It’sthe pictures.Idon’t want<i ss="calibre2">you</i>to see them.”Averypinches her eyes closed like she’s trying to separate herself from her body as she admits whatever is next. “It’sjust my thing.Ilook in the mirror andI’mokay.ButIsee pictures of myself andIhate them.AndI’mworried if you see whatIsee…you’re going to be disappointed.”
Isigh sharply. “Avery—”
“Ah, stop.”Sheholds up her palm. “Iknow what you’re going to say, andIdon’t expect you to understand it.Just<i ss="calibre2">respect</i>it.”Shedraws out the word respect, knowingI’mpowerless tobat it.Ifshe’s feeling insecure, that’s one thing.Ifshe’s telling me to leave it alone, that’s another.
“Soit’s just about<i ss="calibre2">me</i>seeing the photos, not about<i ss="calibre2">you</i>seeing them?”Iask.
Sheducks her head and then lifts her eyes to meet mine, the mug in her hand grazing her lips. “Prettymuch.”
“Ihave an idea.”
Averycocks her head to the side. “Whatidea?”
“Howabout we do the shoot old-school?Ihave a really good film camera, andI’mstill great friends with one of theTAsatUNLV.Shehas ess to the dark room and can develop everything without me seeing it.She’sa random person you’ll never have to meet if you don’t want to.Whenthe pictures are ready,I’llmake sure she seals them up in a box and marks them for your eyes only.”
Averyblinks at me slowly, andIknow she’s trying to think of any holes in my master n. “Old-school, huh?”
“Yeah,Iusually shoot with aDSLRand it makes editing easier, but for your peace of mind,I’mhappy to whip out my oldAE-1.”
“Anymore acronyms thatIdon’t understand you want to throw my way?” she sasses.
ugh. “Youshould know what a teacher’s assistant is.Iwent to school at theUniversityofNevada,LasVegas.ADSLRdescribes a lens, but inyman’s terms it’s just a digital camera, and myAE-1 is the firstCanonfilm cameraIever bought for myself.Itstill works like a charm.”
“Oh,” she mutters, “well, there you go.”
“Mhm, now,Ifixed the problem,”Isay, stepping forward and closing the space between us.Takingher mug from her hands,Ilet out a little moan, then tuck her hair behind her ear, trying to be as seductive as possible. “Nowsay you’re mine.”
“What?” she croaks then clears throat. “Sorry, what?”
“Inthe studio,Avery.Sayyou’re all mine.Ipromise you’re going to like the photo shoot, and you’re going to<i ss="calibre2">love</i>whatIdo to you after.”Iwet my lips asIthrow my finalHailMary.Ifthis doesn’t work,I’mdone pushing the issue.Iwon’t make her do the photo shoot, but the wayI’mfeeling at the moment,Isure as hell am going to cave and fuck her mercilessly on this kitchen counter.
Iwrap my hands around the smallest part of her waist and trace the outward curve of her full hips.Iresist mping down and digging my fingers into her body.Howmany days has it been now?Iwent three months without sex and now my eyes go fuzzy whenIhaven’t hadAveryfor a few days?Herebegins my descent into feelings for a woman, yet again, and dearGod,Ihope it’s for thest time.
“Okay,”Averyfinally answers, pulling me out of my wicked thoughts. “I’myours…Inthe studio.Thefilm camera,” she says with a small shrug, “is clever.Goodwork around.How’sFriday?”
“That’sthree days from now.”
“Indeed.”Shesmirks. “That’sfast calendar math.”
“Smart-ass,”Isnark back. “What’swrong with tonight?”
Shepresses her hands against my pecs, but she doesn’t push me away.Herhands linger. “BecauseIhave to work—it’s whatMasonandIwere just arguing about.It’san emergency.”
“Iseverything okay?”Myeyes fix on hers.Theylook a little gray today, like a cloudy green sky.
