Page 61 of Fake

She bites her bottom lip. “I knew I couldn’t pull it off.”

“Mina.” My voice comes out harsher than I intended.

She turns, those beautiful eyes wide. Lips parted. Chest heaving.

I brush a strand of hair off her face, then turn her back to her reflection. “You’re stunning.”

Her smile is fleeting at first, then so bright it warms the whole damn room. “You’re just being nice.”

“Since when have you thought I’m capable of being nice?”

“Since I’ve gotten to know you better.” She presses a hand to my cheek and there’s a moment where I think she’s going to kiss me, but then she drops her hand and turns back to the mirror. “I’d never wear something like this.”

“You’re wearing the hell out of it right now. That’s the one. Go change and I’ll let Nora know you’ve made your decision.”

Mina disappears back into the dressing room, and I perch on the edge of the chair. The best of me can’t wait for her to see how people react at the gala. The worst can’t stand the thought of sharing her with whoever makes the winning bid. Maybe it should be me. Maybe I should place the winning bid, so I don’t have to share her with anyone.

The more I think about it, the more appealing I find the idea. I force myself to change topics.

What else will Mina need to feel like the most beautiful woman at the ball?

Jewelry? I’m sure my mother has some to loan her.

Shoes? I could ask Nora to recommend a store…

“Nathan?” Mina’s panicked voice precedes her head popping out of the dressing room. “I’m stuck,” she whispers.

“Stuck?”

“I can’t get the zipper down.”

“I can call for Nora…”

She shakes her head frantically and waves me in. “Just get in here and help me.”

Apprehensively, I step into the dressing room. Mina’s clothes are folded neatly on a chair, her bra and underwear laid neatly on top. Fucking black lace. And if it’s on the chair, it’s not on her…

I yank my gaze back to Mina but that isn’t any better. She’s clasping the dress to her breasts while trying to reach behind to the hidden zipper in the back.

“The silk is caught, and I don’t want to tear it.” Her blues lock onto me. “Do you think you can get it?”

Nodding, I turn her away from me, then grasp the zipper clasp, my fingers brushing her spine. Goose bumps flare across her skin as I use my other hand to tug gently at the silk. And then, like magic, the zipper releases. I slowly draw it down and the dress gapes, revealing her bare back, waist, and hips.

She glances over her shoulder. Eyes blazing. Chest heaving.

Using just my pointer finger, I slip first one strap off her shoulder, then another. She releases her grip on the dress, and it pools at her feet.

She turns and just like that, Mina Blake is naked before me.

She’s more dazzling than a sunrise over the ocean. More spectacular than a sky full of stars.

I drag my thumb across her lips. She gasps. A sound so full of longing and want that I’m crashing into her. My mouth devouring hers. Tasting her tongue. Her throat. Her neck and shoulders. My hands sweep into that midnight hair, angling her head to better access her sweet as candy lips.

I bow to her, sucking a rose-colored nipple into my mouth, capturing it between my teeth, then suckling away the pain. She moans, deep and low in her throat, and my dick pulses, throbbing with envy.

“Nathan…” Her voice is a whisper, yet wild and wanton. “I don’t… Do you… Should we…”

Lust blazing through me. An unencumbered wildfire. I slide a finger down her belly, between her folds, and press the bundle of nerves that sends her hips bucking against me.

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