Page 44 of Succumbed

“I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that reputation is everything in this town. Mine is exceptional. I intend to keep it that way.”

Nodding, I rise and meet her by the door, pulling her bag off the hook beside it, leaning close as I do. “I can understand that. And I didn’t come here to cause a scene, Lex. Just wanted to talk.”

“And drive me home.” Her eyes sparkle as she ushers me through the door.

“Yes, well, Linc’s mentioned your hectic schedule a few times. Figured this would be a good time to catch you.”

Her eyes widen a bit as she leads me through the deserted office, surprised at the information. “Has he, now?” She swallows thickly. “Are you out front?”

“I am.” I hold the door open for her, waiting as she checks to be sure it’s locked before she guides us to the staircase behind the elevator bank. “All he talks about lately is work, and you.”

Linc had practically shoved me out the door on my way here, his eyes bright. He’s sent three texts already to check in, and I’ve ignored every one.

She sighs as we traipse down the stairs, pausing on the final landing and meeting my gaze. “I see. Are you here as a client or Lincoln’s friend?”

“He’s more brother than friend, and I think you know the answer to that.” I step out into the cool evening air, pointing to my black Jeep at the nearby curb as she follows me through the door.

“He seems to think you’re supportive of…our arrangement.”

“I’m supportive of Linc and whatever makes him happy, and you’re fitting that bill. For now. But keep using words like ‘arrangement’ and you might find that changes.”

Her brows press together as she walks beside me, her heels tapping a staccato on the concrete. “We’ve been very clear about what’s between us. No strings.”

“I know. And I get it. Two attractive people, two consenting adults. It all makes sense, on paper.”

She crosses her arms as we reach my car, waiting for me to unlock it. “It’s only been a week, Shane. I can’t imagine Linc’s made any confessions that warrant an intervention.”

I face her as I open the passenger door. “You’re right, he hasn’t. But I know him better than I know myself, and I’m asking you to be thoughtful. And gentle.”

She considers my words as I round the hood and let myself into the driver’s seat. I’m grateful she’s taking the conversation seriously, though I expected nothing less.

Lex drops into the seat with a huff. “Are you asking me not to see Lincoln…recreationally?”

An amused grunt escapes, and I shake my head as I start the engine. “You can ‘recreate’ all you want. I’m just asking you to take care. This might be all over for you in three months, but if the last week is any indication, we’ll all be feeling your presence long past the launch.”

“I see. Are you worried about Solum?”

Her eyes are on me as I drive toward her swanky neighborhood. I wish I could look at her, but I’m far more concerned with her safety than solid eye contact.

“Not a bit. We’re all professionals. I know we’ll make the right calls for the business, no matter what else happens.”

She doesn’t look away as she mulls over my words. I appreciate her calm and measured response, especially since it’s not what I’m used to from Dec or Linc. The older Wilde tends to react first, ask questions later, and his brother only has one energy level: high.

After a few minutes of silence, she turns to me. The air between us shifts, the warm sense of welcome slipping away.

“You clearly care about Lincoln, and that’s the frame I’m using for this highly inappropriate conversation that crosses all sorts of boundaries. I don’t need to make excuses for myself or him, but to match your energy and openness, I will share that there is nothing about what’s happening between me and Linc that I would call normal.”

I can feel her fierce gaze burning into me, her relaxed posture against the seat in direct contrast to the firmness of her tone.

“I have never taken up with a client before,” she continues, “and I don’t do relationships. I have no interest in long-term. Lincoln and I are enjoying each other, but it’s new territory for me.”

Her voice sharpens, and my cock stirs. I understand why Linc is smitten. I’m not blind, nor am I immune to her power. Her confidence and control are both admirable and sexy as fuck, and the sheer suggestion a woman like her could be on her knees for either of us is an undeniable aphrodisiac.

“You should also know, Shane, that I am always thoughtful. You don’t know me, so I’m sharing this with you plainly to make a point. I do not make decisions lightly. I am not a spontaneous person, and I don’t do things on a whim. I understand you’re concerned about your brother, and I respect it. But please don’t come into my place of business and suggest I am anything other than considerate in the decisions I make, professional or otherwise.”

She looks out the windshield, giving me her profile as I pull into her neighborhood. “I appreciate the ride, but it wasn’t necessary. I’m fully capable of taking care of myself. I’ve been doing it just fine for the better part of forty years.”

I let the silence thicken as I turn into her driveway, then park by her front door. She drops her hand to the handle immediately, but I chuckle and lock the doors. “I think you misunderstood my message.”

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