“Yeah,” she says, exaggerating her nonchnce. “<i ss="calibre2">Totally</i>.”Shelets out a deep breath before she’s honest with me. “It’sthe first time in my careerI’mworried that it’s toote.WhenMasontold me aboutLegacyResorts,Ithought their rebrand was just focused on bringing in theirpany more revenue.Theyaren’t performing at the top of their market, but they certainly aren’t at the bottom.Ithought…Well, anyway, it turns out there’s so much more at stake.”
Iwatch her brows furrow as her forehead wrinkles with concern.Ifight the urge to smooth away the worry lines. “Arethey fudging their numbers?”
“Oh, no.Theboard of directors voted and they want to dissolve thepany and sell the resorts off in pieces.Theyhave so much potential and are already verypetitive.Theyjust want to take the simple, safe path out of this.They’drather take their cut and sell the properties to the big names.Andsometimes it makes sense for a business to do that, butLegacycould be wildly sessful.Andif they give up now, thousands of people will lose their job.”
“Whywouldn’t they just go work for the new resort?”
Averyremoves her hands from my body and reaches for her coffee mug. “That’snot how big acquisitions tend to go.Inmy experience, usually only twenty percent get to keep their jobs and usually that twenty percent takes a major pay cut.”
Iwatch her eyes dart back and forth.She’snot being evasive.Hermind is just elsewhere.Shesaid she had to work…clearly, she’s already working.I’mslowly learning thatAvery’sbiggest asset as a brand strategist is that big, beautiful brain. “Youseem nervous.”
“I’mnot<i ss="calibre2">nervous</i>.I’mjust…I’mused to telling business owners andCEOshow to connect with their consumer base.I’venever had to convince a board of directors that theirpany is worthy.It’shard to get people to see something that’s so obvious when they are dead set on a misguided narrative.”
Iraise my brows at her. “Theirony.”
Shegestures up and down her body with her free hand. “Don’teven.It’snot the same thing.”
“Itis.Youare obviously beautiful and sexy and amazing in every way, but you refuse to acknowledge it.Sowhat would work for you?Whatwould get you to see yourself correctly?”
Shegrins at me as her cheeks fill with the lightest shade of pink. “Apparently, a very persistent boudoir photographer who bribes me with sex.”
Mughes out like a roar. “Keepthinking, sweetheart.Idon’t think you can use that tactic onLegacyResorts.”
“Well, it won’t be whatIresort to first, that’s for sure.EspeciallyifIwant to take the job they offered.”Shepumps her eyebrows back at me.
“What?”Tiredof standing,IgrabAvery’shand and guide us to the couch.Shesits right next to me and tucks in her knees carefully, still holding her mug full of coffee.
“Thatfeels<i ss="calibre2">so</i>good to say out loud.Technically,I’mnot supposed to say anything, but it’s been eating away at me.That’swhatMasonandIwere arguing about.”
“Theydon’t want to offerMasona job?”
Shescrunches her lips. “SEOspecialists aren’t exactly hard toe by.Theiroffer is for me and me alone—only ifIcan convince the board of directors to keep thepany intact.Masonmade up some story about how theCMOwas a misogynist pig, butIthink he suspected they were interested in bringing me on board, which is why he tried to keep a buffer between us.Imight’ve gone behind his back and reached out anyway, which is why he’s so furious at me.”
“Fuckhim,”Imumble. “How’sthe offer?”
“Phenomenal.Aseven-figure sry, perks, great benefits.”
“So, is that a<i ss="calibre2">promotion</i>?”
Shemust hear the skepticism in my tone. “Yes.Why?
“Well, aren’t you your own boss right now?”
“Ah,” she exhales. “Indeed,Iam.Butmost of my job isying out a n, providing instruction, and then moving on, letting thepany execute my vision.Masondoes more of the website and traffic maintenance, so he gets to create longer-term rtionships with clients.I’vealways been a little jealous of that.Foronce,Ithink it’d be pretty great to have one dedicated project and see it through.Tostick around to help thepany shift and pivot when things get tricky again.”
