Page 55 of Tied Up in Riches

“Preferably an orgasm.”

Her eyes widen. “Not at a party it’s not.”

“You said you trust me.”

“Yeah, but I can’t use a vibrator in the middle of a crowded room.”

I quirk a brow. “I can.”

“You definitely can’t.”

I pull my phone from my pocket, tapping on the recently downloaded app. “Sure I can.” I smirk, flashing her the screen that clearly shows controls for the vibrator. “I’ll be right outside.” I nod toward the door. “You get this situated.”

“Marcus.”

“Yes?”

“No.”

I pause at her rejection, curling my fingers around the bullet and searching her face for any tell. “Because you really don’t want to?”

Her fallen gaze shoots to mine and locks on. “Because I do.”

I bite back a smirk. “I’ll be waiting outside,” I remind her, reaching for her hand, turning it palm up and handing over the vibrator. “Make sure you put it in far enough.”

Her fingers grip my hand, not releasing me or pulling the toy away, and the extended contact makes my dick twitch. Fucking hell. She holds my gaze. “This is a bad idea.”

“Is it?” I don’t know what else to say because my thoughts have all blurred into inappropriate ones. I could just touch you myself. We could go back upstairs and have our own party instead.

After hesitating another moment, she finally pulls away from my touch, taking the vibrator with her. She doesn’t make another move. I take the hint, leaving her behind for the dimly lit hallway. Not even a minute later, she slowly steps through the door frame, tucking her sun-bleached waves behind her ear in the most innocent way–like she’s overcompensating for what she’s about to do. “Ready?”

“With a glass of wine, I will be,” she says, leading the way back to the party.

The event is set up like a ten-course meal, but with wine. Instead of being seated, the bar is lined with half-glasses of wine set in a specific order. I hand her a glass of white, holding off myself until the reds.

“Brooke?!” The screech hits my ears before Brooke’s wine is to her lips. She turns at the sound, holding her wine back toward me like she trusts I’ll hold it for her without asking. I do, in time for a girl who hardly looks old enough to drink to throw her arms around her.

“Magnolia!” She squeezes her friend’s neck in the embrace, giving me the impression she’s genuinely happy to see her. “I didn’t know you’d be here,” she says, pulling back and reaching for her wine again with a quiet “thank you” and the smallest moment of eye contact.

Magnolia leans in close enough to whisper, “Not for much longer. My boyfriend is picking me up in a few minutes outside.”

Brooke laughs like she’s in on a secret. “Not family approved?”

“You know my brother.” The girl rolls her eyes, then gives me a once-over. “Not in the way you used to, I’m happy to see.”

“This is Marcus.”

“Doesn’t look like the kind of boyfriend your family would approve of either.” She smirks, reaching for Brooke’s wine and taking a big sip before handing it back to her. Wait. Is that why Brooke agreed to bring me? Because I’m the opposite of the type of man her mom would want her to go for? Minus the whole rich thing, but that card isn’t face up.

“Yeah, well, only because they have terrible taste.”

Magnolia nods in agreement. “It was so good to see you. I’d love to stay, but . . .”

“No, I get it. Trust me. I’d leave with you if I could. Go have fun. We’ll catch up before I leave.”

“Promise.” Magnolia takes Brooke’s wine back effortlessly, finishing it in one gulp. “Thanks!” She’s out of sight before either of us can reply.

“She’s . . . something.”

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