Page 54 of Filthy Rich

“I want you to do whatever you’re comfortable doing,” he says in his silkiest voice.

“And what do you want me to do?” I say, matching his tone.

“You know the answer to that,” he says, all naked heat.

God, these moments between us. They’re so delicious.

“And what will you do?” I ask.

“Follow your lead.”

I may be less sophisticated than he is about these things, but I also know an opportunity when I see one. Seeing him naked is never to be missed. Thus decided, I make sure to maintain eye contact as I slowly sink to my knees before stretching out on my side of my towel. I have his full attention. Well, my smooshed-together breasts in their triangular cups do, anyway. His breath hitches slightly as he kicks off his sandals and begins to unbutton his linen shirt.

“I’m willing to negotiate a deal,” I tell him, bending my leg so that my hip is nicely cocked.

“I’m listening,” he says as he stretches out alongside me and mirrors my position on his own towel.

“I’ve decided to take my bathing suit off. When in Rome, right?”

Triumphant smile from Lucien. “A wise decision.”

“But it’s going to cost you,” I add before he gets too cocky.

“Oh?”

“I want to ask you some personal questions. And you must answer.”

A flicker of displeasure crosses his face. But, to his credit, he recovers quickly. “Fine. But I’m going to want pictures. To commemorate our day in Rome.”

A heat wave swallows me whole. I’ve never taken any nudes. I just never wanted to give a man that power over me, even if I had the chance. But now? Lucien already has that kind of power over me, and I know it. Nude pictures are an afterthought.

Still. I’m not a complete idiot. “Fine. But we’ll use my phone. And I’ll decide what to do with them.”

“Deal,” he says, gesturing for said phone.

I hand it over.

Then we stare at each other, both wary and waiting.

“What was that phone call about?” I finally ask.

He glances away, something hard overtaking him for a minute. It makes his lips twist and his body stiffen slightly. I don’t like to see it. But I’m not sorry I asked. And I refuse to withdraw the question.

“It was business. We’ve got some deals happening soon. My brother needs me back.”

I think this over, not wanting to squander this golden opportunity by asking questions that are too numerous or too annoying. I don’t want him to clam up and refuse to play, so I choose my questions carefully. “And you don’t want to go back?”

That gaze returns to me. Turbulent but otherwise unfathomable. “Correct.”

“Yet? Or ever?”

Humorless smile from Lucien. “Correct.”

“Oh,” I say lightly, my heart breaking a little for him. I’ve had my difficulties recently, God knows, but I still look forward to resuming my regularly scheduled life. I’ll see my friends again. Move into a new apartment. Start my new job. Not exactly a European vacation with a sexy guy every day, but still fun and exciting.

But he…

“I’ve seen everything already,” he continues, and the process of explaining seems to take everything out of him. He looks so weary suddenly that it’s a wonder he doesn’t turn to dust and dissipate on the breeze. “I don’t look forward to seeing it again.”

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