Ismile asItuck my hands behind my head.WhenIcan postpone no longer,Iask her the main question on my mind. “Whereis the job?”
“There’dbe some travel, but it’s whereverIwant.They’lleven pay for relocation ifIrequest it.”
LegacyResortsandIseem to have the same agenda.Stepone, offerAveryeverything she deserves.Steptwo, take her away from her piece of shit ex.Isqueeze her knee, unable to y it cool.Thisis just too perfect for it not to be meant to be.
“Soit’s a done deal.Workyour charm, save thepany, secure the job, and hey, if you’re looking for a fresh start,IthinkLasVegaslooks<i ss="calibre2">really</i>good on you.”
Hersmile is half-baked at best and for a while, she doesn’t say a word.Hereyes turn down as a heaviness falls over the room.Ourbodies are touching, butIcan feel the distance she just put between us.
“It’snot that simple.”
“Mason?”Iask.
Shenods solemnly. “Ifthe roles were reversed and he abandoned me and the business, it’d be unforgivable.Idon’t want to be in a rtionship with him, but that doesn’t meanIdon’t still…”Shetrails off, raising her shoulders and then dropping them.
“Stillwhat?”
“Respectwhat we built together.Therewas a point in time when we only had each other.Whenone of us doubted, the other believed.Weboth logged twelve-hour days, no weekends for years, trying to build something out of nothing.Thefunny thing is it’s harder to let go of our business rtionship than our actual rtionship.”Averyexhales sharply andIwatch her entire body tense. “Look,Ialready know what you’re going to say.”
“WhatamIgoing to say?”
Hertone grows mocking. “He’san ass.Here’syour chance for revenge.Hedoesn’t deserve you.Ifhe were in your shoes, he’d—”
Ihold up my hand to stop her. “Iwas going to say,Ithink it’s very impressive how loyal and considerate you are.”Itap the tip of her nose affectionately. “Whateverdecision you make is the right one.Andif you hate it, it’s never toote to make a change.”Sheseems startled by my response, soIask, “What?”
“Nothing,” she mutters, yet her lips barely move and her wordse out as more of a whisper as her eyes widen. “Nothingat all.”
“What?”Iask again. “Tellme.”
“I’mjust really used to my friends—well,<i ss="calibre2">friend—</i>telling me what decision to make.It’srefreshing to hear you say you thinkI’llmake the right choice.”
“Well,Ido.Truly.”Hereyes lock on mine and her lips part slightly.Theurge to slide my tongue between them almost ovees me.Istand up, leaving her.
“Whereare you going?”Sheholds out her hand, butI’ma few inches out of reach.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.
“IfIsit here with you a moment longer,I’mgoing to fuck you silly, andIneed to keep it together untilFriday.”
Shepats the couch with both hands and pouts like a child. “Ialready agreed to the photo shoot.”
Ismirk at her. “Irealize, butIdon’t know if you’re actually going to follow through.”
Shenarrows her eyes, her seafoam green pupils turning to slits. “Soyou don’t trust me.”
“Oh,Itrust that you’re a lot smarter than me, andIonly have<i ss="calibre2">one</i>bargaining chip.I’mholding onto it.”Iwink at her before running my finger over my chin. “Andanother lesson for you,Queen.Sayno every now and then.Justbecause you can.Makehim wait.Makehim work for it.It’llmake a man fucking feral for you.”
Herclipped smile turns into a grin.Iturn toward the bedroom but whip back around whenIseeAverybiting her lower lip in my peripherals.
“Somethingon your mind,Avery?”Iask in a teasing tone.
“What’sthe kinkiest thing you’ve ever done?”
<i ss="calibre2">Threewomen at once.</i>“Nothingcrazy.”
“I’mserious.”
