Page 39 of King of Temptation

“You feel better from a smoothie?” A little alarm is sounding in the back of my thoughts.

“Maybe I have a vitamin deficiency or something.”

I make a second note to call a doctor. My guess is it’s been a while since she’s had a check up.

“So…about the overnight bag?”

“Are you making me breakfast again?”

“Yep.”

“Then I am in.”

I smile as I finish my smoothie. “Now. How about a shower?”

“Gee. Let me think…” She taps her chin. “Six shower heads at your place or one really crappy one at mine…”

I pull her close. “You forgot about the automatic washer.”

“Automatic washer?”

“Yeah. Me.” I kiss her then, grapefruit on her lips. I bury a hand into the softness of her curls, pulling her belly tight to mine.

I love the way she fits into me. She kisses me several more times before she pulls away. “And a really great rinse cycle.”

I laugh against her cheek. “This morning we might have to skip the rinse cycle but tonight…”

“Promises, promises,” she murmurs against my skin as I pick her up, and carry her toward the bathroom.

I’m true to my word and we’re in and out of the shower in under a half hour. She tosses on her clothes from the night before, while I put on my standard jeans and T-shirt and then we head down to the garage.

I start the car, shifting into reverse as the engine revs. “I’ve got to stop in a few other clubs. Why don’t I leave you at your place and I’ll be back to pick you up between two and three?”

“I don’t want to be late. I’ll get myself to work.”

I grimace over at her. “I prefer driving you.”

She touches my hand on the stick shift. “Thanks, Leo. But I don’t want to be late. Everyone’s been really nice, but?—”

“Of course, they’re nice. I have to hire nice people.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I’m an asshole.”

She shakes her head as a call comes in on my phone. My eyes flash to the screen and nearly bug out.

It’s the New York Ballet.

In a quick move, I dismiss the call, Kim still fiddling with my hand. She didn’t notice…my breath rushes out from my lungs. “You’re not an asshole, you’re just an alpha.”

“How’s that?” But I’ve never felt like more of a dick then I do in this moment.

“My last boyfriend cheated on me and then told me that it was because I was boring in bed. He’s the asshole.”

“Bobby said that to you?” Call forgotten, I think I might track Bobby down and punch him in the face.

I see her wince. “He also said that he’d thought a girl like me, no father figure, no money, would have had enough daddy issues to be good in bed.”

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