Page 46 of Ruthless Love

But when her posture shifts uncomfortably, and I’m not sure if she’s guilty, or nervous, or if those hot little numbers on her feet are causing her arches to fall right before my eyes, I can’t help easing up a little. Okay, a lot.

“Just tell me,” I say gently.

Evie clears her throat and sucks in a deep breath, which I enjoy more than I should in the moment, and has the balls to blurt out, “I need you to fuck me.”

Staring blankly at her, I give myself a subtle pinch. Nope. Not dreaming. Digesting her words, I repeat them back to her.

“You need me to ... fuck you?”

She squints at me in disbelief. “Are we back to you repeating my words?”

“Only when the words that escape your lips bear repeating. And it’s not every day a woman asks for that.” Joking, I add, “I usually only get those requests on Thursdays.”

Her shoulders drop, and her head falls into her hand. “Damn it. Sorry. Is it your night off?”

“My night off?” I repeat.

Flustered, she scowls at me. “Honestly, I’m n-nervous enough about this. And I’d make an appointment, but there’s no time. I have no idea when Dimitri is coming back, and I need you to do it before he returns. So, chop-chop. Or bang-bang. Just tell me how it works. It’s my first time.”

My mood shifts from amused to dismayed to outright pissed. Dimitri’s words flood back to me, and I growl out, “I don’t do three-ways.”

Anymore. And sure as hell not with fucking Dimitri Antonov.

Aghast, she raises her hands in full denial. “I am not asking for a three-way.”

Totally confused now, I lay into her. “I’m not sure where you got the impression that I’m the kind of guy to jump in between an engaged couple, but I’m not. Even if you’re ... virginal.”

“No, I’m not asking for that. And what do you mean by virginal?”

“You said it was your first time.”

Her nostrils flaring, she glares at me as her voice lowers to a hush, even though it’s only her and me. “I am not a virgin.”

I feel my brow lift as the tightening knot in my neck relaxes. No cheating. No three-way. Loads of money. Wants me to fuck her. Yup, still confused.

I think long and hard for about a minute before giving up on any further analysis, because with this girl dressed like sex personified, I can’t think.

“Okay, let’s start again. You need a favor. One that apparently involves you and me. Fucking.” I enunciate the last word, letting it end more like a question. “And you’re not a virgin, but it’s your first time. Doing what, exactly?”

“Hiring a ... uh ... professional.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

AUSTIN

My mind races back to our first conversation. I thought Evie was kidding with all that talk, but she’s serious. Why does that excite me?

There’s something electric between us every time we’re close, and her strutting around like a walking billboard for sex isn’t helping. My smile widens, and I drink her in wearing the same expression that I probably have just before I tear into a tomahawk steak.

She lets out a resigned huff. “Jeez, it’s easier to get same-night Broadway tickets than get time with you.” She barely makes a half circle with her pacing when I realize her ankles are wobbling with each step in those heels.

“Obviously, my reputation precedes me. How about we sit down and talk?”

“I don’t need therapy,” she says. “I mean, not from you. No doubt, I’d make some shrink filthy rich if I ever opened up.”

She whirls around, teetering a little, and if I were a gentleman, I’d extend a hand. Instead, I scoop her up in my arms again, relieved when she doesn’t demand I put her down.

“Living room?” I ask low.

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