“I’mnot as experienced as you’re probably thinking,”Isay with a grimace.<i ss="calibre2">I’mprobably far more experienced.</i>
“You’vestill had way more sex than me.”Sheblinks at me, the look on her face not exactly cautious, definitely not innocent…it’s…
<i ss="calibre2">Whatis that?Curiosity?</i>“Goahead and ask me for whatever it is you want to try.I’mpretty confidentI’mgoing to say yes.”
“Ihad this dreamst night and you were…”Shetrails off and gently holds her hands to her throat.Ilet out a controlled breath, begging my cock to stay under control becauseIcan’t hide an erection in my thin briefs. “Didyou use to do that with your ex?”
“Yes.Butwhat didItell you aboutpar—”
“Didshe like it?Didyou?”Averyinterrupts, her curiosity at its peak.
<i ss="calibre2">Deepinhale.Longexhale.</i>“Yes, and yes.”
“Inmy dream, it was really intense…in a good way.”Sheclears her throat, trying to fake a bravado. “Iwant to know how it actually feels.Doyou know how to do that without hurting me?”
Inod slowly. “Definitely.”
“Okay, then, if you’re okay with it,I’dlike to try that…among some other stuff.”Nowher eyes hit the floor, like her brave request exhausted her and she wants to crawl back into her cave of shame.
<i ss="calibre2">Nuh-uh.Iwon’t let her.</i>Itake two strides and nt myself back on the couch.Ican’t seem to control my hands.Layingher backward first,Ihover over with my knees nted, one between her thighs, one braced against the back of the couch.She’spinned underneath me,pletely at my mercy.
Ifight the urge to squeeze her full breasts and roll her nipple between my thumb and forefinger.Ican clearly see she’s not wearing her bra, andIjust want to open her robe andy my dick between her perfect tits.ButI’mtrying to prove a point at the moment.
Isettle for brushing her hair away from her chest and watching her ragged breathing as her chest moves up and down rapidly.
“Whatother stuff?”Iwatch her eyes dart back and forth between mine. “Ask.”
Sheshakes her head back and forth. “Idon’t know anything else specifically,” she admits.Shelooks overwhelmed, soItake the lead.
“Itake it you want me to choke you and pull your hair?Youwant me to boss you around, pin you down, spank your ass, and make you scream when youe?”
Averyblinks at me slowly, like she’s absorbing and debating.Eventually, she nods.
“Whenyou tell me you can’t take any more”—Ilean in close to her ear—“you want me to get deeper.”
Shenods again.
“Youwant me to show no mercy and take that pussy down, whileIpraise you for how wet and tight you are, don’t you?”
Shecloses her eyes. “Inever thoughtI’dlike it when a man talks to me like this.ButIlike it.<i ss="calibre2">Ireally like it.</i>You’veturned me into someoneIdon’t recognize,Finn.”
Itrace her lips with my fingertips. “It’sbecause<i ss="calibre2">it’s me</i>,Avery.Youtrust me.”
“Yes,Ido,” she agrees.
“Becauseyou knowI’mgoing to fuck you hard, then hold you all night after.Ipromise.Ijust want to make you feel good.Noneof the bullshit.Youdeserve better than you’ve had.”
Hercheeks turn pink as her smile spreads.Ilove watching her melt under my affection.Thisis a sexy game at the moment, so it seems a little out of ce to tell her thatIknow she wants my heart andI’mready to hand it over.Allshe has to do is<i ss="calibre2">ask</i>.
“Fridaythen,” she murmurs.
“Fridaythen,”Iparrot asIclimb off her and grab her by the hands to pull her upright.Onceshe’s seated,Iturn back to the bedroom,<i ss="calibre2">needing</i>the shower now.Mycock is as hard as steel.Evenstill,Ipause at the door and catch her gaze from across the room. “Avery?”
“Yeah?”She’sa little breathless.
“Ican’t wait to teach you whatIlike in the bedroom.”
Shequirks her eyebrow, fierce determination painting her face. “Ican’t wait to learn.”