Page 48 of Just Between Us

THIRTEEN

VEDA

I hadn’t sleptfor shit.

All morning I had been restless and irritable.

And really fucking horny.

My mind kept wandering to the previous night at Trawler’s Cove. I had assumed that when we did finally have sex, he would just take me—throw me down and maybe be a little pushy in bed.

I certainly hadn’t expectedthat.

Getting ready for work, I glared at the light-blue silicone vibrator that I had taken out the night before. It taunted me from my bedside. I’d wanted to do it—to get myself off and finally get some relief, but Royal’s dirty words played in my mind.

I craved his praise. I wanted toearnit.

My phone buzzed and I picked it up, curious who would be texting me before 6:00 a.m.

Royal

Did you make yourself come last night?

I bit back a smile. An annoyed part of me wanted to lie and throw it in his face that I was still an independent woman whowas more than capable of doing whatever she wanted, despite our agreement.

Instead, I fired off a response.

I hate you.

Royal

Hate me all you want, but you know I’m right.

Well, I didn’t and I should get brownie points for actually listening to you, even though I really REALLY didn’t want to.

I have something even better than brownie points.

A buzz from the apartment intercom system had me jumping. I moved to the wall and pressed the button. “Hello?”

A teenage voice crackled through the intercom. “Ms. Bauer?”

“That’s me,” I answered.

“I have a delivery from the Sugar Bowl. Should I just leave it outside?”

A smile split my face. “Yeah. I will be right down. Thank you!”

You had breakfast delivered for me? Why?

Royal

Breakfast and a hot macchiato espresso, upside down. Just how you like it. You should probably get used to me taking care of you.

I stared at his words in disbelief.Who the hell was this guy?

Before I could type out a thank-you, he texted again.

Royal