Page 23 of Her Devils

6.

D.I.L.F.S.

(Devils I Like To Fuck)- Part 2

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Lenley

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IFEEL CHANNING’S EYESon me as we enter the hotel, during the short ride on the elevator to our floor, and all the way down the corridor to our rooms.

“Hey, baby,” he says softly, grabbing my hand when I motion for him to continue to his room. “I was hoping you’d want to help me change my clothes.”

His bright smile reaches his green eyes, and for the millionth time since I met Channing Ford, I’m stunned by how handsome he is, with his dark blond hair and powerful, athletic body.

This is too much right now. My mind and heart are in total turmoil, and the constant noise that surrounds the Devils keeps ringing in my ears in a vicious loop. “I—I was planning on going to my room to work on that press release Mom wants,” I say, lowering my gaze.

Yeah, I know I’m a fucking coward, and the irony isn’t lost on me that my fear of rejection is what made me pine after Darrius for years. Right now, though, I can’t even look at him.

His smile slowly fades as his green eyes bore into mine. “Lenley, what’s going on? You’ve barely said one word to me all day.”

My hand closes over the handle of my door. “It’s my first event where I’m in charge of press and social media, and I want to do well. I’m just nervous.” It’s the truth and a lie at the same time. Sure, I want to do a good job, but I’ve been preparing for this all week, so unless something huge happens, I’m ready.

A frown appears on Channing’s handsome features. “Is that all? Are you just stressed about work? You seemed fine until the press conference.”

I avert my gaze, realizing that I need my keycard to open the door. “I’m stressed, and I’m trying to stick to our plan not to draw attention to our deal when we’re around Kenneth,” I reply, fumbling with my laptop bag in search of the key to my room.

“Right,” he says, stepping closer. “Come on, just keep me company for a second. I promise I’ll behave.”

I snort at his words but follow him into the room next to mine as he takes the key from the back pocket of his jeans and opens the door.

My eyes linger on Channing’s perfect, muscular ass for a second, and despite my jealousy, I can’t blame the hordes of women who were drooling over him.

“Okay, now you can tell me what’s really up, Lenley,” Channing says, closing the door behind us. “I might not know ‘work Lenley’ very well yet, but you’re seriously freaking me out right now. You haven’t been yourself since we got here. Did Penn say anything to you?”

I exhale slowly, feeling ridiculous about the idea of expressing my jealousy out loud. “Aside from being obnoxious and the way Kiara has been constantly bitching about everything?” I know I’m deflecting, but cut me some slack. It really isn’t Channing’s fault that his fans would do anything to get his attention.

“Yeah, aside from that. I’m waiting, Lenley. If you don’t tell me what’s wrong, I can’t really help you.”

My eyes follow Channing’s hands as he begins opening the buttons of his shirt with deft, practiced fingers.

“What—what are you doing?” I stutter as his smooth, chiseled chest begins to appear as each unfastened button reveals more of his perfect body.

“I came here to clean up, remember?” His nose scrunches up in disgust as he sheds his checkered shirt, using the garment to wipe away the red liquid that seeped through to his pecs and part of his abs. “This is my favorite shirt, and look at it now. I hope it isn’t totally ruined. I look like I was an extra in some shooting scene in an action movie. I wish people didn’t throw stuff during these events, or at least not padded bras.”

“Right.” I roll my eyes. “Because it’s totally normal to be targeted by flying underwear.”

I wonder if he missed the bitterness in my tone when he chuckles. “Yeah, well, fans will be fans. It just got a little out of control today though.”

“A little?” I arch one eyebrow. I can’t believe how unfazed he really is by the mass hysteria of his groupies.

“Yeah, those girls in the first row were a little too wild. I’m lucky I was drinking an energy drink and not a hot coffee, because then, rather than feeling sticky and smelling like berries, I might have a first-degree burn.”

This time my eye roll is way more pronounced. “Really? That’s all that bothers you about your fans’ behavior today?”

Channing tilts his head, looking confused. “Yeah?”

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