“You’re serious?” she asks, voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes. But there’s one condition.” I hold up a finger.
She nods, eager. “Anything.”
“Total honesty from here on out,” I say, meeting her gaze directly. “In my world, trust is rare, and I’d like to keep things straight between us. My daughters… they tend to stretch thetruth when they’re in trouble. If I can at least count on you to be upfront, that’s one less thing to worry about.”
Relief, mixed with determination, flashes in her eyes. “Absolutely. Nothing but the truth from here on out.”
“Good.” I give her a nod. “Then we’ll be fine.”
Her face lights up in a small, shy smile. “Thank you. Really. Not just for letting this slide, but for giving me a chance with your girls. They’re amazing, and I’m going to make sure you don’t regret hiring me.”
“See that you don’t.”
We stand there for a moment, and there’s a charged energy lingering between us, the memory of earlier still fresh in my mind. Her eyes drop slightly, as though she’s only just realized how close we’re standing.
“I’m sorry again about the tub. And… it was nice to officially meet you.” She gives me a small, tentative smile. “Good night, Mr. Conti.”
Before she turns away, I reach out, my hand finding her arm, a gentle but intentional touch that stops her. Her breath catches, and I can feel the tension, the ripple of awareness between us as her gaze locks onto mine.
“You’re welcome to use the tub,” I tell her, my voice dropping just enough to let her know I mean it. “When I’m not home. Which is often.”
She nods, her eyes lighting up. “Thank you. That’s… really generous of you.”
“Good night, Willow,” I say, letting my hand drop.
She nods, turning to leave, and this time, I let my gaze follow her down the hall, watching the subtle sway of her hips as she disappears into the darkness.
Chapter 3
Willow
Iwake up to the morning light streaming into my room, a big, goofy smile plastered across my face as the realization hits—I still have a freaking job.
I half-expected to find my things packed up with a polite-but-firm note asking me to leave after last night’s close call, but nope, here I am. Willow, officially still employed. I check my phone and blink in surprise; I’m up a full thirty minutes before my alarm.Score.
With a little extra time to spare before I need to get the twins up, my mind—traitor that it is—drifts immediately to Mr. Conti. Nico. Shirtless. Gray sweatpants hanging low, sculpted chest still damp. I practically shiver, remembering how absurdly good he looked, the image permanently seared into my brain. And did he realize how perfectly those sweatpants outlined his… assets?
A thrill shoots through me, and just like that, I’m turned on.Again.
Biting my lip, I slide my hand down, slipping it underneath my panties. My fingers find their way to my clit, and I close my eyes,letting the memory of Nico flood my mind—shirtless, powerful, with that intense gaze that made me feel completely bare. In my fantasy, I’m back in his room, caught in the act. Except this time, he notices.
He catches me staring at him, a wicked smirk lifting the corner of his mouth.
“Like what you see?” His voice is low, teasing.
I nod, barely able to find my voice. “Yes,” I whisper, my throat dry.
In one swift movement, he’s in front of me, closing the distance between us in an instant. His hands grip my waist, pulling me against him, his body radiating heat, his thick cock pressing hard against my stomach. Before I can react, his mouth is on mine, kissing me with a hunger that leaves me breathless. I clutch his shoulders, melting into him, helpless against the force of his desire.
He pulls back just enough to whisper, “You know I have to punish you for last night, don’t you?”
A thrill shoots through me as I meet his smoldering gaze. “What kind of punishment?”
He doesn’t answer. Instead, he takes my hand and leads me back to the bed, shutting the door behind us with a decisive click. His eyes are dark, intense, and I know I’m in for it.
“Get on your knees,” he commands, his voice a low growl.