Page 108 of Mr. Wicked

“It sounds like we have nothing to worry about then?” Laura pressed.

The last thing our situation needed was negative press, and if her parents raised a fuss or Sloane decided to dedicate a TikTok to our relationship, shit would hit the fan.

“No, we’re all good,” Jovana confirmed.

“Great, then let’s get going with this photo shoot. How about the two of you get changed,” Laura told us. “My hair and makeup team should be here any minute. They’ll do some quick touch-ups on the both of you, and then we’ll take a few test shots to make sure we’re on the right track before we really start shooting.”

Was I even in this goddamn room?

Were they forgetting that I was part of this too?

That my fucking opinion mattered, and this was the last thing I wanted to do right now?

“Sounds perfect to me,” Jovana responded, unzipping the bag that was still across my arm to pull out my suit and her dress. “Laura, before we call in Grayson’s assistant, how about we get a little footage of the clothes on the hangers?”

“I love when I work with a professional who needs no directing,” Laura said. “It makes my job a million times easier.”

“Definitely not my first rodeo,” Jovana said, laughing.

“Isn’t that lucky for you,” I growled, making sure both women heard me. “Because this is the first time I’ve done anything like this and I’m not fucking happy about it.”

The room turned quiet.

“Find a home for these,” Jovana said, giving the clothes to Laura, “and snap a few shots—the camera is in my bag. I’ll handle him in the meantime.”

“Sure thing,” Laura replied.

Jovana set her arms on top of my shoulders, moving our bodies close together. “I know this isn’t your favorite thing in the world, but it’s what I’m good at, and I promise it’ll go by fast.” She combed the back of my hair with her fingers, her expression calm and sexy as fuck. “And then we can go grab something to eat and have a few drinks and forget this all happened. Deal?”

“You mean until the pictures are released, and then I’m going to have to see my face attached to an entire Hooked media campaign. And you know exactly how that’s going to make me feel.”

She sighed. “Yes. There’s that. But let’s focus on how this is going to increase memberships and make you alll the money.”

My arms lowered until my hands found her ass. “No, let’s focus on what we’re going to do at my place after the food and drinks. Tell me you have something in mind for that too.”

“Depends how nice you are ... remember?”

“I’ve been nice, Jovana. I’ve been so fucking nice. All that’s earned me is a locked bedroom door and a relentless hard-on.” My hand rose to just behind her neck, tilting her head back to aim her lips at mine. “Are you looking for cuddles? Is that the problem? Because if that’s the case, consider it done.”

She poked my chest even though I didn’t move back even an inch. “Just because you think you’re being nice doesn’t mean I agree. Why don’t you try amping it up a little and see where that gets you. You never know, when you lay it on extra thick, you might just get lucky.”

“You’re pushing every button I have.”

“Good.” She smiled. “I’m sure when Laura’s makeup crew comes in, that’s going to push you even further.”

I gripped her even tighter. “Makeup is a hard no. I’m telling you that right now—”

“We can’t have you shiny under the lights that the photographer is going to set up. That won’t look hot in pics. So, just some powder—you won’t even know it’s on.” She mashed our lips together and wiggled out of my embrace, joining Laura at my desk, where they started videoing the hanging of our clothes.

I was so fucking tempted to go over to the bar in my office and pour myself some vodka.

The edge was nearing, and the booze would help settle every thought.

But I stayed put, watching the women move around the room, until Jovana was escorting Laura out and closing the door behind her and the two of us were finally alone.

“You don’t have a restroom in here, do you?” she asked me.

“No. Why?”

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