Page 45 of The Billionaires' Prize

I need to be wanted for me.

Alex doesn’t want me like that, and that’s perfectly okay. One hundred percent okay.

I made my peace with it a decade ago.

Or so I thought.

Katherine backs up a step, a sultry look in her eyes. She turns it our way, and just like that, I envy my best friend being on the receiving end of her fuckable mouth.

The corners of her lips turn up, and my heart stalls. How the hell does she make me want her so badly?

Unaware of the turmoil inside me, she rakes her fingers through her hair, tugging it back into a ponytail, then twisting it up into a messy bun atop her head. Her movements are casual and seductive at the same time. The long, creamy column of her throat is on full display, and I want to kiss every inch of her delicate skin.

It hits me then. Her potency is because she’s guileless. Unaware of her appeal.

She isn’t one of the stampede of gold diggers trying to land a wealthy husband. This woman has money of her own. Connections. A prominent name. She doesn’t need me.

The thought is a kick to my gut.

Kingston reaches for her hand, and she presses the other to his chest before lifting up on her toes to kiss him. He moans and wraps her in his arms. They fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. Thighs, hips, and torso are flush against one another.

My hand skates down my abs, having a mind of its own. I want that, too. The connection. Belonging.

Am I allowed to join them?

It wasn’t a question with Alex.

She breaks the kiss with a pleased hum. I don’t know how she manages it, but whoever she’s looking at. . . it’s like she boosts them up on a pedestal. Showers them with warmth and affection. It’s impossible not to feel lost in the moment with her. Like they’re the king of the world and she’s their adoring queen.

“You are up for it.”

There’s that sultry purr again. It’s pleased and knowing and it unravels all my good intentions.

“Of course,” he murmurs, his tone implying he’s always hard and ready for her.

I slide a hand over her shoulder, sinking my fingers into her hair. She turns lusty eyes my way, and my cock surges to life.

“My knees demand pillows.”

Kingston falls back a step. “Really?” His voice is high like he can’t believe she’s really going to suck his cock.

She laughs and nods.

We all move then in a choreographed dance. Kingston vaults over the back of the couch and grabs a pillow, his face a comical mask of hope.

Still giggling, Katherine tugs me toward the living room, and Alex dims the lights and turns off the TV.

I’m not sure if I’ve ever been excited like this. Tonight feels momentous, like a tipping point. The before and the after. And the after looks so sweet. So full of life and. . . well, I’m not going to go that far.

We collapse onto the couch, a soft cloud high above the city below, a mix of grunts and laughter. Kingston pulls her into his lap. They’re in the middle, next to one corner of the sectional. She stretches her legs toward me, getting comfy.

“We can’t have the knees hurting,” he murmurs, his fingers massaging their way down her legs.

She sags against him, a half-smile gracing her lips. This is her happy place. Her safe space. With him. The ease between them is beautiful. Tangible.

I reach for her foot and rub the arch. Her toes curl and flex as she moans.

“You are a dream,” he murmurs.

---