Page 101 of Ruin Me

Apparently, the previous director went missing and hadn’t been found. I didn’t follow the case since all my focus was on finding Madison. Afterward, I was too busy rediscovering theworld with Madison. I’d promised to build a life together and my first step in making good on my vow was to build memories unique to us. As much as I would have loved to continue, I married an ambitious woman who thrived on challenges.

Now that we’d returned to Douglas, she insisted on starting a new business. Of course, I offered her space in my office where she could work. She declined, ruining my hope of using the frosted glass feature during our private lunches.

“I can’t believe today is finally here.” Madison suppressed a girlish squeal. I couldn’t help but find her reaction amusing, although I too had anticipated this day for months.

“Are you ready to go inside?” Thrilled, I stared at the landscape while Madison vibrated with energy beside me.

When tasked with designing the home of our dreams, I’d told Madison money was not an option. If she wanted a mansion that rivaled Buckingham Palace, she only had to dream it for me to fulfill it. Instead, she chose a more modest two-story home.

“Am I ever! No more penthouse. We have a yard for Benson and Stabler. And?—”

“We’ll be as on top of each other as we were at the penthouse. This place is only marginally larger.”

“I thought you were happy with the size of the house.” She pouted.

Little did she know how many sexy fantasies she inspired when she set her mouth like that. She only encouraged me to find creative ways to get a smile back on her face.

“Your reasons convinced me this is the perfect fit for us.”

And it was. This was the home for a family. I peeked at Madison. I was more than twice her age, but she wouldn’t have to convince me if she ever shared a desire to have children.

“Damn right. Although those big houses make beautiful pictures in Architectural Digest, I don’t want to go on a treasurehunt to find my husband. This is much more preferable.” She sighed as she took in the house again.

“Then let’s see if the decorators got everything right.” I led her inside.

As we went room by room, I barely registered the furnishings, the artwork, or anything really. My eyes were glued to Madison’s joyful smile and giggles as she toured our new home.

As her husband, I prided myself on giving her the life of her dreams. I’d only failed in one aspect, but there were some positive signs on that front. Madison and Ife agreed to put their histories in the past and try afresh to learn about each other and possibly become friends again if not besties. They were in the bumpy early stages, and though I wanted to intervene, this wasn’t an area I could magically repair. Especially considering my relationship with Ife was still in a restoration phase.

At least my daughter no longer rejected my and Madison’s joint invitations.

“Mom will love this kitchen. I can’t wait for her to visit.” Madison trailed her fingers across the granite countertop as she circled the room.

“Give us some time before you invite anyone.”

She stopped to frown at me. “What about our housewarming party?”

I stepped in front of her, caging her between my body and the counter. “Before we host a party, we need to christen every room. Make sure they’re up to par.” I grabbed her hips and hoisted her onto the counter.

She locked her legs behind my back and pulled me into her body. “I guess we need to start here.” She lowered her dress strap over her shoulder.

“Little bunny, did you wear this to toy with me?” I distractedly fingered her exposed shoulder.

Smooth brown and pink skin gleamed at me, tempting me to taste.

“If I did, I must have miscalculated. I mean, you had the entire car ride here and you didn’t feel me up once.” She peeked up at me through her lashes, another sexy pout on her lips. “If you had, you would have discovered the surprise I had waiting for you.”

I lowered my face until our foreheads met. “Are you telling me you were like this when we collected the keys from the builders?”

“Yup.”

“When the wind blew so hard you fought to keep your skirt in place?”

“I had to protect my modesty. After all”—Madison flicked her tongue on my lips—“We agreed my pussy is for your eyes only.”

“I hope you’re not attached to this dress.”

“I a?—”

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