“My track record by now should tell you they absolutely stick to it and love it,” I reply, feeling my chest swell with pride.

“I’m honestly impressed,” Richard replies. “I mean, I’ve seen a couple of your meal plans, and I know your clients love you, but I’ll admit, I never really went too deep into your side of the business because I know you know what you’re doing.”

“And I so appreciate you for that,” I say.

“No wonder they all love you,” he smiles, his green gaze softening as his eyes search my face. “There’s plenty to love about you, Shay.”

“I needed to work really hard on myself to figure that one out. Loving myself the way I’m supposed to be loved by others.”

“Well, it shows, and it’s a beautiful look on you. Have I ever told you how proud I am of everything you’ve accomplished for yourself at such a young age?”

I shake my head slowly.

He puts an arm around my shoulder and pulls me closer, the emerald pools of his eyes darkening with desire. “Other women are still out there, wandering and trying to figure themselves out. You’ve got your self-development down to an art. You’re strong, Shay. You could build an entire fitness industry all by yourself. You wouldn’t even need me or Jax or Marius.”

“Maybe, but it doesn’t mean I want to do it alone.”

Richard’s gaze settles on my lips. “I’ve missed you,” he whispers. “It’s been pretty tense between us lately. And I’m sorry for my part in that.”

“It’s okay. We’re here, now.”

I kiss him first, not wanting to let the conversation slide into unpleasant territories. I’ve had enough of that with Marius and Jax. This moment of peace is just what I needed, so I let everything go as I wrap my arms around Richard’s neck and deepen the kiss. Our tongues play and swirl around each other, tasting the sake and the spicy condiments. I breathe him in, his orange-scented cologne filling my lungs with thoughts of a warm spring somewhere on a Greek island.

Before long, we’re in the bedroom, our bathrobes on the floor.

I’m on my knees, my hands resting on his thick, muscular thighs as I take him in my mouth. I have to open my jaw wide to fit all of him, relaxing the back of my throat as I listen to his ragged breathing.

“Damn, I’ve missed this,” he groans, running his fingers through my hair.

I feel him thrusting, ever so slightly, testing my gag reflex as I let him. The more I allow, the more he gives, the veins along his gigantic cock throbbing against my tongue. I slurp and lick him delightedly, then tighten my grip around the base of his shaft and fondle his rock-hard balls as I suck the head firmly.

“Fucking hell, Shay, you’re all I want in this world,” Richard gasps.

He’s close to finishing first, so I pull back with a devilish smile and look him deep in the eyes. “Your turn, good sir. There are parts of me in dire need of your attention.”

“Really?” Richard grins coolly. “Which parts?” He lifts me off the soft carpet and sits me on the edge of the giant, king-size bed, kneeling before me. “These?”

He kisses my left breast while his hand squeezes the other, massaging gently as he closes his mouth around my nipple. I gasp and arch my back, my bare flesh pressing against his lips. He moans harshly as his tongue draws wet circles, just before his teeth graze and playfully nip, sending thousands of sharp electrical signals through my body.

I’m already wet, the liquid heat glazing my pussy and trickling down my inner thighs as I spread my legs for him. “Or this?” he asks, spotting my movement. He goes lower, careful to kiss every inch of my skin before he lets his tongue slide between my slick folds.

“Oh, that, definitely that!” I croak and throw my head back before I lay down.

He takes his sweet time devouring my core, tongue lapping hungrily from top to bottom as sweet pressure gathers in my lower belly. His fingers slip inside, two at first and curling upward. It’s enough to push me into a raw, ecstatic frenzy as my hips rock against his rhythmic movements. He suckles on my clit.

“Don’t stop,” I cry out.

Richard growls and slides a third finger in, stretching and probing while he teases my swollen nub to the point of electrifying release. I come hard, quivering and tightening around his fingers. He licks and drinks me whole, feeling my climax.

I barely catch a moment’s breath as he climbs on top of me, spearing me with his full length. I freeze, momentarily shocked by the sudden stretch, my eyes wide as they lock on his.

“Make yourself come again,” Richard orders me, guiding my hand to a very tender clit still throbbing from the previous explosion. “Now.”

“Gladly, baby,” I reply.

I rub it hard, delighted by the wetness I encounter. He pins me down, one hand gently holding him up over me and the other on my hip, fingers digging into the flesh as he fucks me decisively. My breasts bounce under his gaze, and I revel in the look of absolute pleasure imprinted on his handsome face as he claims me.

Riding the coattails of my first orgasm, I flick my clit firmly, causing new pressure to ball up in my core and send a knot right up to my throat.